Developer Desk Setups Compared: Kent C. Dodds Vs Wes Bos (2026)

How we did this: we compared the /uses pages that Kent C. Dodds and Wes Bos publish and keep updated on their own sites (checked October 2026). FitOnear isn’t affiliated with either. As an Amazon Associate, FitOnear earns from qualifying purchases.

Kent C. Dodds and Wes Bos are two of the most-followed JavaScript educators, and both spend their days writing code and recording it. They’ve each built a desk that works as a developer workstation and a small video studio. Their choices differ in the details, but they land on the same handful of ideas, and those ideas are the useful part for anyone setting up a developer desk.

Side-by-side comparison

	Kent C. Dodds	Wes Bos
Computer	MacBook Pro 16″ (M4 Max)	MacBook Pro 16″ (M1 Max)
Monitors	2× LG UltraFine 5K 27″	BenQ RD280U 28.2″ (3:2) + BenQ RD320UA 32″ vertical
Dock	OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock	CalDigit TS4
Keyboard	Apple Magic Keyboard (compact)	Apple keyboard with number pad
Pointing	Apple Magic Trackpad	Logitech MX Master
Camera	Sony FX3 + Sony FX30 via Cam Link 4K	Sony RX100 III via AVerMedia capture card
Lights	amaran 100x S + amaran P60x	2× amaran 150c + RGB floodlights
Audio	Sennheiser MKH 50 into Sony XLR-K3M	dbx 286s processor + UA Volt 1
Editor	Cursor	VS Code
Storage	Synology DS1019+ NAS	Synology DS920+ NAS

What they agree on

BothOne cable into the laptopEach runs a Thunderbolt dock so monitors, camera, drives and power connect with a single cable.

BothA real camera as the webcamEach uses a Sony camera plus a capture device instead of a standard webcam for their main shot.

Bothamaran LED lightsBoth light their faces with amaran (Aputure’s budget brand) LED lights.

BothQuiet Apple keyboardsNeither uses a mechanical keyboard; Wes says they’re too loud for recording.

BothRaycast + BetterTouchToolThe same launcher and the same shortcut/window tool appear on both lists.

BothA Synology NASBoth keep large files and backups on a Synology network drive.

The shared developer setup, on a budget

Here’s how to copy their shared approach without their budget. These are FitOnear’s picks:

Idea	Budget pick	Why
One-cable dock	Anker USB-C docking station	Same single-cable desk, much cheaper	View on Amazon
Sharp screen space	Samsung 27″ QHD monitor	Big step up from a laptop screen for code	View on Amazon
Camera as webcam	Sony ZV-E10 II	Plugs in as a USB webcam, no capture card	View on Amazon
amaran-style light	amaran 100x S	The same light Kent uses for his face	View on Amazon
Quiet input	Logitech MX Master 3S	Wes’ mouse brand; near-silent clicks	View on Amazon
Good voice audio	FIFINE K688	USB/XLR mic that grows with you	View on Amazon

See each full setup

Kent C. DoddsCinema cameras as webcams, a teleprompter, and an AI-heavy software stack.
Read the breakdown → Wes Bos3:2 and vertical monitors, a butcher-block desk and quiet input.
Read the breakdown → Productivity YouTubersAli Abdaal vs Thomas Frank vs Jeff Su.
Read the comparison →

Frequently asked questions

What is a /uses page?

A page on a developer’s personal website listing the hardware, software and tools they use. Wes Bos popularised the idea, and many developers now publish one.

What laptop do Kent C. Dodds and Wes Bos use?

Both use a 16-inch MacBook Pro: Kent’s is a 2024 M4 Max and Wes’ is an M1 Max, according to their /uses pages.

Do developers need a mechanical keyboard?

Not necessarily. Neither Kent nor Wes lists one; both use Apple keyboards, and Wes notes mechanical keyboards are too loud for his recordings.

What’s the most useful upgrade for a developer desk?

Based on both setups: a single-cable dock and a good external monitor. They make the biggest daily difference for the money.

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