AJazz AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller... Reviewed + Q&A!

This product was supplied by AJAZZ, my opinions are my own!

If you're scratching your head wondering what in the strawberry syrup covered flapjacks is a desktop studio controller? Well, you're in the right place, so let's jump in and find out if the Ajazz AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller is worth the money... to more than just streamers! Let's unbox, shall we?!

Quality wise, you have a durable plastic frame, and quality buttons that don't give that cheap loose feeling. Since this will be sitting on your desk, you won't really have to worry about what would happen if this thing drops either unless your office also doubles as a battleground for WWE wrestlers or something.

Out of the box you get the device, instruction booklet, and a USB type C cable (as seen above). Speaking of the quality, I appreciate where the port is placed on this device because you don't have to worry about the cable being bent and either damaging the port or the cord.

You may look at the back of the controller wondering how you're going to connect the cord, but... if you can't slip it in and put your fingers though the sides to snap it into the port fully, just take the stand off the back. From there, just place the cord through the opening in the back of the stand, place the cord into the port (you'll know it's in based on that strong snap) and reconnect the stand.

 Ease of use: 

The Ajazz AKP153 device, with its 15 customizable buttons and intuitive visual navigation, offers a range of benefits tailored to different professions and hobbies you may get into at nearly half the price of the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2. We try to deliver solid tech at head turning prices and it's safe to say we did it again with this desktop studio controller from Ajazz.

 Here’s how it can be useful for each: 

Gamer

• Quick Access to In-Game Commands: Assign macros for complex in-game actions.
• Streamlining Streaming: Control streaming software, switch scenes, and interact with chat seamlessly.
• Volume and Media Control: Adjust game and chat volumes without leaving the game.

Video Editor

• Shortcut Customization: Assign frequently used editing commands (cut, copy, paste, etc.) to buttons.
• Timeline Navigation: Quickly jump to specific points in the timeline.
• Media Management: Launch and control media files with ease.

Music Producer

• DAW Control: Map buttons to control your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) functions.
• Sample Triggering: Assign buttons to trigger samples or loops.
• Volume and Effects Control: Adjust volume levels and apply effects on the fly.

Graphic Designer

• Tool Switching: Quickly switch between tools in software like Photoshop or Illustrator.
• Layer Management: Control layer visibility and order with a single press.
• Color Selection: Assign buttons to frequently used colors or palettes.
  
  

Secretary

• Application Launching: Open frequently used applications (email, calendar, etc.) with one click.
• Document Management: Quickly access and manage documents and files.
• Meeting Controls: Start, join, and manage virtual meetings efficiently.

IT Professional

• System Monitoring: Monitor system performance and network status.
• Script Execution: Assign buttons to run scripts or commands.
• Remote Access: Control remote sessions and manage multiple systems.
• Quicker Sign-in: Logging in for certain companies isn't just one or two loggins, you literally have to log into several programs and be ready to start the day soon after. So a push of a button can make a serious shift to that potentially stressful start to your shift. 
• Productivity Boost: For IT professionals, having quick access to essential websites, folders, and chat software is crucial for handling daily tasks, escalations and overall communication to resolve customer issues. A device like the Ajazz AKP153 can significantly reduce the scramble, just customize the buttons in a way that helps you win. This is especially important under certain contracts where the workload can be intense, productivity directly impacts performance, bonuses, and even your job.
  
  While not every task can be streamlined due to external processes, having a tool like this can help you manage your objectives more smoothly. I've worked contracts with people who felt overwhelmed by the demands of certain contracts and ultimately quit. If you’re facing similar challenges, consider the benefits of using a controller like the Ajazz AKP153 to your advantage, that's why I wanted to present other ways it could be used beyond live streams. It could be a game-changer for your productivity and peace of mind.
  

Not to downplay or diss the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2, but in terms of price... when you're looking at $139.99 compared to the $69.99 Ajazz AKP153 Desktop Studio Controller that also comes with 15 buttons + a vertical display to the right of the keys. I hope this was informative and if you grab one, take advantage.

Q&A w/ the AJAZZ Team:

• What would you say are some of the main core values for your company that customers may appreciate?

With the mission of "creating the ultimate peripherals and sharing a better life", by building a "systematic company value chain", we are committed to creating high-performance, high-quality keyboards, mice, headphones, and other peripheral accessories for gamers around the world.

Some of the core values that customers may appreciate include:

Innovation: Continuously developing new and advanced gaming devices.

Quality: Ensuring high standards in all products.

Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and feedback.

• What was the motivation to develop desk controllers?
The motivation behind developing desk controllers, such as the Ajazz AKP153, is to enhance productivity and streamline daily tasks. These devices are designed to provide easy access to shortcuts and manage applications efficiently, making them valuable tools for both gamers and professionals.

• Lastly, does the AJAZZ team have gamers as part of the staff?
Yes, the Ajazz team includes gamers who bring their passion and experience to the development of gaming peripherals. This ensures that the products are designed with the needs and preferences of gamers in mind.

Quality 5

Ease Of Use 5

Usefulness 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

 + Sophi 

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6 Reasons to Give your Eyes a Break from Screen Time!

Want 6 reasons to give your eyes a break? Here are several benefits to taking breaks from screen time and digital devices:

1. Improved mental well-being and mindfulness: Taking breaks from screens can increase present-moment awareness and allow you to experience moments more fully. [1] mentions that students who tried a media fast reported increased mindfulness and sensory awareness.

2. Better sleep quality: Excessive screen time, especially before bed, can disrupt sleep patterns. [2], [3] Taking breaks from screens can help improve sleep quality and overall well-being.

3. Deeper social connections: When disconnecting from screens, you can be more present in social interactions. [4] suggests putting your phone away when spending time with others to deepen those connections.

4. Enhanced productivity and learning: [1], [5] Reducing distractions from screens can boost productivity and help you focus better on tasks and absorb information more effectively.

5. Physical health benefits: [6] Reducing screen time can have positive effects on your spine, joints, and eye health by reducing strain from prolonged sitting and screen exposure.

6. Breaking habits and achieving balance: [7], [8] Doing a digital detox by scheduling screen breaks can help break the cycle of constant device checking and reliance, allowing you to establish healthier habits and work-life balance.

The references [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], and [14] also highlight similar benefits of reduced stress, improved mental health, more time for enjoyable activities, and overall well-being from taking breaks from technology and screens. 

This doesn't take away from the benefits of gaming, but there's such a thing of having too much of a good thing. There are other options like riding ATVs, meeting up with other gamers at different locations (stay tuned, i'll drop some locations), racing RCs, bike riding, etc. -  Blu 

Sophima

 + Blu 

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Office... Upgraded for a Small Space!

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There are a number of people looking at their office space... scratching their heads on how to make it functional. It all depends on what your intentions are for that space. That said, let's dive in and figure out how to make your small space do what it do... baby, so that you can officially say "Office... Upgraded!".

Don't think you have to break the bank, It's not all about having the most expensive additions to your space. Aim at making it as user-friendly as possible so that you're productive and nothing is in the way. First and foremost, clear out the clutter so that you can actually see what room you're working with.

In a small space, you really need to get creative with the office, and they're usually narrow. In the case of narrower office spaces, I recommend either getting a desk that fits almost as flush as possible in that space wall-to-wall or installing a wall desk. 

If it has an area where you can install it on a side wall with this type of space, you're saving space if haven't been using this effectively.

If you don't have this type of wall, definitely take the desk to the back of the space so that you have room to move around without wasting space. Here's a 62" desk that could fit into a space like the one you see above. You can keep the legs on because they run more toward the end or you can use them as a holder so that you can mark and install wall mounts with an even placement. This particular table is foldable with no installation needed so you can place it immediately to get to work or start your mount.

By the way, here's a 48" wall desk, which is foldable but a full mount is best.

Two of these wall brackets can support up to 1100LBS (grab 2 sets of good mounts).

As seen in this image, if you have a window, in the back of the desk, you can run a shelf to the side. There are some desks/shelf combinations as well, just make sure... you have the room to work.

There are desks with drawers that you can utilize, but... I don't recommend those desks if you have the space to add shelving above the desk or off to the side because the leg room is a plus. Keep that space nice and clear because a lack of legroom can get tiresome afterwhile and if you work-from-home... why have the unnecessary distraction?

Utilizing the shelves well will definitely help you, especially if you have a ton of mail and paper in general. If you have tons of paper that don't require shredding, get the storage solutions that work for you for important documents, but also have a bin for your printer paper, shredding, recycling in general, and trash. Also don't forget a shredder that fits into the storage area (a bin-less one works well). If you keep the papers moving out on a consistent basis, they won't... pile up. Add a dust vac to the mix and keep your office fresh.

This organizer is 16.5"L x 12.6"W x 9.8"H to give you an idea of the fit.

There will be plenty of shelf space left, and you will have a fresh desk/workspace to get your grind on. By the way, I can't forget about a printer/scanner option to go on the shelf. If you put it near the end of the shelf you can hide the cord a bit better, and you can run the cord down and tame it from there.

If you have a shelf that's close enough with enough open space above to keep a PC cool, then place your tower on the shelf. If it's a longer wall-to-wall desk, place it on the desk to the side.

If you have openings on the desk with the caps for plug management, it remains clean and you get immediate access to your ports without the need to get under your desk. If you're constantly swapping parts in your tower, this definitely is the best route for you.

This specific desktop pc is great for a shelf or near the end of the desk. The ports are right in the corner, not up top where the ports can potentially wiggle and cause connection issues. You should be able to get two monitors or a nice-sized monitor on the desk with ease.

Cable management will also be a benefit for this space to keep your legroom free and clear. Using some velcro ties... gets the job done well. 

Additional USB ports for charging devices can be mounted under the desk... and a surge protector can go on the wall either mounted under the desk near the main outlet or (preferably near the wall that's within a comfy reach). Protect your legroom.

In terms of chairs, if it's tight, consider getting an office chair that doesn't roll but... it spins. That will decrease the chances of your chair tearing up your walls and the desk. If you have a longer desktop space, definitely go with a traditional one so you can slide as needed.

The average person will stop here unless they add speakers, but... those generally get a spot on the sides of the monitor and don't require much space (unless you go surround sound).

*Before I move on... don't forget to show your walls some love. Perhaps pics, art, an Echo Show 15?

Stay tuned, because I'm going to follow this post up based on various needs that may be sought for this type of space.

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