MSI’s RGB monitor arms are sensible. They’re simply not shiny sufficient

I don’t like RGB gamer lights. I discover them gaudy and pointless, and I’ve made this level many instances over my writing profession. I desire to construct desktop PCs that seem like tiny, elegant fridges, not stealth fighters lined in Christmas lights. However for as soon as, I’m truly okay with a brand new RGB accent: MSI’s RGB-bedecked VESA monitor mounts. In actual fact, I don’t suppose they go far sufficient with it.

MSI has introduced two new VESA arm fashions: the MPG MT201RG and MPG MT201DRG. The one distinction there’s a “D” within the second design, as a result of it’s a dual-monitor stand as a substitute of a single-arm design. Each of them have varied strips of RGB lighting on the bottom and operating up the double-sectioned arms themselves.

These are fairly customary however stable designs, with quick-release plates for simple monitor set up, gasoline spring lifting mechanisms, and a most capability of 44 kilos, which needs to be sufficient for even outsized screens. On the dual-arm design, particular person screens max out at 35 inches, however the single-arm design can deal with as much as 49 inches. Set up includes a sturdy metal plate that may both be clamped behind the desk lip or drilled by way of, with a most top of 85mm.

Alright, sufficient of the boring regular stuff. Let’s speak concerning the shiny. Every arm—both single or double—comes with a single-button management on the bottom and RGB strips across the base, plus on either side of the highest of each sections of the arm. It additionally has a bunch of printed branding on the plastic facet panels, going for a vaguely cyberpunk look.

This RGB lighting is a good suggestion. Not as a result of anybody actually wants monitor arms that mild up. Arguably, this could be the least efficient manner so as to add a splash of fashion to your setup, because the overwhelming majority of the seen portion of these lights will sit out of sight, identical to the LEDs on the backs of gaming screens. Moderately, I feel this truly makes plenty of sense particularly for ergonomics.

On the threat of sounding like each mother or father who tells their children to not play video video games in a completely darkish room, you shouldn’t play video video games in a completely darkish room. Focusing solely on a vibrant mild, notably one with a bunch of motion, with out anything within the house to offer illumination, is a superb option to give your self large quantities of eye pressure. You want some tender lighting elsewhere. Therefore the idea of a “bias mild,” which each defines the house of the display you’re specializing in and provides your poor eyeballs a break. It additionally permits you to extra simply see the stuff round you, at all times a plus for the desk.

Bias lighting is nice. I exploit one like this for my TV in my front room and common string lights behind my desk and screens. In actual fact, I’ve been utilizing an basically selfmade model of this RGB-packed VESA arm for years, as a result of I put a generic Wi-Fi lamp on the publish of my generic monitor arms, particularly for desk and room illumination. With Google Residence controls, I can flip them on with out even reaching behind my screens.

Michael Crider / Foundry

If something, I feel MSI’s RGB monitor arms aren’t shiny sufficient. The RGB strips are too small to truly mild up the wall behind your desk or every other house. They’re simply bling. And regardless of packing “20 dynamic RGB LED modes,” there’s no point out of Wi-Fi or dwelling automation within the spec sheet, so I’m assuming the single-button controller solely cycles by way of a bunch of animations or colour modes.

Any individual please make me a VESA monitor arm with a Wi-Fi lamp—a lamp, not simply an accent mild—constructed into it. I’ve seen a couple of different arms with primary RGB lights, however once more, none appear involved with illumination or sensible dwelling management. Any individual make this. (Govee, possibly? Looks as if your form of gadget!) I provides you with all my cash.

Talking of cash, MSI has priced these arms at £89 and £149 for the one and twin designs, respectively, based on KitGuru. That’s roughly $120 and $200 USD, and certainly Amazon has a variant of the single-arm model for round that a lot. It isn’t a horrible value for the options and title model, however I’d adore it much more with just a bit bit of additional performance.