# I Built the (almost) Affordable Knockoff of MKBHD's Desk Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMp3TPlEBQg Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/fMp3TPlEBQg Generated: 2026-02-26T23:33:56.688+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The creator successfully built a functional replica of Marques Brownlee's (MKBHD) desk setup, costing significantly less than the original, achieving a similar aesthetic for only $5,923 compared to Marques' $33,330 total, though the replica desk base wobbles slightly and the Pro Display XDR knockoff monitors are not color-accurate. **Key Points:** - The replica desk setup cost totaled $5,923, which is $27,407 less than Marques' total desk cost of $33,330. - The desk used is a VIVO Large Standing Desk ($370) with black legs and a white top, which exhibited slight wobbling due to its four-legged design compared to Marques' two-legged setup. - The replica setup includes a 3D-printed Mac Mini case styled like the Mac Pro, which the creator found cool but noted the power button placement was slightly inconvenient for installation. - The replica monitors mimic the look of the Apple Pro Display XDRs but are 27-inch 6K IPS panels costing $1,700 total, significantly cheaper than the $7,000 Pro Display XDRs, but lack color accuracy. - The audio setup includes Yamaha HS5 monitors ($400 for the pair) on Auralex isolation pads and Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones ($179), which the creator highly recommends over the more expensive HD 650s ($400). - The webcam used in the replica is the $100 OBSBot Meet 2, which the creator suggests is a good value compared to the $300 Opal C1. - The replica setup successfully achieves a similar aesthetic to Marques' desk, with the primary differences being the monitor quality, desk stability, and the use of a 3D-printed Mac Mini case instead of the actual Mac Pro. ![Screenshot at 00:04: The initial comparison shot clearly shows the creator's white, large standing desk setup featuring dual monitors, flanking studio monitors, and the silver Mac Pro replica on the far left, setting the stage for the budget recreation challenge.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/fMp3TPlEBQg/00-00-04.jpg) **Context:** This video documents the process of recreating a significantly cheaper version of popular tech reviewer Marques Brownlee's (MKBHD) desk setup, referred to as the 'knockoff desk.' The goal was to mimic the aesthetic and functionality of Marques' expensive setup using more budget-friendly alternatives, including a standing desk, dual monitors, specific peripherals, and custom computer cases, while comparing the costs of the replicas versus the original high-end components. ## Detailed Analysis The video details the construction and comparison of a budget knockoff of Marques Brownlee's (MKBHD) desk setup, which originally cost $33,330. The creator aimed to replicate the look for much less, achieving a total cost of $5,923. The foundation is a VIVO Large Standing Desk ($370) with a white top and black legs; however, the creator notes that while the desk is wide enough, its four-legged design causes it to wobble, unlike Marques' sturdier two-legged desk. The computer component is a custom 3D-printed case for a Mac Mini that mimics the look of the Mac Pro, which was difficult to install due to internal cable routing. The dual monitors used are 27-inch 6K IPS panels costing $1,700 total, which look physically similar to the Apple Pro Display XDRs ($7,000 each) but lack the color accuracy. For audio, the creator uses Yamaha HS5 monitors ($400 pair) on Auralex pads and Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones ($179), strongly preferring them over the more expensive HD 650s ($400). Other accessories include an Artisan mousepad ($160 per pad), a Keychron Q1 Max keyboard ($209), and a Logitech MX Master 4 mouse ($120) paired with a Keychron M6 mouse ($50) for comparison. The webcam used is the $100 OBSBot Meet 2, which the speaker praises for its 4K recording and compact magnetic stand, contrasting it with the $300 Opal C1. The total knockoff price of $5,923 is significantly lower than the original setup's cost, but the creator notes that the replica desk wobbles, and the aesthetic replication of the monitors is not perfect. ### Desk & Structure - VIVO Large Standing Desk ($370) with white top and black legs - Desk wobbles due to four-leg design; Marques' desk has two legs - Desk surface is divided into three sections, which the creator finds slightly odd. ### Computer Tower - 3D-printed case designed to look like the Mac Pro, housing a Mac Mini - The creator notes internal cables made installing the power button difficult; the replica is significantly cheaper than the real Mac Pro. ### Monitors & Peripherals - Dual 27-inch 6K IPS monitors ($1,700 total) used instead of Pro Display XDRs ($7,000 each) - Keychron Q1 Max keyboard ($209) with custom keycaps - Logitech MX Master 4 mouse ($120) compared against the Keychron M6 mouse ($50) - Two Artisan Mousepads (Ninja FX, $160 each) used for mouse surfaces. ### Audio Gear - Yamaha HS5 studio monitors ($400 pair) on Auralex isolation pads - Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones ($179) preferred over HD 650s ($400) - Universal Audio Apollo Twin X ($1,000) compared against the budget-friendly Audient EVO 4 ($145) audio interface. ### Webcam - OBSBot Meet 2 ($100) used instead of the Opal C1 ($300) - The OBSBot offers 4K recording and a compact magnetic stand, making it a recommended budget option. ### Cost Comparison - Marques' Desk Total: $33,330 - Knockoff Total: $5,923 - The knockoff setup saves approximately $27,407 compared to the original. ![Screenshot at 00:02: Close-up of the red Artisan Ninja FX mousepad, branded 'Made in Japan,' highlighting the replica's attempt to match high-end accessory choices.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/fMp3TPlEBQg/00-00-02.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:22: The Apple Mac Pro replica tower stands next to the dual monitors, emphasizing the visual goal of copying the high-end computer's aesthetic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/fMp3TPlEBQg/00-00-22.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:37: The red Artisan mousepad displays the four smartphones being tested: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, an iPhone \(likely 14/15 Pro black\), and an iPhone \(likely 15 Pro blue/silver\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/fMp3TPlEBQg/00-01-37.jpg) ![Screenshot at 04:22: The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X audio interface \($1,000\) is shown next to the much smaller, budget-friendly Audient EVO 4 \($145\), used as a substitute.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/fMp3TPlEBQg/00-04-22.jpg) ![Screenshot at 11:23: A direct side-by-side comparison graphic showing the Sennheiser HD 650 \($400\) next to the Massdrop Sennheiser HD 6XX \($179\), illustrating the cost savings on the headphones.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/fMp3TPlEBQg/00-11-23.jpg)