Best desk pads & blotters according to redditors

Man I know this isn't your question but I can't remember the last time I used a wrist band, hell, I don't think I've seen a professional use a wristband in the past 10 years.

Personally, with components being more much resistant to static discharge, I don't think it's necessary, I handle bare components all the time and have never had an issue.

but if you're intent on being extra careful, or you're working with sensitive components you can clip it to your case, the hard drive rack, the metal frame, just about anywhere that's metal, it needn't be bare metal either, the painted metal will do just fine, all the electricity is looking for is a place to run to, and trust me, the painted metal in your case is plenty conductive enough for that.

Some people will buy anti-static mats that have a little metal clip for your wristband, like this:

http://smile.amazon.com/StarTech-com-24x27-5-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H?sa-no-redirect=1

If you want to be extra-paranoid-super-careful, I'd do that.

The mouse is Logitech MX Master 2s, the keyboard is space gray Magic Keyboard that comes with the iMac Pro, a new simpler and good looking monitor arm (Ergotron HX Desk Mount) and a new desk mat (Satechi mat & mate) The cup is from a japanese brand called Zero Japan. I've bought it from Japan, but you can get it from Amazon.com as well. It's a standing desk. A monitor arm makes it both clean, gives me more space and also makes it easy to lower/raise the iMac.

All the links for the gear:

• Monitor arm: https://www.ergotron.com/en-us/products/product-details/45-475#/?color=white
  
• Keyboard comes with the iMac Pro. Check out Ebay.com for people who sell them
  
• Mouse: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Cross-Computer-Control-Sharing/dp/B071YZJ1G1
  
• Desk: https://www.nurus.com/en/work-systems/otto#
  
• Desk Mat: https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Desk-Water-Resistant-Technology/dp/B00VXWYED8
  
  Checkout my tweet which contains more photos: https://twitter.com/fatih/status/969587649911709696

Looks like a cable that goes on an anti static mat to ground yourself. So you don’t shock an electrical component like a circuit board on a computer.
https://www.amazon.com/d/Electronics-Accessories-Supplies/24x27-5in-Beige-Desktop-Anti-Static-Mat/B00009XT3H

> I just turned on " Mouse Smoothing " or somethin

Thats a setting you never turn on if u ever want to get better with aiming.

It runins muscle memory and very negatively impacts your aim.

My 3 suggestions are

• Get a large mousepad
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Patterns-Computer-Desktop-Accessories/dp/B07QQVNSPX/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=red+gear+mouse+pad&qid=1569742702&s=gateway&sr=8-2
  
  
• Turn off mouse smoothing off
  
  
• Try to master aiming with arm instead of wrist
  
  or
  
  Combine both and go for arm aim for large movement and wrist aim for precise aim

I am not sure when the attitude to anti-static precautions shifted; I don't use straps any more, but I do use mats that are clipped onto the device etc. I am not sure if you would even feel it if you produced a static discharge large enough to impact your work? (I honestly don't know) I guess it is not a big deal if a phone board or a MB is unknowingly sacrificed, but it would suck if someone was working on hard to replace board (old manufacturing controllers etc).

​

I really like your setup, and I didn't even know those blue mats existed!

Anti Static Matt

It's a makeshift desk mat from a graphic design kit. You can get all kinds of different shapes and sizes but it's essentially a giant mouse pad.


desk mat


keyboard mat

I got it off Amazon from here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7V3RW7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_swbxDb0T9CJMR

Just do a quick reverse search
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01JRYQ8M8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523299426&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=felt+desk+mat&dpPl=1&dpID=51NXizL8Y4L&ref=plSrch

On amazon they have leather desk toppers for like 15 bucks. They cover approx a 2x3 foot area if I remember correctly. Actually as someone else already stated it’s a blotter

I would strongly recommend against cutting into that top. It's mostly hollow, filled with hex cardboard and a skin of particleboard and paper on the top and edges. Even if you can keep your cut to just the particleboard edges, it'll be a pain to try and smooth that, and it will never look like the rest of the table skin.

If it's just about softening the edge, you could try adding a rubber bumper to the edge, or using a lipped desk pad.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-24x27-5-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H

I like your idea of a monitor to watch movies. I put speakers near mine to listen to music while I work.

Well. I make speakers so what can you do...

Thank you, it is PU leather. Looks and feels the part though.

Here’s a link if you’re keen:
https://www.amazon.com/BUBM-Protecter-Blotters-Organizer-Comfortable-x/dp/B076P4K7N1

Invest in a static pad for your build space and connect it to a ground. Better safe than sorry.

static mat on amazon

Corsair vs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1HHB46/ref=twister_B07GTFPKCP (35.4"x17")

Which one would you buy? The second one is $10.19. Corsair is $14.99.

Check out this desk mat, though I would highly suggest going with the idea of moving your keyboard and mouse back towards you as it looks very cramped the way you have it setup now.

Static electricity. There are however antistatic mats that you can buy such as: http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-24x27-5-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H

No problem!

I'm in the same boat man. I've been fucked by the DMV for 2 years now so I still don't have a license, and I'm 20. I'm pretty jealous of people that have the coordination to play instruments!

I understand the money struggle as well. I live on a dead-end island where all jobs are seasonal, so during winter jobs are scarce.

If you are scared about frying parts, you may want to look into getting an ESD mat, an ESD wrist strap, and a proper PC repair toolkit. Just some things every PC builder/user should have in their arsenal. Just follow proper procedure and ground/discharge yourself before working on parts and you'll be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-24x27-5-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H

It is here: https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Desk-Water-Resistant-Technology/dp/B00VXWYED8/

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-24x27-5-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H

$20 bucks is worth it considering most stores will not take back parts damaged by you. Obviously everyone will lie and say "It never worked out of the box" but set their parts on a towel/carpet during the build. You caused the problem and now you have to ship stuff back or spend time going back to the store to replace parts. Spent more time and money then $20 bucks for an anti static mat.

Thanks! The desk mat is:

https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Protector-Mouse-desktops-laptops/dp/B00D3RDWBQ

I just got it but it was never delivered rolled up so I haven't any issues thus far.

Get a static discharge MAT for the ground or desk.

https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-24x27-5-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H

Satechi Mat and Mate V3.0

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076P4K7N1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cX47CbH0QZ0DE

OFFIDIX Desk Mat PU Leather Desk... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07G4S1FFH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I do say, this is quite English

I would never be seen in public with this, because they wouldn't know it's me

Here's a big, thick, hard...silver bottle

Super geeky

These will help me to be more organized, a goal for me

Deserted island? Might as well play myself a song before I die

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-24x27-5-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1427807202&sr=8-3&keywords=anti+static+mat

try that for grounding your desktop i have never grounded a desktop before i would look for a mat for your keyboard

as for the ping issue im not sure other than your connection to the router and internet

https://www.amazon.com/d/B00009XT3H
use one of these on your desk, connect the clip to something grounded, touch the mat before touching your keyboard

35.4"x17"

Ohhhhh, that'll kill a keyboard in a hurry. Try getting ahold of an antistatic mat -- here's one on Amazon -- put that under your keyboard, and always touch that when you sit down at the keyboard before touching the keyboard.

hey man i use this and it's great, hope this helps you too! http://www.amazon.com/Blueline-Monthly-Desk-Academic-July/dp/B00C7N6NIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375896148&sr=8-1&keywords=desk+calendar

It's this guy!

Haha it's actually a desk mat: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D3RDWBQ?sa-no-redirect=1&pldnSite=1

The material is a little different compared to the standard rubbery mouse pads so it's a simple wipe-to-clean!

The one OP linked to wasn't available in the US. Here's a similar one on Amazon just incase: Link

VicTsing Mouse Pad Gaming XXL - Ratón Mat Impermeable(800mm400mm2.5mm), para Computadoras, PC y Laptops - Cielo Estrellado https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B07KRX3FK6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6.o4DbZ4MYQZF

Es ese, me gusta también la nueva versión con rgb jaja

I use a xtrac carbonic desk mat and its pretty nice. I don't know how it stacks up to other pads though.

https://www.amazon.com/XTracPads-Carbonic-XXL-x2033-Desk/dp/B00YAO22QM

Battery backup on the rack for your servers.

Scratch the pre-maid cat cables and just learn crimp your own cabling.


Cybertech Cat6, Cat5e RJ-45 8P8C Ethernet Modular Crimp Connectors Plugs Pack of 100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LG6DQUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_p7Q2AbHFZP2YW

Network Cable Repair Maintenance Tool Kit Set 11 in 1 Portable Phone Cable Crimper 8P8C 4P4C 6P6C Connectors RJ45 RJ11 Cat5 Cat6 Cable Tester https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756SN86D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_o5Q2AbBW77GFT

I also recommend an anti-static mat if you are a builder:

StarTech.com 24x27.5-Inch Desktop Anti-Static Mat M3013 (Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009XT3H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_e9Q2AbGZVFVJ2

If this is a builder workbench I would also recommend a good surge strip:

Bestten 12 Outlet Heavy Duty Workshop Metal Power Strip Surge Protector, 15-Foot Long Extension Cord, ETL Certified, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074MY384H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_l-Q2AbTXDXJAX

Lastly, how is your lighting in the room?

Varmilo VG104M

Mistel

Desk Mat

https://www.amazon.com/PB-PEGGYBUY-Protecter-Waterproof-Dual-Sided/dp/B07KG73RC3/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=peggybuy&qid=1567274027&s=gateway&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.ca/Startech-Com-24X26-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Startech.Com+24X26-Inch+Desktop+Anti-Static+Mat+M3013+%28Beige%29&qid=1566257017&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Oooooh, and there's an extended XXL option too.

I'll have to check this out.

I'd get a couple multimeters, definitely flux, solder pumps, breadboards, maybe a vise, some perfboard, and a bunch of resistors/capacitors/common ICs/LEDs/logic chips/header pins/etc.

The components, perfboard, and breadboards you can get from China (via eBay or Tayda) for cheap.

Pliers, wirestrippers, dikes, tweezers, a few helping hands, screwdriver sets, etc are pretty much necessary. Since you're on a budget, you can get a bunch of this stuff from Harbor Freight, it's crappy quality but it'll do the job.

For the mats, you can get antistatic mats on Amazon (I have this on my desk right now, it's fine).

Consider a bench supply, it's not crucial if you're mostly working with Arduinos/Raspis, but could come in handy.

Would getting something like this to have under my PC be a good idea since it's going to be on carpet? I head that having some kind of stand helps with airflow, and I was wondering if this would do the job for that. http://www.amazon.ca/Startech-Com-24X26-Inch-Desktop-Anti-Static-M3013/dp/B00009XT3H/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449298535&sr=8-1&keywords=anti+static+mat

Get one of these and one of these and you'll be golden.

Get a small anti static mat maybe?

I'd have her try grounding some other way first just to make sure that is it. I would think touching the computer shell would do it.

I got mine at Target but it's just a generic one like this: https://www.amazon.com/AT-GLANCE-Calendar-Standard-Blocks/dp/B07CZD53HM/ref=asc_df_B07CZD53HM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309777798137&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11553744329352805354&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-571194334461&psc=1

24x14 one on amazon