MSI’s RGB monitor arms are brilliant. They’re just not shiny enough

I don’t like RGB gamer lights. 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 new RGB accessory: MSI’s RGB-bedecked VESA monitor mounts. In fact, I don’t think they go far enough with it.

MSI has announced two new VESA arm models: the MPG MT201RG and MPG MT201DRG. 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.

These are pretty standard but solid designs, with quick-release plates for easy monitor installation, gas spring lifting mechanisms, and a maximum capacity of 44 pounds, which should be enough for even oversized monitors. 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.

MSI

Alright, enough of the boring normal stuff. 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.

This RGB lighting is a good idea. 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 gaming monitors. Rather, I think this actually makes a lot of sense specifically for ergonomics.

At the risk of sounding like every parent who tells their kids not to play video games in a totally dark room, you shouldn’t play video games in a totally dark room. 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.

Bias lighting is great. 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.

Michael Crider / Foundry

If anything, I think MSI’s RGB monitor arms aren’t shiny enough. 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.

Somebody please make me a VESA monitor arm with a Wi-Fi lamp—a lamp, not just an accent light—built into it. 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.

Speaking of money, MSI has priced these arms at £89 and £149 for the single and dual designs, respectively, according to KitGuru. 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 features and name brand, but I’d love it a lot more with just a little bit of extra functionality.