What is a Desk Converter or Riser?

A riser or converter is a product you place on top of an existing desk or table to convert your seated workstation into a standing workstation. Thus, it resembles a foldable laptop riser, except with the added benefit of more surface space on your desk, so that you can place more than a laptop and mouse, but rest all your desk essentials on it.

This product differs from your average laptop stand. It’s more apt for mobility and easy storage. It’s also adjustable so you can switch between sitting and standing when you please. On the other hand, a laptop stand only improves your posture in a static workstation. Therefore, it lacks versatility in terms of the ability to change from a seated to a standing position.

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Types of Standing Desk Converters

Standing desk converters comes in different forms and styles. Let’s take a look at the types of standing desks converters:

Corner Standing Desk Converters

As the name implies, a corner-standing desk converter is made for corners. It’s triangular in shape to make it fit perfectly in a corner desk or L-shaped desk, allowing you to optimize more desktop space. These types usually come with a keyboard tray for your mouse, keyboard, as well as other desk essentials.

Electric Standing Desk Converters

Standing desk converters tend to come in different forms. There are manual ones that you have to assemble onto your desk. But if you want an easier shift, there is an electric standing desk converter that is equipped with a tilt mechanism that effortlessly shifts from low to high with a press of a button.

An electric standing desk converter usually has programmable height range settings to free you from the hassle of setting ranges every time you want to transition to your working position. Electric standing desks are automatic and equipped with a smooth lift mechanism, therefore easy to use and navigate while working.

Hover Standing Desk Converters

A hover differs from your average standing desk converter because they are mounted or clamped onto your desk. It resembles a monitor arm but has a work surface you can use every time you transition from sitting positions to standing heights.

However, hovers usually have a limited desk space, able to fit only computer accessories/ products such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So it may not be ideal if you have a lot of equipment you want to take with you when transitioning to a standing position. Further, many hovers have a thin keyboard tray, which can sabotage stability, as well as comfort while typing.

Z-Lift Standing Desk Converters

A Z-Lift is the most popular type of standing desk converter. They are lifted by pushing a lever or brakes. These are preferred by workers trying out the sitting and standing work dynamic for the first time because they make raising and lowering easy, have a wide work surface space, and have a cheap price. 

The most ergonomic kinds of Z-lift risers are those that lift backward or away from you. With this ergonomic movement, you can use the power in your lower body to make adjustments, keeping your back, neck, and shoulder in perfect posture even while you make the transition.

The most popular Z-lift is the Vertdesk converter. A Vertdesk converter has exceeded expectations with its solid and stable design, wide surface area, easy lift, and more. You should consider getting a Vertdesk converter if a budget is not an issue and you want to get executive office solutions and the best standing desk converter features.

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Is a Standing Desk Converter Worth It?

It is recommended that you alternate between sitting and standing while also incorporating brief periods of light activity into your workday. While a full-standing desk does a good job on this, you can also opt for a standing desk converter with standing height adjustment at a more affordable price. You may quickly transition from sitting to standing and back again throughout the course of the day. Plus, you will have less muscle tightness and soreness from sitting in one position all day if you combine this with a few short walks about the workplace to get the blood flowing.

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Benefits of a Standing Desk Converter

A standing desk converter has plenty of benefits, which can be summarized into the following:

It’s better for your health

• You activate more muscles while standing, which improves bone and muscle health
• It reduces common aches and pains from sitting since it improves posture
• It increases blood flow and boosts cardiovascular health
• Better blood and oxygen flow boost brain function and energy
• It decreases blood sugar levels, hence, fewer chances of becoming diabetic
• It decreases the risk of cancer (colon, breast, and endometrial)
• Less body compression means better digestion and increased lung capacity
• It reduces the risk of hemorrhoids

It boosts productivity

• The fewer aches and pains you feel, the more comfortable you are and the more work you can do
• You don’t feel tired after your 9-5, giving you the chance to take on other activities
• You can maximize your time at the office without taking excessive breaks due to body pain.

It has a more budget-friendly price tag compared to a standing desk

• The price of a full standing desk may be out of your budget
• A riser offers all the perks of a standing desk including a monitor mount and space for a keyboard tray and mouse pad but for a cheaper price

It’s convenient to use

• You can use your existing desk, whether that’s at home or in the office
• There’s no need to rearrange or get rid of furniture to make room for a riser
• You can flatten a riser so you can bring it to and from the office, coffee shop, or co-working space
• You don’t need a traditional office desk to use the product — a riser works on tables and any stable flat surfaces
• It’s easier to assemble compared to a standing desk

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How to Use a Desk Riser

Using a riser seems straightforward, but there are a few things for a new standing desk user to keep in mind to make the most out of the product:

Adjust your chair

A standing desk converter won’t get rid of all your back pain if you’re not seated properly on your chair. The right chair lets you lean back while maintaining a straight spine with your feet flat on the ground, so adjust your chair accordingly for lower back support.

To fully maximize the benefits of the sit-to-stand working dynamic, you also need to invest in a good ergonomic chair. Check out our guide for the best ergonomic chairs in the market and find one that suits your needs and preferences.

Don’t stand for your entire shift

First-time users of stand-up desk risers need to avoid standing for long hours a day. Instead, start by sitting for 40 minutes and then standing for 20 minutes. Once you’re comfortable or used to being on your feet for 20 minutes at a time, switch positions every 30 minutes. Eventually, you want to build up to standing for 40 minutes.

Although a riser or stand-up desk encourages you to stand, standing for too long also has its downfalls. Thus, it’s best to strike a balance between sitting and standing while working.

Wear comfortable shoes

Because you’ll be standing for long periods of time, it’s important that you wear shoes with the proper support. Without the right shoes, aching feet will discourage you from standing as you work.

Consider a standing mat

If you have your own office or work from home, you can place a mat underneath your stand-up desk for extra cushion and comfort for your bare feet. Additionally, you can invest in a standing mat to keep you on your feet for longer.

Feel free to move as you stand

Just because you’re standing, it doesn’t mean you have to stay still. Rather, use your standing time to stretch, tiptoe, and basically activate more movement in your feet and legs every 10 minutes or so. 

Moving around like this will increase blood circulation and keep you mentally focused. To help keep your body moving, you may also want to add background music if that helps your focus. You can also invest in a standing mat that encourages foot movement.

Adjust the riser so you’re looking forward at your screen, not down

Whether you’re standing or sitting, your laptop screen or monitor height should be slightly below eye level, thus preventing neck strain, eye strain, and slouching. Furthermore, you should angle your screen a little lower so that your neck is in a more natural position.

While most sit-stand desk converter products would have monitors standing on the desk surface, you can also find more advanced ones that can accommodate a monitor arm. For these types of risers, you can clamp your monitor arms so as to elevate your screens and keep them slightly below eye level, hence avoiding strain on your upper back and neck.

When sitting, your arms should form an “L” shape

Having good posture is not just about adjusting your back and legs. In fact, the position of your wrists and arms is just as important in preventing strain injuries, so make sure your wrists and forearms are straight while your elbows are at your sides, regardless if you’re sitting or standing.

As much as possible, your shoulders and arms should fall naturally while you type on your computer so as not to cause unnecessary pressure on your upper body.

Don’t forget to take breaks

Most users with converters think that the short time it takes to adjust it can be considered their work break. But even with this new, dynamic setup, do remember to take breaks every once in a while. Walk around your office, eat lunch out, etc. 

No matter how ergonomic your set-up is, nothing beats taking a breather. It’s not only beneficial for your body, but for your mind as well. Pounding on your computer and forcing yourself to accomplish your task is rather counterproductive. You think you’re able to accomplish a lot more, but in reality, you’re just exhausting your brain and it’s taking you longer to do your work. 

On the other hand, if you give yourself permission to go on short breaks, you can better enjoy more productivity. Your brain works faster and more attentively, so you can check items off of your to-do list faster — not to mention that the quality of work you are able to do is better.

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What to Look for in a Sit-Stand Desk Converter

Surface Space

A riser is supposed to help you transition between sitting and standing while working. So you want to have a lot of surface space in terms of desk depth and width that will enable you to work naturally and easily — without having to slouch to grab your mouse, pen, or other office materials. 

To know how much space you need, also determine what desk essentials you will be using while working. If you use two screens, then you need desktop space that’s large in desk depth and width and can accommodate the sizes of your screens. Some desk converters come with a keyboard tray and keyboard shelf and have two spacious tiers that you can utilize to fit everything you need for a day’s work.

It’s important not to limit your surface area while working. The more space you have, the more your body can move naturally and you’re put in a better position to practice proper ergonomics. Forcing yourself to work with a small surface area can cause your body to maintain awkward positions, which takes a toll on your posture in the long run.

With this feature, products like the Ergotron Workfit Z Mini and Varidesk Pro Plus 36 are also worth considering.

Ease of Use

The transition between sitting positions to standing shouldn’t be a hassle, or else it defeats the entire purpose of having a standing desk converter. Adjustability should be as smooth as possible, considering that you will be doing it quite a lot during your 9-5 work hours. A good riser is one that is easily adjustable, preferably one with a lever, crank, or built-in desk electric motor that adjusts the converter seamlessly. 

You should also be wary of the smoothness of the transition. You don’t want to experience the headaches of the motor or lever getting stuck while you’re trying to adjust the standing height of your riser. There are many electric converters, some of which we mention in this list, that have smooth-running lifts that adjust swiftly and easily.

Stability

The work surface of your riser should be as stable as your desk itself. After all, no one wants to work on a trembling or shaking surface, otherwise, that disrupts your productivity. And imagine how annoying it will be to have your desk bouncing around while you’re trying to check things off your to-do list! Ergonomics requires comfort, less stress, and less hassle. So you want to do your part by ensuring these three factors marry in your ergonomic equipment. 

When it comes to desk risers, the frame is usually in charge of providing stability. Look for one that has a sturdy steel frame that keeps the entire base in place even during heavy pounding on your keyboard and keyboard tray. 

Ergotron Workfit Z Mini and Varidesk Pro Plus 36 are two further models with comparable stability that are worth exploring.

Build Quality

Until you’re ready to invest in the best standing desk, you want to be able to use your converter to mount it on top of your existing desk, center table, or even kitchen table for a long time. Keep build quality in mind when looking for a riser to invest in. Make sure it’s durable enough to sustain years of use. 

Furthermore, there are certain questions you should ask yourself when buying a riser:

• What desk height range do you need? Is the riser suited for taller or shorter users?
• What is your monitor height? What is your existing desk height? 
• What is your ideal work surface size? Do you need more ample space for multiple or dual monitor setup, note-taking, etc.? Will you need a separate tray for your keyboard and mouse? Or a storage tray for your other accessories?
• How much weight limit can the riser take? Is your laptop heavy? Or will you need a desk riser sturdy enough for a computer monitor or dual monitors?
• How important is portability? Do you have different workstations or offices? How heavy is the desk riser?
• Is the product durable? Is it waterproof or scratch-proof?
• What do the product reviews say about the desk riser? What are the pros and cons?
• Does it have a fair price? Is the price worth it for its features and benefits?

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