Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Review

The Simplest Solution isn’t Always Best

Stand Steady’s X-Elite Pro differs from most other standing desk converters in that it does not feature a keyboard tray—it’s a bold design decision with important implications for ergonomics. The X-Elite Pro is simply a rectangular surface that can be raised up to 16” over your desktop. It’s lightweight, sleek, and cheaper than fancier converters like the Varidesk.

We’re always interested in exploring and testing different approaches to office ergonomics. However, part of the reason we do so is to highlight shortcomings that first-time buyers might never consider—and the X-Elite is, unfortunately, a perfect example of a product that’s appealing on the surface, but falls apart under scrutiny.

No Keyboard Tray, No Monitor Arm, No Service

When you’re typing at standing height, your wrists need to be straight. The most ergonomic way to accomplish this is with a tilting keyboard tray. However, not everyone has access to one of these, and that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily out of luck. You can still keep your wrists (close to) straight on a flat surface while standing—you just need to make sure that this flat surface is at the right height for your arms. Otherwise, you risk discomfort and strain in the short term.

The problem is that your arms and your eyes want different things. Your arms want the keyboard to be lower, while your eyes want the monitor to be higher (the top should be at eye level.) This is typically accomplished through the use of a monitor arm. Because the X-Elite folds down to the surface of your desk, clamping monitor arms won’t fit it. The combination of no monitor arm and no keyboard tray renders the X-Elite, in our opinion, unsuitable for typing for long periods. You could attach a monitor arm if you plan never to fold your X-Elite down to surface level, but that kind of defeats the purpose of an adjustable-height surface in the first place.

There are a few additional problems with the design of the X-Elite, especially for shorter users. When it’s at the minimum height, it’s still 2.5” higher than your desk, which could prove to be an issue if your desk is already on the higher side. It’s higher up than the keyboard tray of the Ziplift or Varidesk would be when lowered, for instance.

Finally, the work surface itself is rather small. Fitting two monitors, or a laptop and monitor, is a risky proposition considering both the small surface and the measly 20 lb weight capacity. (We did load the converter up to 20 lbs in our lab, and we found that it was an accurate limit.)

Quality

In terms of build quality, the X-Elite is a mixed bag. The very first thing we noticed was that it arrived fully assembled and instantly ready to use. It’s also a lightweight product at only 27 lbs, meaning it’s easy to move from surface to surface. For home users who don’t want to purchase multiple standing desk converters for multiple rooms, this could be a big deal.

But the good news kind of stopped there. The second thing we noticed was that the X-Elite makes a pretty unsettling noise when changing height, both elevating and descending, as its plastic caps grind against its metal base.

Part of the appeal of a height-adjustable work surface is that you can set it at your own perfect height for standing—shorter users, for example, won’t want to set their converters at the highest level. The problem with the X-Elite is that its surface doesn’t quite lock into place at any position other than its highest and lowest settings—anything in between has a noticeable “springiness” to it when you apply any sort of pressure. As you lean on your keyboard, you move the surface down significantly. This is indicative of poor quality brakes, and it raises questions about the long-term life of this product. This could explain why it only has a one-year warranty.

Lastly, when you lower the X-Elite to its lowest setting, it has a tendency to “crash” down as it approaches the bottom. This is due partially to the inherent design of X-lifts, and partially to its cheap air-piston counterbalance.

Note: After several weeks of testing, we also noted the lift handle presents a bit of a pinch threat. Make sure not to place your fingers inside as you lift upwards. A thoughtless attempt to transition from sitting to standing could turn into some painful finger crunching.

The Takeaway

We’re not sure what exactly the X-Elite should be used for—perhaps drawing, arts and crafts, or something else we haven’t thought of that requires a medium-sized, flat, raised surface. We feel strongly that it should not be used for typing for an extended period of time. Additionally, it should be used sparingly in the company of others, due to the annoying noise it makes when changing height.

For more reviews like this, check out our Standing Desk Converter Comparison Review. To narrow your search just to this price bracket see our expert review staff’s recommendations of the Top Stand Up Desk Converters Under $350.

And to make sure you’re getting the most out of your converter, check out the iMovR Tucker Pro Cable Management Kit for standing desk converters. It’s the first kit on the market designed specifically for standing desk converters.

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