MojoDesk vs. Varidesk Pro Plus 36 Converter
Are standing desks worth it? What's the difference between Varidesk Pro Plus 36 or other desk converters you place on your existing desk and a true standing desk like MojoDesk for your office or home?
While it’s easy to understand that you do get what you pay for, when it comes to sit-to-stand desks, the difference between a $400 "converter" and a $600 desk can be substantial, with several things to take into consideration.
NOTE: If you are looking for our full electric desk comparison chart, please visit our Compare MojoDesk Electric Standing Desk vs. Varidesk ProDesk review.
Standing Desk Price and Quality
There are many sit-to-stand desks on the market today. The ones that go for $600 or more will generally have superior craftsmanship, use cutting-edge materials, come in a wide variety of colors and desktop surface options, and be very durable while the desks that go for $400 will be deficient in several of the categories above.
The big question: Can $400 really get me a decent sit-to-stand desk? Before we answer that question directly, it’s important to understand that the type of desk you will get in the $400 price range might not really be a ‘desk’ at all. In the sit-to-stand desk world, $400 will get you what is commonly referred to as a sit-to-stand converter.
Desktop Converters are Ergonomically Incorrect
A converter, like the Varidesk ProPlus 36, is an ergonomically incorrect height-adjustable surface that sits on your desktop. It raises and lowers only your keyboard, mouse, and monitor. They use a hand crank to adjust it to the appropriate height. And they pretty much eliminate your desk's surface area.
Lack of Desktop Space
Besides being somewhat difficult to adjust, another downside of converters is that anything on your stationary desktop – i.e. your phone, papers, and other desk accessories – ends up being on a different level than your keyboard and monitor. 36 inches is just not enough If you’re standing, you have to reach for those items. And if you expand to 48 inches you are paying $495, almost the cost of an entry-level full standing desk. That’s a little awkward - and very inefficient.
Standing Desk National Ergonomic Standards
Here are graphics showing the best ergonomic position at a full-size standing desk which cannot be achieved with a desktop converter.
- Distance from the screen: 19-29"
- View angle to the center of the screen: 15-25 degrees downward
- Optimal elbow angle: 90 degrees
- Goal: Neutral wrist alignment
Standing Desk Stability
What about stability? One thing you don’t want when you’re typing on your keyboard is for your monitor to shake. Converters, as well as sit-to-stand desks on the lower end, wobble as you type. Generally, height-adjustable desks are more stable and thus tend to have less monitor shake than converters.
No Keyboard or Monitor Bounce
You also need to take into account your monitor arm – another point for vibration to occur from movement on the desk surface. The heavier the monitor, the more amplified the vibration. MojoDesk is a true sit-to-stand desk. The entire desk surface is height-adjustable for sitting or standing.
Here are a few things that make MojoDesk a real value for your dollar: When we designed MojoDesk, form, function, and durability were front of mind. Our desks are commercial grade built to national ergonomic standards. Our customers include NASA, the FBI, Fire Departments and thousands of 911 call centers that need their employees healthy and alert 24/7.
Commercial Grade Standing Desks
The term "commercial grade" means MojoDesk has gone through rigorous tests by an independent lab to verify they conform to BIFMA standards. What the heck is BIFMA? They are a not‐for-profit trade association for business and institutional furniture manufacturers. Since 1973, BIFMA has been the voice of the commercial furniture industry. Learn more and see the entire testing process HERE.
UL Greenguard Certified
We use top-rated and sustainable materialsand top-notch design to ensure that your desk will last. Our UL Greenguard certified 3D laminate surface is created by using a state of the art manufacturing technique that allows for a variety of surface colors and textures. The entire surface is height-adjustable to precision with the push of a button.
Electric Adjustable Programmable Hand Control
Our desks include a programmable hand control that lets you hit your perfect sitting and standing position every time. Converters and cheaper model sit-to-stand desks don’t do this, so you have to guess every time you adjust the surface height. You manually move it up/down and they usually have 10-15 levels that click into place. You never know if you are sitting or standing with correct posture, which is key to helping alleviate back and neck pain.
Conclusion
All things taken into account, there is a lot to consider when you’re looking for a quality sit-to-stand desk. To be honest, it’s highly unlikely you’re going to be able to buy a quality sit-to-stand desk for $400. Spending a bit more is going to work out better in the long run.
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