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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: Viking_Robot on Sun, 22 January 2017, 18:02:39

Title: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Viking_Robot on Sun, 22 January 2017, 18:02:39
I am looking to order a nice LED desk lamp.  My price max is 200$.  I want it to look nice but also be nice and bright for working on keyboards.  Please let me know what everyone recommends.  Thank you for your time.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Cocopah on Sun, 22 January 2017, 18:11:05
My favorite desk lamps are OttLite. Back when I was into RC racing, pretty much everyone owned an Ottlite at my local track. They are perfect for soldering and fine work.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Viking_Robot on Sun, 22 January 2017, 18:19:06
Thank you for the recommendation.  I am not sure I am a big fan of the look,  I am ideally on the search for a premium looking light that is highly functional. 
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: thatsmrdoctortoyou on Sun, 22 January 2017, 18:26:16
I use this super cheap Ikea lamp with an LED bulb. The lamp itself is pretty nice considering the price point. A big perk for me was being able to mount it directly to my desk while also have the reach to extend to the middle of the desk

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20370383/ (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20370383/)
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 22 January 2017, 19:51:05
Build one..
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: noisyturtle on Sun, 22 January 2017, 23:51:59
$200 for a desk lamp

What the actual ****
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 23 January 2017, 00:06:41
$200 for a desk lamp

What the actual ****

Well, it really has to do with fashion..


Same with mechanical keyboards..


Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: nmur on Mon, 23 January 2017, 00:11:52
$200 for a desk lamp

What the actual ****

Well, it really has to do with fashion..


Same with mechanical keyboards..

there's probably a small desk lamp enthusiast forum out there with people buying $1000 korean cnc'd aluminium lamps with artisan bulbs

and they probably have a thread for mechanical keyboards with people recommending corsair keyboards and other freaking out about the price
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: romevi on Mon, 23 January 2017, 00:44:08
$200 for a desk lamp

What the actual ****

$200 for a keyboard/keyset/keycap.

What the actual ****.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Cocopah on Mon, 23 January 2017, 01:18:20
This topic intrigued me for some reason and I started to look into different lights. I see this come up a lot, its a contemporary design and seems to be quite functional. It comes in various colors.

Koncept Z-Bar (http://www.koncept.com/Products)
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Coreda on Mon, 23 January 2017, 01:28:04
there's probably a small desk lamp enthusiast forum out there with people buying $1000 korean cnc'd aluminium lamps with artisan bulbs

and they probably have a thread for mechanical keyboards with people recommending corsair keyboards and other freaking out about the price

I've researched before on a popular flashlight enthusiast forum and they get right into the smallest details of light shape, spread, temperature, UI of flashlights (yes UI), and a range of other things. It's actually pretty fascinating.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: jal on Mon, 23 January 2017, 09:37:51
I've researched before on a popular flashlight enthusiast forum and they get right into the smallest details of light shape, spread, temperature, UI of flashlights (yes UI), and a range of other things. It's actually pretty fascinating.

Flashlights are actually another fetish item for me. I came to keyboards via flashlights, weirdly - I was looking for machining projects I could complete by myself. Found flashlights first, and then wondered over here.

As far as desk lamps, I don't think this isn't quite what is desired in terms of looks, but it absolutely rocks for working on keyboards:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UW2IRJ2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works great as just a lamp (the lens has a cover), but has super powers.

Another thing that isn't what is being asked for is

https://snakeclamp.com/

I love mine. I got the heavy-duty arm, and have a clamp, a tablet mount and made a couple home-brew attachments. It frequently holds lights - I clamp a cheap bulb reflector to it sometimes, and use the clamp to hold a flashlight for close, intense light. If you think you'll be changing the attachments frequently, I recommend getting the quick-change adapters - if you're like me, without them, you'll likely eventually damage the threads.

Again, not sleek and sexy, but very functional and handy. I'm going to get another base/arm - being able to float my tablet over what I'm working on is really nice, and I do that a lot more than I thought I would, but, well, same with a third hand.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: bmmcwhirt on Mon, 23 January 2017, 12:53:36
There is no way you can go wrong with this one.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ipsl/

Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: OfTheWild on Mon, 23 January 2017, 12:58:21
I'm a car/motorcycle guy so i love stuff like this:

(http://i.imgur.com/N8fvduC.jpg) (http://silodrome.com/piston-lamp/)

or like this:

(https://img0.etsystatic.com/050/0/9413783/il_fullxfull.670648122_nf3x.jpg) (https://www.etsy.com/listing/208063210/1942-ford-94-carburetor-desk-lampone-of?ref=listing-shop-header-0)


But more realistically i'll probably build something like this instead:

(https://img0.etsystatic.com/123/0/6655466/il_570xN.975878044_qnbp.jpg) (https://www.etsy.com/listing/117994316/yellow-industrial-lamp-usb-charging?share_id=16702246&hmac=a4b22e950b0928f4510d659a5b55b83421c6fbd9&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share)
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: davkol on Mon, 23 January 2017, 13:39:06
Older thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49998.0
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Parak on Mon, 23 January 2017, 14:28:16
O.C. White. Everything else similar is just a cheap wannabe imitation. I have one of their magnifiers - it's a beast.

(http://www.ocwhite.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/5/25800.jpg) (http://www.ocwhite.com/task-lighting/heavy-duty-task-37-reach-table-edge-clamp.html)
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Viking_Robot on Mon, 23 January 2017, 22:39:42
Thanks all for the great responses and ideas.  Love the GH community.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: UsualSuspectXXX on Tue, 24 January 2017, 20:50:52
(https://img0.etsystatic.com/050/0/9413783/il_fullxfull.670648122_nf3x.jpg) (https://www.etsy.com/listing/208063210/1942-ford-94-carburetor-desk-lampone-of?ref=listing-shop-header-0)

Damn, that is cool as hell!

(https://img0.etsystatic.com/123/0/6655466/il_570xN.975878044_qnbp.jpg) (https://www.etsy.com/listing/117994316/yellow-industrial-lamp-usb-charging?share_id=16702246&hmac=a4b22e950b0928f4510d659a5b55b83421c6fbd9&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share)

I think I'm actually going to build one of these now! Thanks for the idea!
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Cocopah on Sat, 28 January 2017, 13:54:35
Just noticed this on Amazon from a recommended item. Amazon is marketing it for gaming haha. I'm sure once BenQ creates a gaming version it will cost 100$ more and include RGB.

 BenQ WIT (http://m.benq.com/product/led_lighting/wit/features/)
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 28 January 2017, 14:11:16
Just noticed this on Amazon from a recommended item. Amazon is marketing it for gaming haha. I'm sure once BenQ creates a gaming version it will cost 100$ more and include RGB.

 BenQ WIT (http://m.benq.com/product/led_lighting/wit/features/)

Hrrrmmm........ That's pretty good engineering.. using the defuser...

don't like the look of the curve though..
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Coreda on Sat, 28 January 2017, 14:11:18
Just noticed this on Amazon from a recommended item. Amazon is marketing it for gaming haha. I'm sure once BenQ creates a gaming version it will cost 100$ more and include RGB.

 BenQ WIT (http://m.benq.com/product/led_lighting/wit/features/)

The 90s just called
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Air tree on Sat, 28 January 2017, 16:00:14
Just noticed this on Amazon from a recommended item. Amazon is marketing it for gaming haha. I'm sure once BenQ creates a gaming version it will cost 100$ more and include RGB.

 BenQ WIT (http://m.benq.com/product/led_lighting/wit/features/)
I actually got that lamp for free, it's pretty nice.


Overall it's very sturdy it seems.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: BaconEggandCheeseBagel on Sat, 28 January 2017, 16:14:04
I know you said you were looking for a LED light, but if you do want something else instead, I'd actually recommend checking out West Elm - they have a lot of nice, stylish, desk/table lamps that are surprising affordable and in your price range
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: UsualSuspectXXX on Sat, 28 January 2017, 20:54:49
I know you said you were looking for a LED light, but if you do want something else instead, I'd actually recommend checking out West Elm - they have a lot of nice, stylish, desk/table lamps that are surprising affordable and in your price range

Just took a look at their site, wow! They've got some really nice looking stuff!
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: swangful on Sun, 29 January 2017, 18:31:28
THIS ONE!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1KDTO7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was on the hunt for a good LED lamp for a while and found this one.

I havnt found any faults with it yet. I dont use the USB ports on it though.
It is also really helpful using the different light temperatures so that I'm not always blinded by a super white light.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 29 January 2017, 18:41:56
THIS ONE!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1KDTO7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was on the hunt for a good LED lamp for a while and found this one.
  • 4 different light temps
  • 5 different levels of brightness for each
  • Great for working on small projects as it can angle anyway you want it to

I havnt found any faults with it yet. I dont use the USB ports on it though.
It is also really helpful using the different light temperatures so that I'm not always blinded by a super white light.


the thing about these lamps is the Hinge design and material..

That's really the only thing that can go wrong quickly..
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: swangful on Sun, 29 January 2017, 18:52:59
THIS ONE!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1KDTO7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was on the hunt for a good LED lamp for a while and found this one.
  • 4 different light temps
  • 5 different levels of brightness for each
  • Great for working on small projects as it can angle anyway you want it to

I havnt found any faults with it yet. I dont use the USB ports on it though.
It is also really helpful using the different light temperatures so that I'm not always blinded by a super white light.


the thing about these lamps is the Hinge design and material..

That's really the only thing that can go wrong quickly..

Yeah I admit this is true, but for $25 it was okay with me. I havnt found any looseness in the hinges (yet), but I also dont move it around much haha. I think OP should consider a LED strip too, you just need to find the right level of brightness with them.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: UsualSuspectXXX on Sun, 29 January 2017, 20:25:28
THIS ONE!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1KDTO7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was on the hunt for a good LED lamp for a while and found this one.
  • 4 different light temps
  • 5 different levels of brightness for each
  • Great for working on small projects as it can angle anyway you want it to

I havnt found any faults with it yet. I dont use the USB ports on it though.
It is also really helpful using the different light temperatures so that I'm not always blinded by a super white light.

Huh not bad for 25 bucks. I might pick one of these up
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 29 January 2017, 20:29:04
THIS ONE!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1KDTO7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was on the hunt for a good LED lamp for a while and found this one.
  • 4 different light temps
  • 5 different levels of brightness for each
  • Great for working on small projects as it can angle anyway you want it to

I havnt found any faults with it yet. I dont use the USB ports on it though.
It is also really helpful using the different light temperatures so that I'm not always blinded by a super white light.


the thing about these lamps is the Hinge design and material..

That's really the only thing that can go wrong quickly..

Yeah I admit this is true, but for $25 it was okay with me. I havnt found any looseness in the hinges (yet), but I also dont move it around much haha. I think OP should consider a LED strip too, you just need to find the right level of brightness with them.

LED strip is good, except without a proper diffuser, it's spotty.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: swangful on Sun, 29 January 2017, 21:10:25
THIS ONE!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M1KDTO7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was on the hunt for a good LED lamp for a while and found this one.
  • 4 different light temps
  • 5 different levels of brightness for each
  • Great for working on small projects as it can angle anyway you want it to

I havnt found any faults with it yet. I dont use the USB ports on it though.
It is also really helpful using the different light temperatures so that I'm not always blinded by a super white light.


the thing about these lamps is the Hinge design and material..

That's really the only thing that can go wrong quickly..

Yeah I admit this is true, but for $25 it was okay with me. I havnt found any looseness in the hinges (yet), but I also dont move it around much haha. I think OP should consider a LED strip too, you just need to find the right level of brightness with them.

LED strip is good, except without a proper diffuser, it's spotty.

+1 to this for anyone considering LED strips.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: iri on Mon, 30 January 2017, 11:59:28
I have this one

https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-Eye-caring-Efficient-Dimmable-Charging/dp/B00VUTAFR8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1485799151&sr=8-3&keywords=taotronics+lamp

it's good.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: dantan on Sun, 05 February 2017, 14:41:22
There is no way you can go wrong with this one.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ipsl/

I'm sure someone here can build his own LED lamp...
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 05 February 2017, 19:50:44
There is no way you can go wrong with this one.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ipsl/

I'm sure someone here can build his own LED lamp...

The problem is the stand..

You can't build a stand that's as posable without alot of work, way more than $20 labor vs buying one from amazon.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: Heist on Tue, 07 February 2017, 14:41:42
I have this one

https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-Eye-caring-Efficient-Dimmable-Charging/dp/B00VUTAFR8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1485799151&sr=8-3&keywords=taotronics+lamp

it's good.

Have this one too, works well for me and is cheap :thumb:
I do want to get another more "old-fashioned" looking lamp and use an edison bulb with it
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: typo on Fri, 15 June 2018, 01:40:08
The good European ones are $700+. I would look at George Kovacs. Very good Chinese made. Nothing like at Target.
Title: Re: Best Desk Lamp
Post by: OfTheWild on Fri, 15 June 2018, 21:55:46
I Don't even know what late husband means,  have heard it refer to a past husband or passed husband.[/size][/color]

it means he died. hence why he/she said "after his death".