Theo Park (@theo)

builds quiet software, buys loud keyboards

Desk gear I use

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Apple - Studio Display

Brand: Apple · Category: Tech & Tools

A 27-inch 5K Retina display that acts as a dedicated, high-fidelity hub for your Mac.

Built-in speakers, a sharp camera, and multiple ports keep your desk clean by consolidating audio and connectivity.

True Tone and anti-reflective coating make for a comfortable, natural viewing experience during long work sessions.

Worth it if you want a seamless, plug-and-play monitor that matches the color accuracy and build quality of your laptop.

Skip unless you are fully committed to the Apple ecosystem, as the proprietary features are designed specifically for macOS.

apple.com

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Keychron - Keychron Q5 Mechanical Keyboard

Brand: Keychron · Category: Tech & Tools

A full-sized mechanical keyboard built with a heavy, solid metal frame.

The layout includes a dedicated number pad and a programmable rotary knob for quick volume or tool adjustments.

It features a clean, dark aesthetic with subtle teal accents on the escape and enter keys.

Grab this if you want a reliable, substantial board that feels like a permanent fixture on your desk.

Skip unless you are ready for a heavier, wired typing experience that prioritizes build quality over portability.

keychron.com

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Grovemade - Wool Felt Desk Pad

Brand: Grovemade · Category: Tech & Tools

Dense, merino wool felt provides a soft and quiet surface for your mouse and keyboard.

The material is naturally stain-resistant and holds its shape without fraying at the edges.

It adds a layer of warmth to a hard desk surface, dampening the sound of typing and clicks.

Grab this if you want to anchor your workspace and prefer a tactile, matte texture over plastic or leather.

Keep in mind that felt can be tricky to clean if you frequently eat or drink directly over your keyboard.

grovemade.com

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Logitech - MX Master 3S Bluetooth Edition

Brand: Logitech · Category: Tech & Tools

A high-performance wireless mouse designed for precision and quiet operation.

Features soft-touch tactile clicks that are significantly quieter than standard models.

Tracks accurately on almost any surface, including glass, thanks to an 8,000 DPI sensor.

Worth it if you want a reliable, ergonomic daily driver that won't disturb a shared workspace.

Includes a travel case for those who move between home and office setups.

logitech.com

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Everyday carry I use

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Bellroy - Hide & Seek Wallet

Brand: Bellroy · Category: Other

A classic bifold that manages to stay slim even when fully loaded.

The leather is gold-rated and soft, featuring a hidden bill compartment to keep larger notes tucked away.

It includes four quick-access slots for your most-used cards and a protected section for the rest.

Grab this if you want a traditional wallet silhouette that won't create a bulky pocket bulge.

Check your currency height before ordering, as the LO and HI versions are sized specifically for different bill lengths.

bellroy.com

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Peak Design - Everyday Backpack Zip

Brand: Peak Design · Category: Places & Travel

A streamlined, minimalist take on the classic camera bag with a clean, rounded silhouette.

Dual side-access zippers allow you to swing the pack around and grab gear without taking it off.

Internal FlexFold dividers let you customize the main compartment for camera bodies, lenses, or daily essentials.

Grab this if you want a low-profile daily carry that keeps your tech and gear organized but doesn't look like a traditional photo bag.

Worth noting the 15L size is quite compact, so check your laptop dimensions if you plan to carry a larger machine.

peakdesign.com

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Leatherman - Wave+ Multi-Tool

Brand: Leatherman · Category: Other

A classic, full-sized multi-tool that packs 18 essential implements into a single stainless steel frame.

Features replaceable wire cutters and locking blades that can be accessed with one hand.

Feels substantial in the palm, balancing a heavy-duty build with a surprisingly compact folded footprint.

Worth it if you want a reliable, do-it-all companion for home repairs, camping, or daily carry.

Skip unless you are ready to commit to the weight of a professional-grade tool in your pocket.

leatherman.com

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Field Notes - Original Kraft 3-Pack Memo Books

Brand: Field Notes · Category: Other

These are the quintessential pocket notebooks: 48 pages of smooth white paper wrapped in a rugged, saddle-stitched kraft cover.

They feel substantial in the hand but slim enough to disappear into a back pocket or a crowded bag.

Available in graph, ruled, or plain interiors, plus a mixed pack if you want to test which grid suits your workflow.

Grab these if you need a reliable, no-fuss place to capture fleeting thoughts or sketches throughout the day.

Skip unless you prefer a soft-cover notebook that is designed to get a little beat up as you use it.

fieldnotesbrand.com

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Builder books I recommend

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Addison-Wesley Professional - The Pragmatic Programmer: 20th Anniversary Edition

Brand: Addison-Wesley Professional · Category: Books & Learning

A foundational text on software craftsmanship that focuses on the philosophy of coding rather than specific languages.

This 20th anniversary edition updates the original advice for modern development workflows and team environments.

It reads like a collection of practical, bite-sized lessons on how to think, solve problems, and manage technical debt.

Grab this if you are looking to move beyond syntax and start building more maintainable, thoughtful systems.

Keep in mind that the advice is timeless and conceptual; it works best as a reference you return to throughout your career.

amazon.com

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O'Reilly Media - Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann

Brand: O'Reilly Media · Category: Books & Learning

A foundational text for understanding how to build reliable, scalable, and maintainable software systems.

It moves past the buzzwords to explain the core principles behind databases, distributed systems, and data processing.

Expect a deep dive into the trade-offs of modern architecture rather than a simple how-to guide.

Worth it if you are a software engineer or architect looking to understand the mechanics of the tools you use every day.

Skip unless you are ready for a dense, technical read that prioritizes long-term concepts over quick fixes.

amazon.com

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John Ousterhout - A Philosophy of Software Design

Brand: John Ousterhout · Category: Books & Learning

A concise, opinionated guide to managing complexity in codebases.

Moves past basic syntax to focus on the high-level architecture that makes systems maintainable.

Reads like a series of practical design principles rather than a dry academic text.

Grab this if you are tired of fighting your own code and want a clearer framework for making structural decisions.

Best suited for developers who have moved past the beginner stage and are ready to think about long-term system health.

amazon.com

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Rick Rubin - The Creative Act: A Way of Being

Brand: Rick Rubin · Category: Books & Learning

A collection of short, meditative essays on the nature of creativity and the artistic process.

Rather than a step-by-step manual, it reads like a series of gentle reminders for anyone trying to make things.

The hardcover edition is substantial and tactile, making it a nice object to keep on a bedside table.

Worth it if you want a low-pressure companion to dip into when you feel stuck or need a shift in perspective.

Skip unless you prefer philosophical, open-ended guidance over practical project management.

amazon.com

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