Prime Day Picks: What Verge Staffers Actually Use at Their Desks
The items that grace our desks and home workspaces say a lot about us. They reveal not only how we work but also what we enjoy and the kind of tchotchkes that bring us comfort. Our What’s On Your Desk? series delves into the organizational styles and personal touches of our coworkers, offering a glimpse into their personalities. But it also provides a window into the tech they rely on for their day-to-day work.
Out of curiosity, we recently revisited past articles to discover if any of the gadgets our staff use everyday had surfaced during Amazon Prime Day. As the sale neared its end, we found some standout deals on items our colleagues enthusiastically endorse, products that stand the test of time and enhance their professional lives.
Here’s a roundup of those items, complete with their thoughts on why they are essential parts of their daily routines:
Mechanical Keyboard: NuPhy Air75 V2
Victoria Song, Senior Reviewer: "My keyboard is the NuPhy Air75 V2 with low-profile keys and the company’s own Cowberry linear mechanical switches. I can see why NuPhy named this specific mechanical keyboard line “Air” because it does feel like you are typing on air. The keys require little actuation force, and they make a pleasant and light thunk sound when they bottom out — even the space bar, which has some of the best key stabilizers I’ve ever seen on a keyboard. I’ve used too many mechanical keyboards with wobbly, pingy space bars."
The Air75 V2 stands out for its seamless blend of low-profile design, QMK/VIA wireless functionality, and the unique Cowberry linear switches, which provide a responsive and quiet typing experience. This keyboard caters to those who value a comfortable, efficient typing experience, particularly those who spend extended periods at their desks.
A Comfortable Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S
Victoria Song, Senior Reviewer: "My partner gave me his Logitech MX Master 3 mouse because the gaming mouse I was using before (and the three gaming mice before that) started giving me wrist pains. My pinky would lock up sometimes, too.
I don’t have any of those issues with the MX Master 3. It’s ergonomically designed to keep your wrist in a natural position, and even though it’s such a small adjustment compared to how my wrist is positioned with a standard gaming mouse, it was enough to completely get rid of the pain. Now, I use this mouse for everything, even gaming."
This ergonomic marvel has become a favorite among many Verge staffers. The MX Master 3S combines comfort with impressive functionality. Its unique design alleviates wrist strain, and the dual scroll wheels (vertical and horizontal) provide enhanced control and speed for navigating documents and websites. The 8,000 DPI sensor ensures precise cursor movement, while Logitech Flow capability allows seamless mouse usage across multiple devices. It’s a testament to the importance of prioritizing ergonomic design for extended computer use.
Some Extra Lighting: Elgato Key Light
Victoria Song, Senior Reviewer: "I’ve got an Elgato Key Light, which helps when it gets dark in my office and I need to look presentable on a Zoom call. It’s also just a great light for when I’m journaling at night. (I’ve got a smaller lamp on the other side for evening or cloudy days.) "
The Elgato Key Light is a versatile desk lamp that excels in various situations. Its 2,800 lumen output provides bright, consistent illumination, ideal for video calls, close work tasks, and evening journaling. It’s the perfect solution for those seeking a professional yet adaptable lighting solution for their desk setup.
Unblurring Video Calls: Insta360 Link
Sean Hollister, Senior Editor: "I got the Insta360 Link webcam because I was tired of looking like a blurry potato on calls. This one is neat because it tracks your position, though sometimes it doesn’t always work the way it’s supposed to and my coworkers get to look at a close-up of my forehead."
The Insta360 Link is a camera designed to elevate video call quality, bringing a high-definition, cinematic look to virtual meetings. Its 0.5-inch Sony sensor mounted on a gimbal allows for smooth movement and automatically tracks the user, ensuring they stay in frame even as they move around. However, the auto-tracking can sometimes be a bit overzealous, as Sean points out. The Link, although not perfect, addresses a common frustration with video call quality and provides a unique solution for those seeking enhanced visuals and a more engaging experience.
A Perfectly Placed Screen: Asus VG27AQ
Antonio Di Benedetto, Commerce Writer: "My main screen is an Asus VG27AQ. One of the biggest reasons I bought it was its small, squarish stand. That way, it can perch atop my NAS at the perfect head height with just enough room for my mini desktop and water bottle underneath. Too many modern monitors have big V-shaped stands that make them hard to prop up, I’m afraid."
This 27-inch 2K HDR gaming monitor offers an impressive display experience, but for Antonio, its compact stand is what sets it apart. This unique design makes it easy to integrate into smaller setups and allows it to be placed at a desirable height without sacrificing space for other items on the desk. It’s a testament to the fact that often, a well-designed stand can be more important than just a beautiful screen.
An Old-Fashioned Watch Stand: Elago W3 Stand
Adi Robertson, Senior Tech & Policy Editor: "This adorable Elago W3 stand for my Apple Watch looks like an original Macintosh."
This silicone stand features a retro design reminiscent of a vintage Macintosh Plus. It doesn’t just charge the Apple Watch but also adds a charming touch of nostalgia to any workspace. This stand, while seemingly simple, reflects the personal preferences of the user. It’s a reminder that our desks can be a showcase of our passions, not just a place for work.
Working With Wireless Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM4
Victoria Song, Senior Reviewer: "I spend the workday at my Vox laptop, a 2017 MacBook Pro, with a few accessories, including a pair of Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones that my colleague Chris Welch reviewed."
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones continue to be a popular choice for many, providing exceptional noise cancellation and a lively sound for a comfortable listening experience. This well-regarded product is a testament to the fact that investing in high-quality audio can significantly impact the workday, whether focusing on work, listening to music, or enjoying a quick podcast break.
These examples demonstrate that our desks reflect our individual work styles and personalities. The products we choose aren’t just tools but also extensions of ourselves, enhancing our efficiency, comfort, and overall experience in the workplace. As we see how our coworkers create their ideal home office setups, we gain valuable insights into the gadgets that make a difference, and perhaps even discover new things to improve our own workspaces.