After trying more desk layouts than I can remember, I’ve come to a pretty simple conclusion: I like things minimal. This setup skips the decorative extras and focuses on what I actually use, whether I’m working or gaming. My MacBook Pro and self-built PC share one keyboard, mouse, monitor, and pair of speakers. Switching between them takes a single keypress.
Two Computers, One Set of Peripherals
Fig. 1. The essentials: keyboard, mouse, and a laptop ready to go.
Fig. 2. One monitor connects the two computers.
Fig. 3. The white PC tower sits at the edge of the desk.
The setup revolves around two machines: a MacBook Pro and a PC tower I built myself. Instead of keeping a separate set of accessories for each, I connect both to the same keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers. When I want to switch computers, one keypress does it.
The MacBook is my everyday work machine. If I’m heading out, I unplug it and take it with me. Easy. The desktop takes care of gaming and the Windows-only software I still need. Two different jobs, one desk—and no extra gear just taking up space.
A Spider-Man Theme, Made With Light
Fig. 4. Switch to the PC and grab a controller for a gaming session.
Fig. 5. A small candlelight lamp adds a warm glow beside the monitor.
There are three lights here. A light bar above the monitor illuminates the desk, a small Lofree candlelight lamp sits to the right, and an RGB strip behind everything adds a warm wash of color to the wall.
That’s what gives the setup a bit of personality without making it feel busy. The layered lighting, Spider-Man wallpaper, and a game running on the PC bring in the theme—no extra ornaments needed. Even the matching phone lock screen stays tucked away on a stand beside the monitor.
Editor's Notes & Summary
Minimal doesn’t have to mean empty. For me, it means each thing has a reason to be there: two computers, one shared set of peripherals, and three lights that do the decorating.
9 comments
The Bookoo SKR2 is a must for grinding ranked all night — no screen glare, so you can spot enemies at a glance.
Almost the exact same setup as mine, minus the light strip — only my Windows tower hangs under the standing desk. I prefer running both at once though: MacBook for WeChat and browsing, Windows for gaming and data backups.
Two machines sharing one set of peripherals — is the one-key switching done through the monitor’s built-in KVM?
I’m in love with your screen.
Which Spider-Man game is that, and what platform can I play it on?
Also, how long is your monitor riser?
Any RGB strip recommendations? The ones I bought before weren’t great.
Keep buying and it just adds up.
Can’t stay minimal for even a little while.