Who are you, and what do you do?

My name is Chris on Code. I created scotch.io, a popular web development tutorial site. I’m very passionate about building and shipping cool products and businesses and helping others do the same. Outside of work, I like getting outdoors and keeping active to counteract all the time at my desk.

What hardware do you use?

For my main desk setup, I use a Mac Mini that powers three 4k screens. It’s also got an external GPU with a Razer Core X and a Vega 56 Graphics Card. All of that sits on top of a Jarvis, a convertible standing desk by Fully.

For my streaming/live-coding setup, I have a Shure SM7B mic. I mount that to a Rode PSA1 boom arm. I’ve got two Elgato Key Lights for lighting. For my webcam, I am using a Sony A6500 with an Elgato Cam Link so that the computer can recognize the video input. I’ve got an Elgato Stream Deck to coordinate my streams. For streaming software, I’m using Ecamm Live. It’s the fastest way to get into streaming on a Mac. I stream on Twitch at twitch.tv/chrisoncode.

For my inputs, I use an ErgoDox EZ with Cherry MX Blue keyswitches. The keycaps are the plain blacks, but I’d like to get custom ones eventually. I’ve got a custom setup for the firmware that is highly specialized for my coding needs. I use a Razer Naga and put all 19 programmable buttons to use. I’ve got Bose 700 Noise Canceling headphones for when I need to disappear and focus.

For seating, I’ve got a Steelcase Gesture chair that has been a great friend. When switching to standing mode, I use an Ergodriven Topo as a standing mat that helps a ton.

I’ve built all this up over the years and can’t be happier with my entire setup… for now!

And what software?

For software and web dev, I try to keep the software required at a minimum. My three main tools are VS Code, Chrome, and iTerm2. I use the same toolset on both Windows and Mac so that it’s very easy to switch between the platforms if needed.

I’m using zsh along with zsh-autosuggestions to speed up work in the terminal, Brew for installing things, and I have my setup easily copied across computers using my setup script here.

For streaming to Twitch, I’m using Ecamm Live. For stream alerts, I’m using Streamlabs. For screencasts, I’m using Screenflow. If I need any major video editing, I’ll pull out Premiere Pro. Photoshop is used for any image work.

Slack for communication. Superhuman for email and getting to Inbox Zero. Notion for taking notes and drafting articles/courses.

What’s your keyboard setup like? Do you use a custom layout or custom keycaps?

My keyboard setup is a customized ErgoDox EZ mapping specifically for how I code. I’ve got the black plain keycaps but am shopping around for any custom keycap sets I can find.

What would be your dream setup?

My dream setup is what I have now: three screens on MacOS and an ErgoDox EZ!