One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, “What is the difference between your VertDesk v3 and the Jarvis standing desk?” The answer that we provide is typically a surprise to our customers. The truth is, our VertDesk v3 might not be a good fit for everyone. In fact, there are plenty situations where the Jarvis desk will be a better option. The comparison that I will be providing today is designed so that you can cut through the marketing junk, and get to the info that really matters. Through my comparison, you will know which product is the best fit for your needs.
Full Disclaimer: We are an office furniture dealer and sell some of the sit to standing desks we review. To learn more about the products we sell, our review process and why you can trust us, please visit: Why we’re different. Who is BTOD.com and The Breakroom Blog?
VertDesk v3 vs. Jarvis Desk
– OEM Manufacturer
– Where Are Components Made?
– Pricing
– Assembly
– Specs / Features
– Stability
– Electronics
– How They Operate
– Return Policy and Warranty
– Bottom Line
OEM Manufacturer
The Jarvis standing desk is currently produced by the Jiecang Linear Technology company, located in China. The company was formed in 2000 as a medical furniture manufacturer producing components for adjustable beds. In 2011, they saw an opportunity to utilize their linear actuators within desk frames. This would provide the foundation for their electric standing desk line. Today, they are considered one of the leading products of standing desks made in China.
The VertDesk v3 is currently manufactured by K&A Mfg. Inc., makers of the standing desk brand, NewHeights. Based out of Wisconsin, they were established in 1985 as an ergonomic products manufacturer. Over the last three decades, K&A Mfg. has evolved to manufacturer a full line of office products. They also provide OEM manufacturing for many large organizations and government agencies, including BTOD.com. K&A has been manufacturing electric standing desks for over 15 years.
Where Are The Components Made
| VertDesk v3 | Jarvis | |
| Frame | Taiwan | China |
| Electronics | Hungary | China |
| Gears | Germany | China |
| Assembly | USA | China |
2025 Pricing and Lead Time
Pricing is always on the top of mind for customers, especially with a large purchase like a standing desk.
| VertDesk v3 | Jarvis Extended | |
| Expandable Base (no top) | $735.99 (not expandable) | n/a |
| 30” x 60” Laminate | $859.99 | $1025.00 |
| 30” x 60” Bamboo | n/a | $1075.00 |
| 30” x 60” Hardwood | $1,703.00 | n/a |
| Lead Time | 5 Business Days | 2 Business Weeks |
| Where to buy | Buy VertDesk at BTOD.com | Buy Jarvis at HermanMiller.com |
Assembly Process
Depending on your skill level, each desk will take approximately 30-90 minutes for assembly. This includes assembly of the base and attaching the base to the work surface.
Similar to the Uplift 900 desk, the Jarvis ships without the feet and work surface supports attached to the columns. The design of their upper frame is slightly different than the Uplift Desk and access to the screw holes can be a little tricky. We also recommend adding a gel, like Loctite Threadlocker, to prevent the screws from coming loose, specifically on the foot assembly.
The VertDesk v3 has the feet and upper supports welded to the columns. The VertDesk v3 pain point can be found inserting the hex rod into the leg opposite the motor. If the gear inside the column isn’t perfectly aligned, you may need to use a wrench to turn the hex rod 1/12 to slide into the column. The cross support hardware has Loctite Threadlocker applied at the factory; this will ensure a secure connection once attached.
Standard Specs/Features Base Only
| Features | VertDesk v3 | Jarvis Desk |
| Button Options | Standard up/down push button | Standard up/down push button |
| Lifting Capacity | 275 lbs. | 350 lbs. |
| Motor(s) | Single | Dual |
| Adjustment Range | 27” to 47.5” | 22.5” to 48.75” (no top) |
| Adjustment Speed | 1.55” per second | 1.32” per second |
| Soft Start – Stop | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-dark LED display | Yes | Yes |
| Leveling Glides | .5” adjustment | .25” adjustment |
| Expandable Frame | n/a | 42.5” to 74” Wide |
| Anti-collision | Yes | Yes |
| Overload Protection | Yes | No |
| Frame Material | Steel | Steel |
| Foot Material | Steel | Steel |
Stability Testing
One of the most important aspects of any standing desk is the stability. This is especially true when your desk is raised to a standing position. Standing desks have two specific motions that will affect how efficiently you work. The front to back rocking motion and a left to right wobble.
Jarvis Stability Testing
VertDesk v3 Stability Testing
Note: Regardless of the electric standing desk selected, it is important to always fully tighten the hardware. Without proper assembly, all standing desks will have stability issues when extended.
Weight Capacities and Testing
The Jarvis Desk’s dual motor system is rated with a 350 lbs. lifting capacity. During our testing we overloaded the desk with 380lbs and the motors were capable of lifting the load. The average speed after ten cycles was 1.32”/second. While overloaded with 380lbs., the desk only dropped to 1.26”/second.
Note: During our research we found that the OEM manufacturer Jiecang shows a different capacity of 1000N (224.808 lbs) for the Jarvis Base. They list each column has a max capacity of 800N. Without a traditional cross support, the Jarvis desk has quite a bit of left to right wobble (significantly more when compared to Uplift). This leads me to believe that Jiecang limits the capacity for stability reasons.
The VertDesk v3 single motor system offers a more conservative 275 lbs. lifting capacity. With the ability to turn off the controls boxes overload protection, we then loaded the desk to 380 lbs. The VertDesk v3 is strong enough to lift the load; however, the rate of speed for adjustment dropped more percentage wise than the Jarvis. The average speed for the frame is 1.55”/second after ten cycles. When overloaded to 380 lbs., the speed dropped down to 1.27”/second.
Electronics Comparison
Both The VertDesk v3 and Jarvis offer smart electronic control box systems. Each offering a standard two button, up and down button. They also offer an optional four position memory function.
How Do They Operate
Both desks utilize a soft start and stop mechanism, with a collision avoidance system. Depending on the load, both desks operated around the 50-55 decibel mark. The Jarvis Desk has a slightly lower hum than the VertDesk when the motors are in motion. Both operate very smoothly.
One thing we found during our Jarvis Desk review was that the desk stays in motion for about .5 seconds after the button is released. This also happens with the other Jiecang products, including the Uplift Desk. The VertDesk v3 stops when the button is released.
Both desks include one touch button that allows you to select a height and release the button. The desk will then move to the preset height and stop.
Frame Colors
| VertDesk v3 | Jarvis Desk |
| Black, White and Silver | Black, Silver, White, Alloy, Grove, Indigo and Violet |
Desk Top Options
If you decide to get the entire desk with top, the VertDesk v3 and Jarvis are available in an assortment of top options. The Jarvis Desk currently has a better selection of top colors and sizes.
Optional Upgrades
| Programmable Button | $49 | $35 |
| Power Option | $39/each | $39 single |
| Locking Casters | $29/set | $29/set |
| Wire Management Kit | $68 | $39 (no power strip) |
Return Policy
| The VertDesk v3 desks are returnable with no restocking fees and free return shipping | Jarvis frames do not have a restocking fee, but customers are charged for the return shipping charges. |
Warranty
| Lifetime warranty on everything. | 15 years on Jarvis frame (components, mechanical parts, motors and electrical components. Desktops have a 5 year warranty. |
Bottom Line
After having the opportunity to test each product extensively, they definitely both offer advantages depending on your needs. Jarvis will provide you with more top options and a wider range of adjustability. They also have a shorter warranty period and less customer friendly warranty policy. The VertDesk v3 offers better stability at all heights, includes top-of-line electronics and is assembled in the USA for better consistency. It’s smaller range of motion and limited selection of top options could be a deal breaker though. Regardless of the desk you decide on, making a healthy change to your workspace will always be worth the investment.
More Standing Desk Resources
- The 4 Best Electric Standing Desks Under $800
- How long will your VertDesk v3 last? We tested to find out.
- VertDesk v3 vs. NewHeights XT: Which is better?
- A Standing Desk Evolution: VertDesk v1 and V2 vs. VertDesk v3
- VertDesk v3 Accessories Explained
- How Much Does an Electric Standing Desk Cost?
- An Honest Comparison: Electric vs. Crank vs. Desktop Converter
