Are gaming desks ergonomic?
Gaming desks, unless specifically designed to be so, are as ergonomic as any other kind of desk. That said, many gaming desks are not height adjustable, which is a huge factor relating to whether or not any desk is ergonomic or not. Although some do have adjustable legs, they lack the ability to adjust on the fly like a sit-stand desk does. The best ergonomic gaming desk will be height-adjustable at the very least, allowing you to sit or stand as desired.
According to statistics, there are currently over 2.8 billion active video gamers worldwide.
Gamers invest ample time and resources to get the best PC with high-resolution monitors, terrific-sounding headsets/stereo speakers, backlit keyboards, ergonomic gaming chairs, to create the true battle station atmosphere.
However, one thing that’s often absent from their list of must-haves is an ergonomic gaming desk.
Unknown to many gamers, an ergonomic workstation is just about as important as any of those other high-performance gaming accessories.
But the level of comfort it provides has become a hotly debated topic among most gamers.
The typical gaming desk height allows your arms and wrists to be in a neutral position —parallel to the floor or angled down toward your lap to reduce strain.
Gaming desks are tailor-made for gamers, with special features like extra storage, impeccable aesthetics, and sufficient desk space to enhance their gaming experience.
There’s enough space for your feet, knees, and thighs. Some gaming desks also come with a screen stand that helps improve the monitor viewing angle, thereby reducing the strain on your neck.
And yet there are several additional questions about gaming desks left that we need to answer.
What makes a good gaming desk?
What is the best ergonomic gaming desk?
Are they affordable?
How do you choose the right gaming desk?
What are the differences between a gaming and a regular desk?
Can I use a standing desk for gaming?
Do they contribute to the success of your gaming career?
In this post I’m covering everything you need to know about what makes for a quality gaming desk for your rig.
By the way – before we get too far along here, if you want to get more great ideas for your home office and connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best join my free private Facebook group, Battle Station Setup here.
What Features Should An Ergonomic Gaming Desk Have?
Ergonomic gaming workstations, without a doubt, contribute to the glamour, comfort, and ambiance of your gaming setup.
Here are some boxes that an ergonomic gaming desk must tick.
Durability
Gaming is an intense exercise that provokes different emotions and reactions from humans.
Therefore, the ideal gaming desk must be sturdy and have a substantial load-bearing capacity to carry heavy-duty gaming accessories and withstand frequent bashing from rage quits – pun intended.
Also, a gaming PC is heavy, and when coupled with multiple monitors and other peripherals, the collective weight can increase significantly. A gaming desk needs to have enough load-bearing capacity to withstand this.
When shopping for gaming desks, be sure to read through the reviews from other gamers to determine the sturdiness of the desk before purchasing it.
Size and Setup
Imagine going through all the stress to scout and buy a durable desk only to realize it’s too big to fit into your gaming space or too small to contain all your gaming components – what a nightmare that would be!
To avoid this, it’s vital to know what size space you’re using for your gaming setup.
You will also have to select the desk style that works for you as there are quite a number of them to choose from, including:
- L-shaped straight corner gaming desks
- L-shaped curved corner gaming desks
- Standing gaming desks
- Foldable gaming desks
- Cubicle rectangle gaming desks
Make sure that the desk height is adjustable so you don’t find yourself slouching over your desk and that the entire dimensions of what you’re looking at will fit the space you’re using.
Adjustability
Some gamers really want to set themselves up with a particular sitting position.
While this may be something that’s uber-comfortable in the moment, bad posture and just sitting for too long in general can cause serious health issues in the long run.
Because being in unhealthy positions can adversely affect your longterm health, it’s a better idea to get an adjustable desk that supports different standing and sitting positions.
Budget Desk for Short and Tall Gamers – The It’s_Organized Adjustable Computer Desk can go as low as 24″ and as high as 32″, adequate for people 5’0″ – 6’10” tall.
It’s_Organized Gaming Desk 60 Inch Large Manual Height Adjustable Black Gaming Computer Desk, Home Office Standing Table Long Computer Sturdy Executive Workstation for 3 Monitors with Free Mouse Pad
- 60 Inch Large Gaming Computer Desk Adjustable height with 5-Level Manual Lifting which suits the most comfortable posture. You could lift from 24” to 32”.
- One of the sturdiest, wide surface, and 60 Inch large Height Adjustable Gaming Table. Provides almost 3 monitors supporting or 165 lbs max load with accuracy assemble.
Ergonomics
All the other benefits of owning a gaming desk will count for nothing if the ergonomics is poor.
Therefore, you need to ensure that whatever gaming desk you’re buying is ergonomically designed to give you premium comfort.
Storage and organization
Another essential criterion for selecting a gaming desk is storage and accessories management system such as shelves, cup holders, cable grommets, headphone hooks, etc.
Aesthetics
The best ergonomic desks are styled to complement the design of your setup and improve the overall gaming experience.
What Is The Best Size For A Gaming Desk?
The best size for a gaming desk would depend on your body structure and the gaming equipment you own.
However, an average gaming desk must be around 40 to 60 inches wide to hold multiple display monitors and other gadgets.
We recommend that you look out for gaming desks that are about 25 to 36 inches deep. This will give you the luxury of using a broad keyboard and with enough arm space.
For professional gamers who might require even more space, a large gaming desk that is at least 60 inches wide and 30 inches deep would be a perfect fit.
| Ideal Height | Sitting Adjustable Gaming Desk:
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Minimum: 25” – 30”; Range = 5”
Optimal: 22” – 33”; Range = 11” |
Your elbows and underarms should form a 90 -100-degree open angle when using the keyboard or mouse. Wrists should be straight, and your shoulders should be relaxed. |
| Sit-to-stand Adjustable Gaming Desk | Minimum: 26” – 40”; Range = 15″
Optimal: 22” – 47”; Range = 25″ |
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| Ideal Depth | 30” – 36” | Full-sized multiple gaming monitors, keyboard, extended mousepad, wrist rests, keyboard tray, microphone | |
| Ideal Width | 32” – 72” | Full-sized multiple monitors, gaming keyboard, extended mousepad, wrist rests, keyboard tray, microphone, other equipment | |
Source: Health by Design
Note: You should always consider your body dimensions and comfort level to find the right desk height. There is no perfect gaming desk height that fits-for-all. Check out our Desk Size Guide to find out more.
What Kind Of Desks Are Suitable For Gaming?
You will find tons of desks that could pass for a gaming workstation, but not all of them are ideal for this purpose.
To most people, a desk is just a flat surface to throw their stuff on. For gamers, it is a different story.
A gaming desk should be sturdy and wide enough to accommodate several display monitors, considerably large keyboards, and other devices that improve the gaming experience.
It must also have additional storage compartments and cable management features to keep your gaming accessories organized and easily accessible. Furthermore, a suitable gaming desk must be customizable and versatile to serve as a workstation.
Cup holders, charging handle rack, support for dual monitors, headphone hook, and a good weight capacity are crucial for comfortable gaming sessions.
What Are The Differences Between Regular Office Desks and Gaming Desks?
Regular office desks and gaming desks are built for different users. Nevertheless, they both share some similarities and can serve multiple purposes.
| Features | Office Desks | Gaming Desks |
| Sturdiness | Less Sturdy | Very Sturdy |
| Comfort and Ergonomics | Comfortable for office/remote workers | Comfortable for gamers |
| Adjustability | Has relatively poor adjustability features | Completely adjustable/customizable |
| Affordability | Quite affordable | Not very affordable |
| Aesthetics and Style | Poorly styled (At least for gamers) | Better styled |
| Extra Features | None | Cup holder, cable grommets, headphone hook, charging handle rack
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While regular office desks are in no way inferior, gaming desks have been specifically designed to match the needs of what a gamer needs.
Both are equally comfortable and can be equally ergonomic but gaming desks are better styled and fully customizable. Office desks, on the other hand, are generally more affordable.
Are Gaming Desks Worth It?
Yes, they are well worth the money, especially for regular gamers who spend several hours each day immersed in intense gaming sessions. Gaming desks can help improve your posture and prevent backache problems when you use them correctly.
The best gaming desks offer you a large weight capacity and enough desk space to accommodate your PC, display, and other gaming accessories.
Should I Buy A Gaming Desk?
Cup holder, cable grommets, headphone hook, charging handle rack, and space for all your gaming gear — what’s not to love?
An immersive gaming workstation is as important as your gaming skills.
A regular old-styled desk will allow you to place your peripherals on top and hop into a competitive match but will not necessarily give you that gaming vibes you’re looking for. Moreover, regular, non-gaming desks don’t necessarily have all the gamer-friendly features you want either.
What Is The Best Ergonomic Gaming Desk?
There are several gaming desks in the market currently; you might even become overwhelmed trying to determine which one is right for you.
But not to worry, we’ve researched extensively to create this list of the very best gaming desks you can choose from.
ApexDesk AX7133LO-M Elite Series (BEST OVERALL)
ApexDesk AX7133BK Elite Pro Series W Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk (Memory Controller, 71″ Black Top, Black Frame)
- Debuted in 2015 and for six years running, the Elite Series has been the favorite of reviewers and users. Many improvements have been made over the years. The desk has become more stable, quieter. We’ve updated packaging to reduce shipping damages to a minimum. Replacement parts are shipped within 24hrs from Los Angeles if shipping damage occurs. The desk ships in three packages and may arrive 1 to 2 days apart.
- One-piece solid 1” thick top. At 71” wide and 33” deep (27.6” at mid-section), it can hold up to three screens and is one of the largest standing desks in the market. The top is made of laminated MDF with 8 colors to choose. For a sophisticated look, the edges are beveled except 12.75” of mid-section on the back so devices with shorter C-Clamp can be mounted. The top comes with preinstalled metal anchors for easy installation & can be reinstalled any time.
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The ApexDesk Elite Series is rated by the Cable News Network (CNN) as the overall best gaming desk (2021), and we cannot help but agree. This height-adjustable desk is flawlessly designed to offer maximum support and comfort to gamers.
Setting aside the price tag for a moment, the ApexDesk Elite Series motorized desk is unrivaled as the go-to gaming desk in this category.
The height of this desk can be adjusted from anywhere between 29 to 49 inches at the push of a button.
All that said, it’s not the cheapest option, but in this case, you really do get what you pay for.
Arozzi Arena Ultrawide Gaming Desk
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Measuring 63 inches wide and 31 inches deep, the Arozzi Arena is one of the most spacious and premium gaming desks you will find around.
It is sturdy and wide enough to hold up to three display monitors without obstruction or shaky leg movements.
Homall Gaming Desk (Best Affordable)
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If you are on a tight budget, look no further than this very affordable option from a trusted brand.
The Homall gaming desk is bang on value for money. It’s sleek, ergonomic, and has all the features we’re looking for in a gaming workstation.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve been able to unravel the mystery behind gaming desks and ascertain that they’re indeed ergonomic, you are less likely to make the wrong choice when next you go shopping for one.
Keep in mind that the best gaming desk is one that fits you and your gaming gears like a glove.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive model.
Just pick something that offers unique benefits and improves your general gaming experience, using the information in this article as a guide. You’ll almost certainly make the correct decision nine times out of ten.
Next Steps
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