Today we are going to compare two popular electric standing desks, the VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric and the Uplift Desk 900. Each desk features plenty of similarities, but they also come with a handful of differences. Let’s take a closer look at each to see if one of these electric standing desks is a good fit for your needs.
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After 12 months of testing 20+ electric standing desks the results are in! |
OEM Manufacturer
The VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric has partnered with Kaidi. Kaidi is a vertically integrated Chinese manufacturer based in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. This basically means that they produce all the components for their products in-house. Kaidi has been in business since 1992 and since that time has grown to approximately 1,500 employees worldwide. They are one of the larger Chinese suppliers of linear actuator systems.
Uplift 900 is manufactured by Jiecang Linear Technology, based out of China and established in 2000 as a home care and medical furniture manufacturer. In 2011, they realized an opportunity for adding their linear actuator technology into frames to create electric standing desks. Today they are considered a leading Chinese manufacturer of standing desks.
Where are the components made?
| VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric | Uplift 900 Desk |
| China | China |
| China | China |
| China | China |
| China | China |
Pricing
| VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric | Uplift 900 Desk | |
| 30” x 60” Frame Only | n/a | $424.00 |
| 30” x 60” Laminate | $995.00 | $585.00 |
| 30” x 60” Bamboo | n/a | $585.00 |
| 30” x 60” Powder Coated | n/a | $585.00 |
| 30” x 60” Hardwood | n/a | $1299.00 |
Assembly
VARIDESK is known in the industry for being one of the first to offer standing desks that ship fully assembled. While the ProDesk 60 is too big to ship fully assembled, they do a good job simplifying the assembly process. They even claim that it will only take five minutes to assemble. My first attempt was close, at only seven minutes; it was still the easiest desk I’ve assembled to date. VARIDESK went one step further and included all of the tools required for assembly. This even included a rubber mallet, which naturally was branded with VARIDESK on the shaft.
The Uplift Desk was straightforward to assemble as well, but it wasn’t nearly as quick. The Uplift 900 desk has quite a few bolts and parts required to complete assembly. While most of the bolts went into the holes easily, there were a few that were hard to access. On average, the Uplift Desk should take most users anywhere from 30-90 minutes.
Standard Specs/Features (Frame Only)
| VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric | Uplift 900 Desk | |
| Button Options | Programmable button | Standard up/down push button |
| Lifting Capacity | 250 lbs. | 3555lbs |
| Motor(s) | Dual | Dual |
| Adjustment Range | 25.5” to 50.5” | 24” to 50” (no top) |
| Adjustment Speed | 1.28” per second | 1.33” per second |
| Soft Start – Stop | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-dark LED Display | Yes | Yes (programmable) |
| Leveling Glides | .5” adjustment | .5” adjustment |
| Expandable Frame | n/a | n/a |
| Anti-collision | Yes (software driven) | Yes |
| Overload Protection | Yes | No |
| Frame Material | Steel | Steel |
| Foot Material | Steel | Steel |
Electronics Comparison
Both the VARIDESK ProDesk 60 and Uplift 900 desk feature smart control boxes. The ProDesk 60 electric comes with the preferred single board system and the Uplift Desk a dual board system.
The VARIDESK circuit board is the nicest we have seen from any of the Chinese manufacturers reviewed to date. The VARIDESK control box is built on a two layer PCB circuit board. With the majority of components held in place with stands and permanent soldering, the board was well put together. Because a single board was used there weren’t any cheap plastic connections used to connect multiple boards.
There were a few areas that could use some improvement when compared to higher-end brands like LogicData or Linak. The VARIDESK board was the largest we’ve tested to date and a change to a more compact four layer PCB would be recommended to save space. There was also some caulk used throughout the VARIDESK board. This is the least expensive way for manufacturers to prevent components from vibrating off the circuit board. The need for this is generally eliminated when using stands and soldering. Most of the components were held in place this way, so I’m unsure why there was the additional caulk. Last, the copper wrapping around the toroid core wasn’t as perfect as we’ve seen on the LogicData Smart-e board.
The Uplift Desks control box circuit board was not nearly as clean as the VARIDESK. It was more in line with what we’ve seen coming out of most Chinese manufacturers. Built on a two board system, the power supply is a mass produced component that is being used across many applications. The lack of quality control on these boards is evident and cost savings have to be at the center of the problem. Excessive use of caulk is required to hold components in place, as the large components are only held in place by small wires. There isn’t a consistent amount of caulk used either, it just appeared to be spread liberally throughout the board.
Because two boards are used, the connection between each is with cheap plastic connectors. They create loose connections which pose a significant threat to a desk that has a lot of vibrations. Lastly, the wrapping of copper wires on the multiple toroid cores was poor. Overall, the circuit board was much lower quality than the VARIDESK.
Weight Capacities and Testing
Through testing we were able to verify that each desk was at the minimum able to lift the rated capacities.
The VARIDESK comes with a standard weight rating of 250 lbs. The dual motor system on the ProDesk 60 was able to consistently lift all of the loads we tested up to the max 250 lbs. capacity. While the speed the VARIDESK operated wasn’t overly fast, its ability to maintain 1.28” per second, no matter the load, was good to see. Once the desk was loaded beyond 250 lbs., the overload protection kicked in and stopped the desk from lifting. Overload protection is a good system to prevent users from inadvertently overloading their desk and breaking internal components.
The Uplift 900 has a standard weight rating of 355 lbs. per the brand Uplift. This is a bit of a contradiction as the OEM JieCang only rates the two leg frame at 281 lbs. (1250 Newtons). Through our testing we were able to verify that the Uplift desk is capable of lifting the 355 lbs. Because there isn’t an overload protection on the desk, you can lift loads until the desk stops moving. After 380 lbs. we stopped adding weight for fear of breaking gears or burning out the motors. The desk was consistent with adjustment speed through various loads. The normal operating speed was 1.33” per second. When loaded to 355 lbs., it moved at 1.26” per second. The motors had no issues lifting large capacities through our testing.
Motor Comparisons
The motor setup between the VARIDESK ProDesk and Uplift Desk were very similar. With each using dual internalized motors, from the outside it was hard to see much of a difference. Looking inside there was only a couple of small differences. Most obvious was how each of these systems mimicked that of the Linak DL4 column. This isn’t a surprise, since we’ve found that most Chinese brands are copying the leading brands designs.
One of the first things I noticed about the motor on the VARIDESK was the molded foam that helped hold the motor in the motor box. This is straight out of Linaks DL4 design, which helps to reduce vibrations and lowers the sound when operating. The second similarity was the exposed gear and worm drive on the motor itself. This is where copying a leader isn’t always a great idea, as the exposed motor gear and worm drive is not a good system. The VARIDESK motor pictures show exactly why, as contaminants from the motor box had already started to work their way into the gear. As these work into the gear and worm drive, the motor runs the risk of becoming less efficient with wearing on the gear.
The Uplift Desk motor was similar to the VARIDESK, but not quite as well put together. Made by the OEM JieCang, they have opted not to use the molded foam for sound dampening. They did, however, have the same exposed gear and worm drive setup. This created the same issue with contaminants working their way into the gear and worm drive.
Both motors had excessive amounts of lubricant through the gear and worm drive. The VARIDESK used a clear substance and the Uplift was red. When compared to the DL4’s motor, there was significantly less lubricant on the higher quality Linak product.
Gear Comparisons
The ProDesk 60 and Uplift Desk both use two stage gear systems to provide a wide range of adjustment. The quality between these two brands was pretty significant and fairly obvious when you look at the pictures comparing them. Kaidi is known to cold roll their spindle gears, I am not sure how JieCang is currently producing their spindles.
The VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric gears are some of the best we’ve seen coming from China. After speaking to a rep within the company, I was told they are currently cold rolling these gears. It is important to note there are different levels to this process and perfecting it comes from experience. The grease on the gear was a bit of a turn off, but it is significantly better than alternatives, including the Uplift Desk.
The Uplift Desk gears were not in the same class as the ProDesk 60. At first glance, there was an excessive amount of lubricant throughout each of the gears. I also found that two different types of lubricants had mixed and cross contaminated. I am not sure what they are using for they lubrication, but the amount was a red flag. This appears to be a major issue with quality control, especially after seeing ten different JieCang frames. There was no real consistency across all of the frames. While the Kaidi gears aren’t quite to the same level of Linak or Ketterer, they are much closer than the JieCang products.
The over lubrication wasn’t the only issue I had with the Uplift Desk gear. When you looked at the plastic components that were load bearing in the gear it was a potential problem. Uplift has their weight rating 74 lbs. higher than JieCang. These plastic parts aren’t made from high quality plastics like Delrin and could be a weak point when overloaded. Overall, the VARIDESK gears were better put together and didn’t have these same load bearing issues.
Glide Comparisons
I have talked pretty extensively on this blog about the importance of the glides in electric standing desks. If you haven’t had a chance to read more about them, they are needed for two major reasons. The first is to create the proper fit between two metal columns, creating stability for the desk. The second is to act as a natural lubricant so the metal columns can slide easily. Over time glides will start to break down, with lower quality plastics breaking down much earlier on. When this happens, binding occurs in the legs as they move up and down. This binding can be a nightmare for collision avoidance systems, creating false positives that trigger the collision avoidance system. This will prevent the desk from making full height adjustments where the binding occurs.
The VARIDESK came close to creating a really good glide set up, but ended coming a little short in the end. When looking at a standing desk frame, you will generally have glides on the top and bottom. This is done to counteract any movement in the column. The Kaidi frame used by VARIDESK actually went one step further and has three levels of glides. Two on bottom and one top, but they were not quite the same quality throughout. The bottom two were made from what looks to be a high quality plastic. The uppers were manufactured through a 3D printing process which created some serious fit issues. These glides showed signs of wearing sooner than the better quality glides below. This means the opportunity for the instability to increase was significant. Better precision here would have created a more stable column design, instead the play created issues when the desk was raised to standing height.
The Uplift Desk was quite a bit different than the VARIDESK. The frame design that JieCang used is a knock off from the DL4 column from Linak. The problem, they used cheap plastics for the glides and an excessive amount of lubricant on the glides. The VARIDESK had significantly less lubrication on their glides, which made for a much cleaner frame. JieCang’s excessive lubrication throughout their frame is inconsistent. The latest frame that we had reviewed of the Uplift Desk had dry spots on some of the glides and dripping white grease in other areas. Because they are using lower quality plastics, I believe they require more lubricant to have a properly functioning desk. Of the ten JieCang frames we’ve tested, none have shown the same glide between the columns sets.
Frame and Foot Comparison
Both the VARIDESK and Uplift Desk feature a steel frame construction. The foot construction of the VARIDESK is also made from steel, while the Uplift Desk is made from molded aluminum.
The VARIDESK frame and foot construction was solid, and I was impressed with the quality. Starting with the foot, it was built like a tank, using thick plated steel for the upper and bottom sections. The bottom portion of the foot was stamped for additional strength. Large consistent welds were used to connect the top and bottom sections, with threading tapped in the bottom plate for the adjustable foot glides. This created plenty of threading for a good connection between the glides and foot.
Looking at the upper frame, this too was built like a tank. With upper supports that measure at .135” thick, they were some of the thickest we’ve seen on a standing desk frame. While the columns weren’t quite as thick, they were still within the average for the class. Overall, I found the paint finish and welds were good throughout the entire VARIDESK frame.
The Uplift Desk frame and foot construction were solid, but not on the same level as the VARIDESK ProDesk. The foot design on the Uplift Desk is made from an aluminum mold, which created a stronger foot design than the solid aluminum plate design found on the Xdesk Terra. While it wasn’t as stout as the VARIDESK, it did look nice and didn’t show signs of flexing. Like the VARIDESK, the Uplift tapped the aluminum to create the threading for the adjustable foot glide. My only concern here was the fit of the level glides that were used. They didn’t provide a good fit in the threaded holes for a solid connection and when extended they tended to wiggle.
The upper frame on the Uplift Desk was well built, but not nearly as robust as the VARIDESK ProDesk. The Uplift Desk upper frame was expandable, which is nice for users who might consider changing their desk width at some point during ownership. I like this idea; my only concern is when you add bolts it creates potential for movement in the frame. My suggestion would be to fully tighten and recheck every 3 to 6 months. There weren’t any locking washers or Loctite to hold the bolts in place as the desk vibrates up and down.
One of the most glaring weaknesses of the Uplift Desk frame is linked to the over lubrication in the columns. This is a common issue with JieCang frames and it takes away from what would otherwise be a nice looking frame. As the desk cycles up and down, you will begin to see this lubricant build up, especially on the black colored frames.
How Do They Operate
Both the VARIDESK and Uplift Desk include a soft start and stop mechanism for adjusting. Each desk also includes a software driven collision avoidance system, with similar levels of sensitivity.
The VARIDESK ProDesk 60 comes standard with a programmable switch, while the Uplift Desk requires a small upcharge for that function. The Uplift Desk currently offers a one-touch functionality with all desks that have the programmable button. This function can be easily turned on and off for added safety.
Note: One touch memory is a nice function; however, it is a safety concern with powerful desks. While the Uplift Desks collision avoidance is sensitive enough to sense hard collisions with furniture, hazards still exist with soft collisions. If you have smaller children, pets or furniture that could be impacted by this, please be careful.
Frame Colors
The VARIDESK is available in silver and slate. The Uplift Desk is available in black, gray, white and metallic.
Optional Upgrades
| VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric | Uplift 900 Desk | |
| Programmable Button | Standard | $49 |
| Grommet | n/a | $39/each |
| Locking Casters | n/a | $29/set |
| Wire Management Kit | Included | $68 |
Return Policy
| VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric | Uplift 900 Desk |
| 30 day trial period. If you don’t like it you have 30 days to return it. There are no restocking fees and VARIDESK will cover the return shipping. If you do not hold onto your original packaging, VARIDESK will provide replacement packaging at no charge. | Uplift desk frames and Greenguard laminate, eco and eco curve, bamboo and reclaimed fir or teak desktops can be returned without restocking fees. Customer is responsible for the return shipping costs. Return period is 30 days of purchase. |
Warranty
| VARIDESK ProDesk 60 Electric | Uplift 900 Desk |
| Five year warranty for everything on the desk. | Seven year warranty for everything. The Uplift frame, including the motors, control box, and switch. |
Bottom Line
After taking a closer look at both of these desks, you can see there are plenty of similarities. The Uplift Desk comes with some key advantages. If you are on a tight budget, Uplift will provide a longer warranty and larger lifting capacity for quite a bit less money. You often hear that you pay for what you get and to a certain extent that is true with the VARIDESK. Featuring better components throughout, the VARIDESK is an overall nicer desk. If you are shy to put things together, the VARIDESK is the easiest we have assembled to date. The tough decision comes down to paying 50% more money for better components and quick assembly.
