I make strategic investments in my battlestation to improve my in-game performance and comfort. Read on for more details on the gear that makes up my battlestation.
Contents
Desk: Autonomous.ai SmartDesk 2
I have the Business Edition (dual motor system) with a black 53″x30″ ergonomic top. I chose the black on grey color scheme because it complemented my existing furniture well. Use my referral link to save on your order.
I added their cable tray to cut down on clutter
Chair: Autonomous.ai ErgoChair
The ErgoChair was a good budget pick
Audio Setup
Headphones: Sennheiser HD 650
I use headphones when I play. I’ve been using Sennheiser products since 2006 or earlier, and can’t recommend them highly enough for anyone who loves quality sound. The Sennheiser HD 650 (MSRP $499.95, Amazon.com) are the third that I’ve owned in Sennheiser’s HD series, and I only wish I’d gotten them sooner!
Sound Processor: Turtle Beach EarForce DSS
When I first acquired the Turtle Beach EarForce DSS (Discontinued), I used it to get Dolby Digital surround sound to my headphones. It takes a digital optical input and outputs to a 3.5mm stereo jack. I now use it to output that same signal to my workstation’s line in jack.
Amplifier: FiiO E17 Alpen USB DAC
My Sennheiser HD 650 headphones have a 300 ohm impedance. The FiiO E17 Alpen (Discontinued, Amazon.com) drives them well enough, and it doubles as a DAC for my computer.
Misc
CTIA Y-Adapter
I use a generic adapter which provides two separate female 3.5mm inputs from one male 3.5mm (TRRS). It’s necessary for older Xbox One controllers, which lack a 3.5mm stereo headset jack.
The Sennheiser PCV 05 (Amazon.com) comes highly-recommended by those who use it.
Mic
Self explanatory 😛 If you’re looking for a standalone mic to attach to a pair of headphones, I have personally used the Zalman ZM-MIC1 (Amazon.com), and it’s commendable. The cord is very long, though, so watch out – you’ll probably want to bundle it up. Right now, I’m using the MassDrop Minimic (Drop), a product that is similar to the ModMic by Antlion Audio (Amazon.com). Before all of these fancy toys, I was using a $1 microphone that I purchased off of eBay.
Xbox One Setup
I bought my Xbox One on December 1, 2014 so that I could play Destiny with friends.
Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter
The Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter (MSRP $24.99, Amazon.com) is available as a standalone accessory, but also comes bundled with the Xbox One Stereo Headset (MSRP $59.99, Amazon.com). If you have an older Xbox One controller (one without a 3.5mm stereo headset jack), the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter is a must-have.
Input
Mouse: Logitech G502 Proteus Core
I’ve been a long-time user of Logitech products, starting with the Logitech MX500. Though the Logitech G502 Proteus Core (Discontinued, Amazon.com) has been replaced by the Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum (MSRP $79.99, Amazon.com), the only difference between the two mice is that the lighting on the Proteus Spectrum can be configured to any color you like. The Logitech G502 features a Pixart PMW3366 sensor, widely-considered the gold standard.
Mousing Surface: Logitech G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad
Hard mousepads like the Logitech G440 (Amazon.com) come recommended for high-DPI mousing. I chose it to pair with my Logitech G502 – why not pair a Logitech G mouse with a Logitech G mousepad?
The first hard mousepad that I ever used was a Ratzpad GS. I liked the smooth feeling of the mousepad, but caveat emptor: they wear out and won’t track consistently.
Ordered off of Amazon on June 11, 2015: I run a Sony PlayStation Move Nav controller (Amazon.com) for movement instead of a keyboard for a couple of reasons: 1) I like the feel of analog movement over digital, and 2) it doesn’t add clicky-clacky sounds to my stream. In the unlikely event that the Sony PlayStation Move Navigation controller suddenly fails in the middle of a match, I have a keyboard, too.
Misc
Mouse Bungee
I ordered this mouse bungee (Amazon.com) on October 22, 2015. It’s the most generic model – you may be able to find it for less by browsing mouse bungee on Amazon. This prevents my mouse cord from dragging on my desk or getting caught against the edge of my desk, keeping mouse movements fluid and maintaining cord integrity for longer than otherwise.
Output
Display: LG Flatron IPS235V
This used to be my primary monitor, until I upgraded to an ultrawide display for my workstation. The IPS panel means colors look nicer than they do on a TN panel and the response time is good enough for gaming.