Welcome to the Ergotron Workfit-Z mini sit-stand desktop review. You’ve seen thousands of others rave about having the freedom to sit and stand at their desk, so why are you still limited to just sitting all day? If you’re searching for a robust standing desk converter that can fit into the snuggest of desks or corners, then this product could be what you’ve been dreaming of.
In this article I’ll guide you through the key features and components of this product and explain to you not only the positive traits of the unit, but also the negatives associated with it that misleading sales pitches try to camouflage.
You’ll also develop an understanding of why this product has acclaimed thousands of flattering reviews despite steep rivalry in the sector.
Let’s get started.
Product overview
The Ergotron Workfit-Z mini sit-stand desktop is the most compact design in the range of Ergotron products which makes it an ideal candidate for anyone working with a tight desk space. The smaller size of this converter also gives it the added bonus of being one of the cheaper standing desk converters in the Ergotron range of products. Users benefit from the opportunity to alternate between sitting and standing, a concept that is widely recognised in the field of health and ergonomics for a never-ending range of health benefits.
Indeed, that point aside, standing desk converters as a whole are a more cost-effective way to transform your desk area into a sit standing desk when compared with other sit stand options, such as electric sit stand desks.
Minimal assembly
Leave your tools in the drawer!
It’s so simple to set this unit up as it comes ready to install straight out of the packaging. All you need to do is remove the packaging, place the unit on your desk of choice. Then all that’s left to do is place your devices, such as monitors or laptop and keyboard on top of the workstation.
No sweat, blood or tears shall be shed!
Before you know it, in a matter of minutes, you have a sit stand desk setup which awards you the opportunity to alternate between sitting and standing as often as you like throughout the day. Adjusting the height of the desk converter is also extremely effortless with the hand brake lever.
Some reviewers even boast that they could raise and lower the height with just one hand!
It’s surprisingly easy to raise and lower the height too despite the amount of weight that the unit may be bearing. So fortunately, if you have back pain or musculoskeletal injuries, you shouldn’t need to worry about this.
Tip: Zip ties are included in the box so that you can easily manage your cables and tidy them away.
Height Range
Some standing desk converters have a very limited range of height adjustability, which can pose ergonomic issues for taller people who find that the unit doesn’t raise itself high enough. Consequently, the person ends up having to crouch or deviate their neck just to see the screen.
The height range of the standing desk converter is 31.8 cm (12.5 inches) which should be sufficient for the majority of heights.
If you’re of a taller stature, it would be wise to consider measuring the height of the desk that you plan to use and see if the height of the desk combined with the height range of this standing desk converter and your monitor height will be suitable for you.
Tip: It’s paramount that the top of the monitor is in line with your eyes while standing, otherwise you run the risk of bending your neck or back to see the screen.
Compact Design
The compact design of the standing desk converter is an excellent feature which allows the unit to be positioned in even the smallest of spaces. Unlike many competitor units, the Ergotron Workfit-Z mini sit-stand desktop remains within the original footprint.
This is attributable to the height adjustment moving in a vertical direction as opposed to upwards and outwards. Additionally, when the keyboard is pushed in and out, it does not force you backwards or affect your posture.
There are also various ports located throughout the unit which allows you to feed cables through so that they can be neatly kept out of your way.
Monitors
This desk converter offers you the flexibility of holding either single or dual monitors, or even a monitor and laptop. With 2 monitors or a monitor and laptop placed on the work surface, they fit perfectly and even offer some space for office accessories at the front of the desk. That combined with the devices tab means that you’ll be able to fit the items you need neatly without overburdening the unit or making it look cramped.
The unit can cater to 2 monitors that are up to 24 inches. The size limits means that if you have multiple larger-sized monitors, it may be best to opt for a larger standing desk converter so that the size and weight of the monitors is accommodated. If, on the other hand, you have one monitor that is larger than 24 inches, the work surface should be able to handle it.
If you are looking to free up some work space or you find that the monitors or your laptop take up too much space on your work surface, you could always consider investing in a monitor arm; this would allow the monitors or laptop to be mounted on your desk and free up prime real estate on your desk converter.
Tip: The option also exists to for an arm to hold a monitor and laptop side-by-side.
Keyboard
The keyboard tray moves in tandem with the top work surface, and there’s a clearance of about 4.3 inches between the keyboard tray and the work surface. It’s worth noting that the keyboard tray is locked in position and can’t be adjusted. This is probably somewhat beneficial in terms of ergonomics as it should keep your arms and upper body aligned with the rest of you as you alternate between sitting and standing postures.
The keyboard tray is somewhat on the compact side compared to the other larger standing desk converters. Some reviews claim that it may not fit all keyboards. However, I compared the dimensions of the keyboard tray with a couple of standard full-size keyboards and they seemed to give adequate clearance for keyboard and a mouse.
If you use a full-sized keyboard along with a mouse, the keyboard may need to be aligned to the left of the tray as opposed to being in the centre. But if you do enjoy plenty of space, this along with the clearance between the keyboard tray and the top surface may be something you need to consider.
Highlights
- Design has been optimised to efficiently utilise space on smaller desks.
- Beautiful woodgrain finish which brightens up your desk.
- Dedicated devices tab to conveniently store your tablet or phone.
- Integrated cable management features to ensure a tangle-free, tidy work area.
- One of the most compact in the range of Workfit sit-stand desktop workstations.
- Adjusts vertically which ensures it doesn’t consume your work area at varying heights.
- Space-saving layout which is ideal for small or shallow work spaces and desks.
- Very easy to raise and lower the height.
- Ships fully assembled – no requirement for tools or expensive technicians to assemble it.
- Sits directly on desk, so no need for special mounting to desks.
- Extremely strong and robust design which you can lean on without worrying about it swaying.
- Plenty of accessories available to enrich your comfort and experience.
- Made from quality, durable ABS plastic material.
- Includes 2-year warranty.
Product specification
|
Description |
Ergotron Workfit-Z mini sit-stand desktop |
|
Part Number |
33-458-917 |
|
Colour |
Dove grey woodgrain surface, black frame |
|
Monitor Size | Up to 24 inches |
|
Number of Mountable Monitors |
2 |
|
Screen Stability |
Excellent |
|
Maximum Weight Capacity |
25 lbs / 11.3 kg |
|
Adjustable Height |
Yes |
|
Height Range |
31.8 cm / 12.5 inches |
|
Lift Direction |
Vertical |
|
Work Surface Dimensions |
31 x 21 inches / 79 x 53 cm |
|
Fits on Desk Surfaces |
Minimum 22 inches / 56 cm deep |
|
Suitable for Corner Desks |
Yes |
|
Installation Type |
Free standing unit |
|
Keyboard Tray Dimensions |
24.5 x 9.1 inches / 62 x 23 cm |
|
Keyboard Type |
Pull out keyboard |
|
Accessories Available |
Yes |
|
Weight of Unit |
32 lbs / 14.5 kg |
|
Shipping Dimensions |
34 x 27 x 8 inches / 86 x 69 x 20 cm |
|
Shipping Weight |
42.3 kg / 19.2 lbs |
|
Ships Fully Assembled |
Yes |
|
Ease of Installation |
Excellent |
Verdict
For what is considered the baby in the range of Workfit sit stand desk converters, this unit really packs a powerful punch. The robust design is something I thought would not prevail in this product due to the nature of its size. However, it’s just as sturdy, professional looking and rugged as the bigger brothers of the product family. It’s also commendable how much space is made available considering the dimensions and small desk depth that this unit can fit to.
I love the woodgrain effect and the device tab, both of which are not found on the other products in the range. The cable management system is also a welcome feature as it ensures cables can be directed through holes to prevent them cluttering up the desk.
There are some basic, yet essential criteria that I require a sit-stand desk converter to possess, these include:
- Being able to lean on or write on the unit without it swaying or toppling over.
- Having adequate space when typing or using the unit.
- Ensuring that the keyboard or other components do not push me away from the monitor.
- Ensuring the unit can reach the necessary heights so I do not have to deviate my posture.
- Being easily adjustable without causing excessive noise or struggling to raise or lower the height due to the weight.
- Being reasonably affordable.
- Having a good warranty.
- Having good reviews on the product.
I can confidently conclude that the Ergotron Workfit-Z mini sit-stand workstation has passed all of these criteria. It’s an excellent solution for those who are tight on space but want the option of being able to sit and stand at their desk.
The only one consideration that I would point out would be for those who prefer a spacious keyboard. For the majority of people, there should be adequate clearance, but pay attention to your keyboard size and the clearance space between the keyboard and upper work surface.
Would I recommend it to a friend or family member?
Absolutely, if they were looking for a unit to fit in a small area, there wouldn’t be any other unit that I’d suggest.
| For ✓ | Against ✘ |
|
Sturdy structure and professional grade |
Not as spacious due to the mini size |
|
Relatively low weight makes it more mobile |
Keyboard tray is slightly compact |
|
Easy to raise and lower height | |
|
Keyboard doesn’t affect your posture | |
|
Beautiful woodgrain surface effect |
Conclusion
If you’re interesting in buying this product or seeing the complete range of Ergotron products, check it out by following this link:
While the above type of standing desk converter is one of the most prevalent types available on the market, there are a range of other alternatives sit stand desk options that you can choose from.
If you think that you would benefit from a larger standing desk converter, then why not have a quick read of this article where I review the
Are you exploring the option to improve your posture or do you suffer from pain after sitting for long periods of time? Do you own a standing desk converter or this sit stand desk converter? What is your opinion of them? Please share your comments and queries in the box below.
Sources
https://www.ergotron.com/en-gb/products/product-details/33-458#?color=grey woodgrain
https://www.ergodirect.com/19015-ergotron-33-458-917-workfit-z-mini-sit-stand-desktop-workstation.html