Derek's Cable Management System (The One That Finally Worked)
Cable management requires doing it in the right sequence. Derek did it in the wrong sequence twice before the third attempt worked.
The Wrong Sequence (Twice)
Derek managed his cables after his desk was fully assembled both times. Both times, cables from the monitor arm crossed paths with power cables from the desk, creating visible crossings that required re-routing after the fact. The third attempt — his current setup — he managed cables before placing any equipment on the desk. The sequence is: power runs first, data and display cables routed second, monitors and peripherals placed third. Doing it in the other order requires undoing work.
The System
Derek uses: cable raceways along the desk back edge for horizontal cable runs, Velcro cable ties for vertical bundling at the desk leg, a cable management tray under the desk for power strips and excess cable length, and the Ergotron LX arm's built-in cable channel for the monitor display and USB-C cable. The combination keeps all cables invisible from the front of the desk and the camera position for video calls.
The One Cable That Is Still Wrong
The Elgato Key Light power cable runs from the desk clamp mount down the desk leg and across the floor to the power strip. The clamp position required by the light's angle puts this cable in a slightly visible position when viewed from the left side. Derek is aware of it. He has a solution planned. He has had the solution planned for three months. The cable is still wrong.
What Derek Recommends to Kyle (Repeatedly)
Start with less. Fewer cables produce fewer management problems. Kyle's desk has six separate power bricks for six separate devices that could be replaced by two USB-C hubs. Derek has explained this. Kyle has a plan to implement it. The plan has existed since February.