By Celeste McLaughlin, Ergonomics Manager
More and more sit/stand options are coming onto the market every day. Here is a round up of some of the most common ones we get asked about. Prices are approximate at the time of this post. We are available for consultation on identifying a sit/stand option which would work best for your specific needs.
Electric Height Adjustable Desk $695-$1500
When choosing a desk, we recommend buying a quality brand with a good warranty from a local vendor. We also recommend desks with a height range which is at least 26″-52″ to meet most users needs. The larger the height range a desk has, the better it is able to be used by multiple users. These desks have come down significantly in price recently, and some are comparable in price to the desk top units.
Pros: Electric height adjustable desks or bases which can be attached to existing work surfaces are the preferred solution in most situations. The entire work surface can be raised and lowered so desk work can be done while either sitting or standing. It is also a cleaner look than having a sit/stand device mounted on a desk. Monitor weight limits, the number of monitors, and the sizes of monitors are not issues like they are with the desktop units. The majority of desktop units cannot accommodate larger than 24″ size monitors or more than a certain amount of monitors. Desktop units also have smaller weight limits of the equipment they can hold compared to an electric height adjustable desk. There is room on the desk for tech devices which sometimes do not fit on the desktop unit keyboard platforms. The height range of electric height adjustable desks exceeds that of desktop units. The desks are available in many different styles, shapes, and finishes.
Cons: Some desks are high priced. Prices of desks depend on the size of the desk and the number of legs needed. Electric height adjustable desk bases will not work with every existing desktop. If that is the case, a new desk top would need to be purchased.
Varidesk $395
http://www.varidesk.com/
Pros: It does not require mounting to a desk. There is a dual monitor option.
Cons: The keyboard surface of the Varidesk raises to 14″ above the work surface, but it does not adjust lower than the desk. This is a problem for a lot of users, especially women, for whom the standard desk is already too high. Keying on a too high work surface causes the risk factors of wrist/arm compression and elevation of the shoulders. These risk factors can contribute to a user developing a cumulative trauma disorders. In order to lift a Varidesk, you have to be in a bent over non-power position. Lifting something in a non- power position increases a user’s risk of injury from lifting an object. The height range above the work surface is not tall enough for some users.
Ergotron Workfit-S $400
http://www.ergotron.com/ProductsDetails/tabid/65/PRDID/378/Default.aspx
Pros: The keyboard surface lowers 4″ below the work surface which is a plus for employees for whom the existing work surface is too high. The height range is 12.5″ above the work surface. There are a number of different mounting options. There is a larger keyboard surface available and a tall kit which can bring the monitor height higher than usual. There is a dual monitor version.
Cons: The monitor distance is fixed and could be too close for some users. The unit is heavy and large. It requires mounting. The height range above the work surface is not tall enough for some users.
ISE Activate $600-800
https://www.ise-group.com/products/height-adjustable-tables/sit-stand/activate-sit-stand/
Pros: The biggest pro is the height range of this device. The keyboard surface adjusts 8.5″ below the work surface and 17.5″ above it. There is a grommet or clamp mount option. There is a dual monitor version. There is a larger keyboard surface, work surface, and task light add on if desired.
Cons: The arm is so long, the base has to be clamped onto the desk to the side of where the arm will be used. This takes up extra desk space. There is a 19lb total weight limit for monitors (approximately 9.5lbs per monitor if using dual monitors). This is a light monitor weight limit. It requires mounting. It is one of the more expensive options. The height range above the work surface is not tall enough for some users.
Humanscale Quickstand $799-$849
https://www.humanscale.com/products/product.cfm?group=quickstand
Pros: The keyboard platform raises 15″ above the work surface, which is a decent range. There is a dual monitor version.
Cons: It is one of the more expensive options. It requires a specific clamp mount which will not fit on some desks and there are no other options. The keyboard platform does not adjust lower than the work surface. You have to have a full on reach when lifting in and it requires a non-power position to lift it. The height range above the work surface is not tall enough for some users.
Kangaroo Desk $499-$599
https://www.ergodesktop.com/content/kangaroo-0
Pros: Keyboard surface raises 16.5″ above the desk, which is a decent range for a desktop unit. The keyboard surface is large. There is a dual monitor version. There are different colors available.
Cons: It is only available for purchase through their website. The stabilizing leg needs to be used to avoid tipping hazard. The keyboard platform does not adjust lower than the work surface. The height range above the work surface is not tall enough for some users.
Ergotech Sit/Stand $750
http://ergotechgroup.com/one-touch-sit-stand.html
Pros: No mounting is required on some of their units. There are multiple mounting options on other units. Electric adjustment makes it easier to adjust than some of the other desktop units. There is a dual monitor version. It goes 20″ above desk which is very good standing range for a desktop unit.
Cons: It is one of the more expensive options. It does not lower below the work surface. The height range above the work surface is not tall enough for some users.
ESI Ergorise Climb and Climb2 $773-$923
http://www.esiergo.com/series/ErgoRise/
Pros: The keyboard surface height range is 4″ below and 13″ above which is decent. There is a dual monitor option.
Cons: It is one of the more expensive options. There is only one mounting option, it clamps on the back of the work surface. It has a smaller shelf than the other desktop units. The height range above the work surface is not tall enough for some users.
