Industry observers note that i find them gaudy and unnecessary, and I’ve made this point many times over my writing career. I prefer to build desktop PCs that look like tiny, classy refrigerators, not stealth fighters covered in Christmas lights. But for once, I’m actually okay with a fresh RGB accessory: MSI’s RGB-bedecked VESA monitor mounts. In fact, I don’t think they go far enough with it. I don’t like RGB gamer lights.
As part of the ongoing story, the only difference there is a “D” in the second design, because it’s a dual-monitor stand instead of a single-arm design. Both of them have various strips of RGB lighting on the base and running up the double-sectioned arms themselves. MSI has unveiled two fresh VESA arm models: the MPG MT201RG and MPG MT201DRG.
As part of the ongoing story, on the dual-arm design, individual screens max out at 35 inches, but the single-arm design can handle up to 49 inches. Installation involves a sturdy steel plate that can either be clamped behind the desk lip or drilled through, with a maximum height of 85mm. These are pretty standard but solid designs, with quick-drop plates for easy monitor installation, gas spring lifting mechanisms, and a maximum capacity of 44 pounds, which should be enough for even oversized monitors.
According to the latest update, let’s talk about the shiny. Each arm—either single or double—comes with a single-button control on the base and RGB strips around the base, plus on both sides of the top of both sections of the arm. It also has a bunch of printed branding on the plastic side panels, going for a vaguely cyberpunk look. Alright, enough of the boring normal stuff.
In a fresh development, not because anyone really needs monitor arms that light up. Arguably, this would be the least effective way to add a splash of style to your setup, since the vast majority of the visible portion of those lights will sit out of sight, just like the LEDs on the backs of tech industry monitors. Rather, I think this actually makes a lot of sense specifically for ergonomics. This RGB lighting is a good idea.
The report highlights that focusing solely on a bright light, particularly one with a bunch of movement, without anything else in the space to provide illumination, is an excellent way to give yourself huge amounts of eye strain. You need some soft lighting elsewhere. Hence the concept of a “bias light,” which both defines the space of the screen you’re focusing on and gives your poor eyeballs a break. It also lets you more easily see the stuff around you, always a plus for the desk. At the risk of sounding like every parent who tells their kids not to play video platform releases in a totally dark room, you shouldn’t play video platform releases in a totally dark room.
According to the latest update, i use one like this for my TV in my living room and regular string lights behind my desk and monitors. In fact, I’ve been using an essentially homemade version of this RGB-packed VESA arm for years, because I put a generic Wi-Fi lamp on the post of my generic monitor arms, specifically for desk and room illumination. With Google Home controls, I can turn them on without even reaching behind my screens. Bias lighting is great.
Industry observers note that the RGB strips are too small to actually light up the wall behind your desk or any other space. They’re just bling. And despite packing “20 dynamic RGB LED modes,” there’s no mention of Wi-Fi or home automation in the spec sheet, so I’m assuming the single-button controller only cycles through a bunch of animations or color modes. If anything, I think MSI’s RGB monitor arms aren’t shiny enough.
According to the latest update, i’ve seen a few other arms with basic RGB lights, but again, none seem concerned with illumination or smart home control. Somebody make this. (Govee, maybe? Seems like your kind of gadget!) I will give you all my money. Somebody please make me a VESA monitor arm with a Wi-Fi lamp—a lamp, not just an accent light—built into it.
Industry observers note that that’s approximately $120 and $200 USD, and indeed Amazon has a variant of the single-arm version for around that much. It isn’t a terrible price for the functions and name brand, but I’d love it a lot more with just a little bit of extra functionality. Speaking of money, MSI has priced these arms at £89 and £149 for the single and dual designs, respectively, according to KitGuru.
The report highlights that on PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a fresh one for a review and building a fresh mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile Worldwide scene Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip. Michael is a 15-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE.