INTRODUCTION

   Gaming desks may be the number one choice for casual users and gamers all over the world but motorized "standing" desks (and desk risers) are clearly far more popular among professionals basically because they allow for different working positions (thus keeping your body active at all times). Granted motorized height adjustable desks are still very new in the market (not to mention that there aren't that many models available to begin with) so there's quite a bit of room for improvement but for people who want the extra "workout" while at home or work these can actually help (according to several studies standing desks can help people burn far more calories than they would normally and can also boost productivity). ApexGaming has quite a few standing desks and desk risers in their product lines (from their ApexDesk brand) and today we'll be testing their Elite ZT Desk Riser.

   Apextechusa has been specialized in the computer/electronic business in the United States for over 20 years. And Solytech Cooperation, a listed company in Taiwan with 30 years expertise in computer products manufacture, is a well-recognized manufacturer by most of the well-known gaming brands. ApexGaming is the win-win joint venture of these two leading companies. From product development, manufacture, marketing to sales, the vertical business integration provides the scale needed to support the best quality products to customers with the agility of a focused, efficiently-structured organization.

   In order to use a motorized desk riser, you already need to own a desk to place it on (if not any high surface will do) and that "requirement" is pretty the reason as to why we feel that standing desks take the lead. That being said however the Elite ZT Desk Riser by ApexGaming (currently available in all black, black and walnut and all white colors) sports quite a few interesting features and specifications including a maximum weight capacity of 41Kg, two 15.7mm thick MDF (medium-density fibreboard) scratch resistant surfaces, thick steel frame, USB charging port (for mobile devices) and of course adjustable height from 14.5cm up to 46cm (via two small buttons located on the right side). ApexGaming also covers the motor of the Elite ZT Desk Riser with a 2 year limited warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

We received the ApexGaming (ApexDesk) Elite ZT Desk Riser inside a large box that has the brand name at the top.

The model name, size, weight, country of manufacture and selected color are all printed on both sides.

As expected, the desk riser is secured with two thick cable ties (so that it doesn't open when you remove it from the box), wrapped inside a plastic bag and placed inside a formed piece of styrofoam.

Nothing exciting in terms of bundle since the Elite ZT is packed only with its power adapter and cord.

THE ELITE ZT

The 25Kg heavy, 91.5cm long, 61cm wide and 14.5cm tall (lowest point) Elite ZT is actually as large as many desks we've seen (minus the height of course).

As mentioned earlier leaving out the top MDF surface there's a smaller secondary one (63.5cm long and 24cm wide).

This retractable piece of MDF is ideal for use with a keyboard (full or tenkeyless) and a mouse.

The 15.7mm thick top MDF surface should withstand much heavier objects than just 41Kg (still because of the motorized function you can't surpass that number).

The steel frame used is also extremely sturdy so build quality is very good overall.

As you can all see this is the motor of the Elite ZT and although very small it's more powerful than expected.

The power connectors feature safety clips so you don't have to worry about disconnecting them by mistake.

You can adjust the height of the desk riser via two buttons located on the right side right next to a blue activity LED and the USB charging port.

The blue activity LED turns on whenever you actually push one of the buttons.

Here we see the Elite ZT extended all the way to 46cm.

We decided to use the Elite ZT Desk Riser by ApexGaming with our Philips Brilliance BDM4037UW (it weighs just 11.6Kg so we did a separate test afterwards with weights totalling at 29Kg again without issues).

CONCLUSION

   The Elite ZT Desk Riser by ApexGaming/ApexDesk proved to be a very interesting product but as mentioned in the introduction page we do think that motorized standing desks are far more practical mainly because you don't need anything else in order to use them. That being said standing desks cost quite a bit more compared to desk risers so that could be the decisive factor for some people who may decide to better invest on a more affordable desk riser instead. Moving to build quality things couldn't be much better and the same goes for the motor used since it's able to raise the desk all the way up to 46cm in just 24.3 seconds and lower it all the way back to 14.5cm in just 22.2 seconds (most people however will hardly ever choose the highest and lowest positions so these numbers are just for reference).

   With a current price tag set at USD239.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 292Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) the Elite ZT Desk Riser by ApexGaming/ApexDesk may not be exactly “affordable” but it does retail for almost half as much (even less in some cases) compared to most motorized standing desks. Overall however if you want to try standing up while working or studying the Elite ZT is without doubt among your most affordable options and since it works as advertised it’s certainly worth our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Weight Capacity (41Kg)
- Available In 3 Colors (Black/Walnut/White)
- USB Charging Port
- Height Adjustment (14.5cm-46cm)
- Two MDF Areas (Top/Retractable Bottom)

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Total Height (Compared to Standing Desks)