Who are you, and what do you do?

I’m a Software Engineer. I primarily write Java, but I also do a little web and Python development as needed.

As a hobby, I keep a journal. I’m a big fan of a notebook called the Hobonichi Techo. Even though it’s a planner, I mostly write and draw about things that have already happened. I’m rarely without at least one notebook in my bag.

I’m also a gamer. I tend towards single player story-based games, but I play plenty of competitive games, too.

What hardware do you use?

I have two ErgoDox EZs for my main keyboards, one at home and one for work. At home, I use my favorite nice clicky Kailh Gold switches, but at work I use Cherry MX Clears to be more open-office considerate. A friend 3D-printed these handy wrist rest risers for me, which I use at the office.

At work, I use a trackball mouse because it’s easier on my arm. At home, I use a standard mouse because I find a trackball harder to use while gaming.

My desk is an Uplift 30x60 Bamboo adjustable stand/sit desk. Importantly, I’ve also got a big soft standing mat. I think it makes a huge difference in how long I can stand comfortably while working.

When drawing and journaling, I use Platinum Carbon Ink in a fountain pen and Daniel Smith watercolors. Platinum Carbon Ink is the only ink I’ve tried that is waterproof enough that I’m not afraid to paint on top of it. I would recommend it to anyone who has been burned by other inks in the past.

And what software?

While working, I need to scribble notes and to-do lists to keep myself organized.

I’ve been a long-time fan of OneNote for this, but it doesn’t have good support for taking programming-related notes. I’m really glad that I discovered Boostnote, which fills in those gaps. It looks like the team is planning to port the project to TypeScript. I’m really looking forward to that!

As for development, I use IntelliJ and VS Code. In my free time, I’ve been having fun exploring the Godot Game Engine.

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

My ErgoDox EZ at home has MT3 Godspeed keycaps. These are my dream keycaps — I love the really scooped shape as well as the space theme.

At work, I have some DSA keycaps from the same set along with some odds and ends to cover the keyboard. I’m keeping my eye out for another ErgoDox compatible set to use with this keyboard one day…

I’ve been experimenting with my layout bit by bit. I can’t do without Space Cadet Shift. As a programmer, it’s one of the most convenient features.

What would be your dream setup?

I’m pretty happy with my current setup.

But since we’re talking about dreams… I’d like to have one of those sweet 45° angle hacker chairs like from the movies. Something like this: