You’ve chosen your displays and outfitted your gaming system. Your equipment is prepared and lined up. Now that you have everything, you need a place to put it all that will keep you organized and in the game. The gaming desk fills this demand by providing not just a flat surface for stacking things on but also customized designs and features that can satisfy a gamer’s unique requirements.
The issue is that there are so many various types and manufacturers of desks that it can be challenging to choose the one that is ideal for you. This tutorial seeks to accomplish that by giving you an overview of the factors to take into account when selecting your gaming desk and a sample of available possibilities.
Table of Contents
Size
Your gaming desk’s size will mostly depend on two elements. The obvious first question is: How much room do you have in your gaming space? Most likely, you should purchase the biggest desk you can fit comfortably because the more surface area you have, the more easily you can arrange everything.
Additionally, you might wish to perform non-gaming duties at your gaming desk. A dedicated location can help with task organization, bill payment, general productivity, and home chores. Therefore, choose a workstation that is big enough for both your gaming needs and other purposes.
The number of monitors you intend to utilize will also play a role in determining how large your workstation has to be. Your desk can be smaller if you’re only utilizing one display. However, you’ll require a lot of horizontal room to fit three or more monitors in a row. Around 60 inches of horizontal desktop space, with adequate depth to situate your keyboard and mouse in front of your monitors, should be sufficient for the average gamer with two monitors and the customary equipment (unless you use a keyboard tray, see below). Again, though, the more is preferable—as long as your gaming space can accommodate it.
Shape
There are many different designs for gaming workstations, but the straight and L-shaped designs are the most popular. That clarifies your query if there isn’t enough room for more than a basic workstation. You should stay with a single-surface, plain, straight desk. Note the size specifications once more, paying special attention to your monitors.
Consider an L-shaped workstation, which extends the surface space of the main desk by adding a segment along one side. This can free up additional workspace and provide a place to keep non-gaming supplies like paperwork and other gear. Keep in mind that L-shaped desks may squeeze more desktop space into smaller spaces and can fit into corners better. Theoretically, if you add another piece, you’ll have a U-shaped workstation, which is uncommon for gaming desks.
Ergonomics
When selecting a gaming desk, ergonomics—or how effectively your workstation cooperates with you to make your gaming effective and healthy—is a crucial factor. You will need a desk that can hold all of your accessories comfortably and at the proper angle to prevent strain and repetitive stress, at the very least. Additionally, you need a desk with adequate space for your legs to rest comfortably underneath it and for your chair to be at the proper height.
A standing desk, or one with adjustable height so you may use it while sitting or standing, is one ergonomic choice. Standing desks come in a variety of costs and levels of complexity, but they all perform the same fundamental task: employing a motor to raise and lower the desktop within a certain range of motion. Depending on your height and the positions that feel most comfortable to you, you should choose a standing desk that can adjust both low and high.
By positioning the keyboard and mouse at the right height, a keyboard tray can also improve ergonomics. In many cases, placing a keyboard and mouse on top of a desk puts the arms and wrists at an awkward posture that over time can lead to weariness and repetitive stress injuries. The ideal angles and heights for healthy gaming can be created by combining a keyboard tray with a standing desk.
Material
One of four materials is generally used to create desktop surfaces. The most expensive and long-lasting material is real wood. MDF, a less expensive material that can mimic real wood but is mainly made of reclaimed wood fragments glued together with an adhesive, is frequently used in desks. MDF has a good deal of durability. The third material is glass, which adds flair but of course has the potential to crack and break. The majority of desks also include steel frames. Last but not least, carbon fiber surfaces are common on gaming workstations and can provide a more stylish and pleasant work surface.