Recently, due to the impact of the pandemic, more and more companies have adopted remote work, and I myself, who work for LINE in Japan, have been working from home since the end of February. As a result, to ensure a good working environment and improve my efficiency while working from home, I have invested in various equipment. This article will introduce some of the setups I've used, including ergonomic furniture and other items, for those who need to work from home for various reasons.
Table of Contents
Article structure
This article will categorize the various setups into four main types, which are:
- Electronics related
- Video conference related
- Relaxation related
- Others
Some people may need to invest in certain equipment due to personal preferences, but such items might not be necessary for everyone working from home. This article will also briefly mention alternative options in Chinese.
Electronics related
Usage suggestion:
- MacBook Pro 13"
- Dell U2718Q 4K Monitor
- LG 27GL850-B QHD Monitor
- Amazon Basics Monitor Stand
- Realforce for Mac 87 Keyboard
Laptop or desktop monitor
A good laptop or desktop computer can greatly boost productivity, especially for software engineers who spend time testing or writing code. A reliable machine can save you countless hours.
The author uses a company-provided MacBook Pro 13-inch laptop, which is also used for coding and other tasks. Most development, testing, and debugging are done on the cloud, so actual performance issues are not as significant.
Of course, Macs are slightly more expensive, but if the company already provides laptops, there's no need to buy one separately. If you need to purchase an external laptop, a model with SSD and 2TB of storage is more than sufficient for most users.
Monitor
Two large screens are essential for a software engineer. Being able to view code on one screen while keeping reference materials on the other eliminates the need to constantly switch between screens, significantly improving work efficiency. The author compared a 27-inch monitor and found that screen size can be adjusted based on personal preference, though physical limitations may affect the choice.
The monitors currently used at home are the Dell U2718Q and the LG 27GL850-B. The reason for choosing the Dell is its sturdy build and 4K IPS panel. The LG was mainly chosen for gaming, so a 2K 144Hz IPS monitor was selected. Another reason was that this model is more convenient for use in Japan.
Monitor selection is quite varied, and there are many related reviews online that can be referenced. For most people, color accuracy isn't a major concern, so choosing based on price, size, resolution, and panel type is sufficient. Many recommend a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor, priced from around 6,000 up to several thousand more, which are usually more expensive and offer better color performance and more features. At this point, it's best to base your choice on your personal usage and budget.
Monitor stand
After placing two monitors and a keyboard on the desk, it might feel slightly cluttered. At this point, a good monitor stand can help free up desk space and keep the area tidy. A monitor stand can securely mount the monitor to the desk and allow you to freely adjust the angle and direction. When developers are reviewing code, they may need to adjust the monitor to a vertical position, and in such cases, a monitor stand makes it easy to reposition the screen.
The stand used here is the Amazon Basics monitor stand available on Amazon Japan. The manufacturer hasn't conducted any research on the stand, nor does it provide any recommendations for alternative products.
Cable management
This side of the story seems more obvious and clear. Many engineers prefer using external USB-C or USB-A type monitor stands, as they are more comfortable to use and more durable. Some even add a personal touch by customizing the stand to reflect individual style.
The author currently mainly uses the Realforce for Mac mechanical keyboard, which is slightly expensive but feels great to type on. Many fellow developers and friends also use Realforce or HHKB mechanical keyboards. Additionally, there are many options for membrane keyboards, but generally, it's recommended to try out different types in person and decide based on your personal typing preference.
Video conference related
- Nikon Z6
- Elgato HD60S+
- Blue Yeti Nano
- Sony WH-1000XM3
Webcam
The author's workspace during video calls is often set up with the camera on, allowing viewers to see each team member's reactions, which helps foster discussion and feedback, and adds a more natural feel to regular office meetings. After several months of working from home, the author finds that having the camera on during video calls has a positive effect.
The webcam setup uses a Nikon Z6 HDMI output connected to an Elgato HD60S+ for capture, which is then used as a USB webcam. If you have a Canon camera, you can also try this setup. Canon Webcam Utility You can directly use a Canon camera connected via USB to function as a webcam.
The built-in webcam isn't actually that bad— a 0 USB webcam can still deliver decent results, and you can even use a built-in webcam. What matters most is lighting: avoid backlighting by positioning the light source in front of you, and using a softbox or other lighting equipment in front of you can produce excellent results.
The softbox used for lighting:
Webcam
During video calls, audio quality is often more important than video quality. You don’t need to turn on video, but you shouldn’t stay silent throughout the entire meeting, right? Poor-quality headphones may cause distracting background noise, even continuous hums, which can disrupt the conversation and ruin the experience for participants. This will significantly reduce meeting efficiency and make others feel extremely uncomfortable.
The microphone used by the host is the Blue Yeti Nano with a pop filter. Blue’s microphones are highly rated in the industry and perform well. The Snowball iCE is another option worth considering, and it also delivers solid results. The AT9933USB, a three-capsule USB microphone, is also a viable choice. Of course, using a built-in microphone is possible, but the results aren’t as good as using a dedicated USB microphone.
Camera
During meetings, using headphones can reduce echo caused by audio feedback from the microphone. The host uses Sony WH-1000XM3, which allows for direct USB connection, making setup easier. The headphones used during meetings are typically those that come with a handheld mic, and many people already have them, so they can use them directly.
Relaxation related
- RME ADI-2 FS DAC
- Stax SRM-727A Headphones
- Stax SR-009BK Wired Headphones
Although the related equipment is not the main focus of this article, it's still worth listing it out for clarity.
Last month there was also a review article on related equipment, which may be helpful for reference. Stax SR-009BK/SRM-727A Review
Others
- Okamura Village VC2 Chair
- LINE Developer Day 2017 Tokyo
The headphone amplifier has been in storage for a long time and hasn't been fully used yet—just grab it, plug it in, and enjoy a moment of relaxation; it's not a bad idea.
Lens
A good headband and properly positioned ear cups can support proper posture, reduce neck strain, minimize pressure points, and help relieve shoulder and back discomfort—making for a much more comfortable experience. Over time, this becomes a worthwhile investment, as overall physical health is most important.
The writer's company uses the Herman Miller Aeron chair, a well-known and highly regarded ergonomic seating solution, though its price is not cheap. Currently, the chair used at home is the Okamura Village VC2, which is also quite suitable; however, after testing it, it's clear that Herman Miller's ergonomic design offers even better support. The Aeron's adjustable components allow for a personalized fit based on individual body shapes, and it's recommended to test different positions to find the most comfortable setup. Additionally, it's advised not to stay seated for long periods; standing up every so often and walking around to stretch also helps improve work efficiency.
Summary
I enjoy doing my work to the best of my ability, which is why these home office setups are not random choices. They've been carefully selected to enhance my productivity and keep me engaged. Of course, these items aren't chosen casually—each contributes to improving work efficiency, and over time, these small improvements add up to meaningful results.Ultra-premium modelPicked up and put to use. The description of these designs may seem excessive at first, but there are many practical and convenient alternatives available that still achieve the goal of boosting work efficiency.
Photos of the entire desk surface:
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