Whether you’re working from home, or in a corporate office, the one thing that’s pretty much consistent in both these scenarios is a desk! Or, if you’re a digital nomad who works on the go, your desk could often switch between a typical work desk or a table at a cafe. A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, it’s really important that your desk be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home/corporate office. From a USB key that can fit into your keypad to a mechanical keyboard made from recyclable materials – these ingenious desk accessories are all you need to achieve your desk setup goals!
1. Saint Antoine USB Key
USB flash drives are usually tiny and compact, making them convenient to carry around. But the issue arises when you misplace that same USB drive owing to its small size. This concept design tries to eliminate that issue by making the drive so thin that you can stick it between your laptop’s screen and keyboard.
Why is it noteworthy?
What this concept does differently is to eschew the traditional rectangular form of these accessories into something that has small protrusions branching off a relatively thin stem. This shape isn’t without its purpose, though, since that shape makes it possible to fit the USB key in between the keys of a laptop keyboard.
What we like
- It allows you to keep an eye on your USB key, and prevent you from misplacing it
- Safe to close the laptop lid on it as it won’t puncture the screen
What we dislike
- Since it is quite thin, it may not have enough space to store all your data
- Removing it from the keyboard every time may also be very inconvenient, and it could impact your typing experience
2. The Altar I
Electronic Materials Office recently unveiled its first product – a keyboard made from sustainable materials. Post-consumer waste-derived plastic was used to create the keyboard, and it has a unibody aluminum framed peripheral amped with US and UK layouts with 78 and 77 keys.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Altar I’s keycaps are also forged out of recycled polymers, thereby making it a sensible accessory that doesn’t harm Planet Earth. The accessory is designed for touch typing and can be utilized on two devices simultaneously, which is suitable for those who switch between their laptop and tablet frequently.
What we like
- Clean, crisp, and minimalist font
- Crafted using recyclable and earth-friendly materials
What we dislike
- No information on the pricing and availability for now
- Only available in black, with no other color options, we would love some diversity
3. Mayku Accessories
The Mayku Accessories collection comprises a keyboard, a mouse, and a more traditional webcam that attaches to the top of a monitor. While their designs don’t show anything functionally new it’s their appearance that really catches the eye.
Why is it noteworthy?
Instead of using the usual flat surfaces and sharp corners, these products use “softer,” more curved forms, like the sides and tops of the keycaps, the entire surface of the mouse, or the body of the webcam.
What we like
- The usually cold, impersonal, and traditional devices look like hard candy or even soft marshmallows
What we dislike
- While the visuals are arresting, the functionality retained is the same, no innovation there
4. Portable Hard Drive Concept
This hard drive concept by CLAIRE + LÉA is designed to occupy minimum space while also looking good. It features a spring-loaded slider mechanism so that you can clamp and attach the hard drive to the edge of your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
This interesting feature has the effect of hiding the device from sight, even when it is being used. The hard drive has a simple and distinctive design that demands to be shown off on your desk.
What we like
- Even though it is hidden, it is still quite easily accessible owing to the USB port on top
What we dislike
- You could bump or hit your knee and leg against the drive since it is hanging from the edge
5. ovOlio
Finding some peace and calm in your chaotic day can often seem impossible. But this tranquil desk accessory is a revolutionary fusion of design and mindfulness, and it is created to enhance your workspace and state of mind.
Why is it noteworthy?
Called ovOlio, the desk accessory features a partial magnetic levitation of the wooden block at its center with just a small base for support. You can open the block and add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil, allowing the delicate aroma to spread in the room.
What we like
- Promotes a calm and balanced workday
- Combats anxiety and makes you feel more at peace
What we dislike
- Looks easily breakable, and the oil could spill over if it falls
6. Belkin BoostCharge Accessories
The BoostCharge Convertible Qi2 Wireless Pad to Stand and the other dubbed BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2 are Belkin’s latest accessories for the iPhone 15.
Why is it noteworthy?
The BoostCharge Convertible Qi2 Wireless Pad to Stand is for people who want a wireless charging pad that can flip upwards so that they can easily watch content. The BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2 is for gadget lovers who frequently charge their array of devices in tandem.
What we like
- Will juice up MagSafe-equipped iPhone with Qi2 standard at 15W
What we dislike
- They’re not available yet in the market
- No variations in color and style
7. Blocco
Dubbed Blocco, this functional yet good-looking calculator is no ordinary everyday calculator. It effortlessly combines grace and precision in a simple and minimal design, while adding a visually appealing element to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Blocco calculator features a universal and ergonomic design that is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users. It features an angular chamfered surface that supports quick and effortless typing and enhances visual appeal.
What we like
- Directly projects calculations onto paper further enhancing its user-friendliness
- Aesthetically and visually pleasing looks, a far cry from boring old calculators
What we dislike
- Feature a portable design, but its usage is limited as it needs a flat surface to project the equations clearly
8. The Peg-Mag System
If your desk isn’t large enough to accommodate your working gear, and you need more space but don’t want to splurge a butt load of money you may want to opt for the Peg-Mag System!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Peg-Mag System combines three clever strategies to help you maximize your desk’s space and potential. The first is a balcony-like Desk Extender that attaches to the side of your table, giving you an extra shelf that cantilevers off your table. Designed to hold a significant amount, the extender is perfect for books, stationery, speakers, or even a fairly heavy gaming rig or CPU.
What we like
- Features a rail for attaching a pegboard slider
- Transforms your desk into a pinnacle for productivity
What we dislike
- No color/style customization
9. Wooden Pen Holder
This block of wood is actually the most zen and calming pen holder you could add to your desk. It creates an atmosphere where you can pick up your pen, much like the way you would pick up a brush or a fountain pen from an inkwell.
Why is it noteworthy?
Made from genuine maple wood, each piece has grains and patterns that make it unique and special. Together with an equally stylish pen, this block transforms any desk into a thinker’s workbench, where the tools of the trade are just at an arm’s reach.
What we like
- The Wooden Pen Holder has a gently curving depression that can accommodate any pen with a standard-size
- When you pick the pen up, you almost believe that the ink will also follow it up from an invisible well of ideas
What we dislike
- It occupies precious real estate on a bench that cannot be adjusted/reduced
10. Flash Back
The Flash back is a conceptual product designed to be a digital photo frame that showcases one or more photos, from your smartphone’s gallery. The device is locked to a very specific presentation mode, unlike typical digital frames.
Why is it noteworthy?
Flash back slowly scrolls through the photos sideways, creating an interesting film reel rather than a slideshow. The curved shape of the device is a tribute to the physical medium, providing it with an old-school feel while maintaining modern functionality.
What we like
- Multifunctional design that also serves as a pen holder, with a basin for clips and small items that would otherwise litter your desk
What we dislike
- It’s a concept, not a real tangible product, so we don’t know how smoothly or efficiently it’ll work in actuality