Just picked up a new laptop for my remote dev job and honestly Im kinda panicking about getting the desk setup right. I dont want to wreck my back in two months. I read online that mechanical keyboards are a must for coding but then other people say a split ergonomic one is the only way to go and I have no clue which is actually better for someone on a strict 150 dollar budget for accessories. I also keep seeing conflicting stuff about vertical mice vs trackballs. Since I need to get this sorted by Monday, does anyone have a solid list of what I actually need versus what is just marketing fluff?
Honestly, skip the fancy split boards for now. They have a steep learning curve. Grab a Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard instead; it is rock solid and fits your budget. For the mouse, be careful with trackballs since they can be finicky. I would suggest a Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse to save your wrist. Just make sure you get a decent stand so you arent hunched over all day...
Regarding what #2 said about monitor height, they are spot on. If you dont elevate your screen, no keyboard will save your neck. For my dev setup, I use a Soundance Aluminum Laptop Stand which is super cheap and sturdy.
> I dont want to wreck my back in two months. Been thinking about your setup all day. In my experience, posture is way more about the monitor height than the gear. I spent way too much on keyboards early on before realizing my neck was the real issue. Maybe try stacking some books to get your screen at eye level first? It is honestly a total game changer for the back.