So you have a stipend and need to spend it on WFH only equipment. We recommend prioritizing ergonomics and branching out from there. Here’s a quick visual reference guide on Home Office Ergonomics from Purdue University:
And now for our recommendations on how to best prioritize your gear with your WFH stipend:
1.) Adjustable standing desk.
Most of us don’t stand all day or even for long periods of time, but it does help to stand periodically throughout the day. The electric desks make transitioning from sitting to standing as easy as pressing a button. The Vari is a top rated option with a tabletop of 60×30 which can easily accommodate dual monitors. 4 programmable height settings with a height adjustment range of 25″ to 50.5″.
$795 at time of writing:
2.) Chair
I’m due for an upgrade from my ikea chair myself, and I’m not sure which I’ll choose yet. Herman Miller Aeron and Steelcase have a strong following. I’ve been eying this SIHOO as a more affordable alternative.
$239.99 at time of writing
3.) Headset (if your job requires talking)
If your WFH job involves talking, then I highly recommend a comfortable and reliable headset. I’ve been using the Platronics Voyager for a couple years now and love it. Make sure you get the one with the docking station which also acts as a charger and doubles as a storage case when traveling.
$216 at time of writing
4.) External monitor
It’s no fun slumping over a laptop all day. I use mine as a second monitor (mostly for the built-in webcam for video calls) and have an external monitor as a primary. A larger monitor makes for a more comfortable and productive work environment. I prefer a single ultra wide monitor over a dual external monitor display.
$699.99 at time of writing
5.) Keyboard
Once you add a second monitor, it’s time to pickup an external keyboard and mouse. I typically have to talk and type simultaneously, and I highly recommend investing in a mechanical keyboard with hot swappable switches. I’m currently using a GMMK Pro with silent Alpaca switches and MT3 keycaps. The mechanical keyboard market continues to grow; choose a board that suits your style, and be sure to try out silent switches.
This RK Royal Kludge is a great place to start your mechanical keyboard journey. I’ve seen full custom builds around $1,000, but the RK below offers a lot coming in at $54.99.
$54.99 at time of writing. I don’t have a personal experience with these silent switches and would love to hear your thoughts if you scoop this one up.
6.) Mouse
I have a Logitech G305 Bluetooth mouse (in white to match my setup). It’s on sale right now for $29.99. Hard to beat that value. I did customize mine with silent switches after removing the soldered ones and replacing them with a hot swappable version I picked up on Etsy. Ask for the Kailh silent switch when you order. Modding was kind of a pain and took some time, but I now have a silent click mouse with hot swappable switches.
7.) Desk mat
Desk mat over mouse pads all day. I prefer a smaller desk mat which still leaves room to spare with a 60% keyboard and mouse on there. I picked up a cheap one on Amazon that gets the job done just fine.
8.) Light Bar
I still need to upgrade to a lightbar myself. Someday… This BenQ is my current go-to when I’m ready to flip the switch.
$139.99 at time of writing
9.) Monitor arm
We’re getting into the nonessentials here, but if there’s still some stipend left, then grab a monitor arm and enjoy some extra desk space. I’m still using the stock monitor stand which is adjustable, but it’d be nice to get that base off the desk to clean things up a bit. Make sure the monitor arm is equipped to handle your screen size. This one fits monitors up to 34″.
$179.99 at time of writing
Or this laptop/monitor combo arm for $119.99:
10.) Laptop Stand
Another nonessential here. I’m still using a shoebox with a book or stacked beneath my laptop. The box pulls double duty by holding some office supplies. My personal favorite is the Roost V3 due to it’s portability and advanced adjustment features.
$89.95 at time of writing
11.) Space Heater/Fan 2-in-1
I’m tempted to move this one higher on the list. See if you have any WFH stipend stipulations, but I feel like you can make a good case for a space heater/fan either way. I prefer the 2-in-1 option to save some space.
