How We Test

Our testing philosophy

We measure what matters at real working heights for real bodies—fit, stability, noise, and serviceability. Every score is traceable to a documented protocol so you can understand the trade‑offs before you buy.

Fit and height‑range validation

• Anthropometrics: We map 1st–99th percentile body dimensions to required desk heights for seated, perching, and standing postures, targeting neutral shoulder and wrist angles.
• Usable range: We verify a desk’s minimum and maximum usable heights under load and note knee‑clearance constraints, crossbar interference, and foot positioning with treadmills/under‑desk bikes.
• Multi‑user setups: We check memory‑preset accuracy and drift across users of different heights, including child‑lock behavior.

Stability and vibration

• Protocol: With a standardized 25–35 kg distributed payload, we test at seated height, mid‑stand, and tall‑stand (e.g., 100 cm+). We apply measured lateral and front‑back forces and record displacement with sensors/indicators.
• Outputs: Lateral wobble onset height, front‑back deflection per Newton, resonance tendencies, and damping time. We report where typing or video calls become visibly shaky.

Speed, noise, and control accuracy

• Lift speed: Average ascent/descent in mm/s with and without load, including ramp‑up/ramp‑down behavior.
• Noise: dBA at 0.5 m and 1 m on hard floor and carpet, noting tonal peaks (whine, rattle) and building transmission concerns for apartments.
• Presets: Memory set/recall accuracy to the nearest millimeter; drift after 10 cycles; collision‑recover behavior.

Surface durability and materials

• Abrasion: Rub cycles with standardized media; gloss and texture changes.
• Spills/heat: Water/coffee staining and ring tests; brief heat exposure and edge‑band integrity.
• Materials transparency: VOC/finish claims, substrate type, and sourcing disclosures when provided.

Capacity and safety

• Static and dynamic load checks to confirm realistic working capacity (including dual/triple monitor arms).
• Anti‑collision: Force‑limited obstruction tests using blocks and a spring scale; child lock verification and behavior on power loss.

Serviceability and total cost of ownership

• Parts: Availability of legs, controller, handset, feet, and fasteners; price and lead times when public.
• Design: Modular mounting patterns, standard hardware, accessible cabling, and firmware update paths.
• Documentation: Exploded diagrams, wiring labels, and warranty clarity. We score repairability and estimate long‑term costs.

Assembly and cable management

• Time to build with common tools; pilot holes/pre‑drill accuracy; alignment tolerances.
• Accessory fit: Grommets, crossbar clearance for clamp‑on arms, tray and channel compatibility.

Scoring and transparency

Each desk earns category scores (Fit, Stability, Noise/Speed, Serviceability, Surface/Build, Assembly) plus an overall rating with weightings published in the review. We include measurement ranges, not just single numbers, and note lab limitations.

Long‑term tracking

We re‑test after extended use and log failures (electronics, wobble creep, noise changes). Reviews are updated when results change.

Requests and challenges

Have a desk or an aspect you want tested? Email [email protected] with the model and your question. If your experience conflicts with our data, we’ll attempt to replicate and update openly.