In some instances, PC gamers may not give much importance to the position of their monitor screens. However, where you place your screen can have a significant impact on your comfort, longevity of gaming, and overall performance. There are a few things to consider regarding your monitor setup, and getting each of those rights can have a tremendous effect on your gaming experience in the long term. So, this article highlights 4 things to keep in mind when setting up your monitor for gaming.
While this article is focused on PC gamers who use a keyboard and mouse for their controls, some of these tips are also applicable to gamers who use controllers or those who game on their consoles. Thus, we provide some setting-up tips for console gamers or controller users in some of the relevant sections of this article. With that said, let's get into setting up your monitor.
5 Things to Keep in Mind When Setting Up Your Monitor for Gaming
It's important to note that even professionals working from home or an office can also benefit from these tips on setting up your monitor. PC gamers who use a mouse and keyboard setup also must sit upright as professionals should when working at an ergonomic desk. Thus, the same rules for the ideal positions apply in this instance. So, here are 4 things to keep in mind when setting up your monitor for gaming.
1. The Ideal Height of Your Monitor
Whenever you're setting up your monitor for gaming, you must understand that there's no one ideal height measurement that works for everybody. You need to find the height that best suits you based on where you're seated and your torso height. So, if you play your games in a shared space, such as a gaming venue, then you should adjust the monitor height based on your requirements each time you start playing.
That is why it's crucial to buy and use an ergonomic monitor arm that allows you to move your screen in multiple directions and move significant distances once installed. This is relevant for home gaming setups or public ones. Flexispot has a range of monitor arms, such as the D7L, which allows its user to get excellent adjustability in all directions.
Here's an easy way to determine the ideal height:
Sit in your seat and in the position that you will remain in for the entirety of your gaming session. For example, if you're a PC gamer who's using a mouse and keyboard, you'll need to sit in your ergonomic gaming chair. Make sure you're sitting upright with your backrest adjusted to 100 to 110 degrees. On the other hand, if you're gaming on a couch with a controller, then make sure you're sitting in the most comfortable position. Try to avoid rounding your shoulders.
Increase or decrease the height of your monitor using your monitor mount so that the upper half (or upper quarter if you want to be more accurate) is at about your eye level. This way, you won't need to look upward or downward at your screen, reducing neck and eye strain. It also helps reduce the chances of you compromising your posture over time because your neck will be in line with the rest of your body.
2. The Ideal Distance of Your Monitor from Your Eyes
One of the most important things to keep in mind when setting up your monitor for gaming is the distance of your screen from your eyes. The ideal distance is about arm's length from your eyes. At this distance, you will most likely be able to see all of the content on your screen clearly. At the same time, you won't be too close to the screen, i.e., at a point where you'll need to move your eyes and neck a lot to see the corners of the screen. Minimal eye movement and preferably no neck movement is perfect for helping you reduce eye and neck strain.
Also, if you sit too far from your screen, you may find yourself constantly leaning forward to improve your visibility. In that case, you may lift your back off the backrest, which can compromise your lumbar support and potentially even result in rounded shoulders. So, the ideal distance of your monitor from your eyes helps improve the chances of maintaining good posture when gaming or working.
3. Making Sure That Your Monitor Is in Front of You and Not Your Keyboard
You'll see many pictures of gaming setups that have their keyboard right in front of their monitor because it looks more aesthetically pleasing because of the symmetry of the setup design. However, that's not a good idea in terms of ergonomics and functionality. The reason for that is that it will put you and your arms in awkward positions that may lead to shoulder and neck pain. If left untreated, consistent strain can also lead to an injury.
So, the ideal position is for you to place your monitor right in front of you. Don't try to sit in front of your monitor. Instead, position yourself and your ergonomic gaming chair at the ideal position at your desk, where you have adequate room for your arms and legs. After that, move your screen so that the center of your screen is right in front of your face. This way, you'll be able to move your eyes to an equal distance to look at either end of the screen.
You should also note that you should always sit in front of your screen if you're using a controller to play games on your PC or gaming on your console. You want your neck and eyes to be in a neutral position without looking in any direction when staring at the center of your screen. You must understand that gaming sessions can last for hours in some cases, and staying in an uncomfortable neck position for that long can become problematic.
4. What to Keep in Mind When Positioning Your Keyboard and Mouse
At the same time, you should then position your keyboard and mouse according to this position. To determine the best position when gaming, place your hands shoulder-width apart. Any more flexion than that can lead to pains in your shoulders. So, your keyboard hand should rest exactly on the WASD keys on your keyboard. On the other hand, your mouse hand should be resting with the mouse in the center of your mousepad when it's in a neutral position. So, most likely, your keyboard will be off-center from your monitor, but that is all right because it will help reduce strain on your shoulders and neck.
5. The Position of Your Screens When Using a Dual-Monitor Setup
Some gamers also use a dual-monitor setup. They can use this setup in different ways, especially if they purchase and use a dual-monitor mount from FlexiSpot that allows users to position their screens in widescreen positions, one widescreen and the other in a portrait position, or both in portrait positions.
So, if you're using a widescreen dual-monitor setup to have a better field of view in your game, then you should position your screens in a way that the point where the screens meet is right in front of you. In that case, you will be seated right at the center of your screens, allowing you to move equal distances to see content on either end of your screens.
Some gamers also stream themselves playing, and they may use a dual-monitor setup to ensure that one screen is dedicated to their streaming platform. Some gamers may stick with a widescreen orientation, but others may choose to use a portrait orientation for their streaming screen.
Regardless of what position you choose, it's best if you still place your screen used for gaming right in front of you. When streaming, your focus will still be predominantly on your gaming monitor with some glances at your streaming screen. So, you should make sure that you're limiting your neck movement when you're gaming to reduce the risk of straining your neck and causing yourself a pain in the long term.
In addition to that, it's best to place both screens beside each other with no space in between them. That way, you can reduce the amount of movement you must make to look at your streaming screen. Less movement can reduce the risk of neck strain.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know these 4 things to keep in mind when setting up your monitor for gaming, you can ensure that you reduce the risk of pain and injury and perform at your best potential. Basic ergonomics can help you maximize your efficiency and help you have more fun when gaming.
