The Corsair Platform:6 Elevate standing desk promises a premium experience for gamers and professionals alike, boasting a hefty price tag to match its robust features. After a year of rigorous testing in a home office environment, we’ve compiled a comprehensive review to help you decide if this investment is worthwhile. This in-depth analysis covers assembly, key features, advantages, drawbacks, and overall value.
Setting Up the Corsair Platform:6
Be prepared for a substantial assembly process. The Platform:6 is a solid piece of furniture, significantly heavier and more complex than standard standing desks. Enlisting a friend’s help is highly recommended for both assembly and maneuvering the desk once complete.
Key Features and Functionality
The Platform:6 offers several standout features designed to enhance workflow and organization:
- Extensive Cable Management: A large cable management tray and integrated routing solutions help keep wires tidy and out of sight.
- Integrated Power: Multiple outlet strips and chargers conveniently located around the desk eliminate the need for bulky power adapters and extension cords.
- Unique Riser Rail: This distinctive rail allows for mounting monitor arms and other accessories, maximizing desk space and promoting ergonomic setups.
- Adjustable Height: The Elevate-powered legs provide smooth and effortless height adjustment, catering to both sitting and standing preferences.
A Year in Review: The Highs and Lows
After a year of daily use, the Platform:6 reveals both its strengths and weaknesses:
- Excellent Monitor Mounting: The integrated riser rail, paired with high-quality VESA monitor arms, offers exceptional adjustability. The gas springs allow for easy vertical and horizontal adjustments, making it simple to lower monitors for tasks like video recording.
- Convenient Power and Cable Management: Easy access to power outlets and the comprehensive cable management system significantly improve organization and reduce clutter. This is especially crucial for a standing desk, where cable management is essential for smooth operation.
- Smooth Height Adjustment: The motorized legs function flawlessly, providing a wide range of height options for both sitting and standing. However, users over 6’2″ may find the maximum height limiting.
- Underutilized Recessed Cubby: The recessed cubby in the desktop, while intended for storage and cable routing, proved impractical in real-world use.
- Limited Side Clamping Options: The thick, permanent mounting points for optional side extensions prevent the use of standard clamps for attaching accessories to the desk’s sides.
- Subpar Desktop Surface: The default black desktop features a grippy, plastic-like texture that attracts fingerprints, dust, and stains. Upgrading to the wooden top is recommended for a more traditional aesthetic and improved durability. Additionally, the desktop arrived with minor shipping damage, though Corsair readily offered a free replacement.
Final Verdict: Is the Corsair Platform:6 Worth It?
The Corsair Platform:6 Elevate standing desk is a significant investment, starting at $1,000 and reaching $1,400 with the motorized legs and standard black top. While it offers several premium features, including excellent monitor mounting, integrated power, and comprehensive cable management, it also has some drawbacks, such as the impractical recessed cubby and the easily marked desktop surface.
Ultimately, the Platform:6 represents a considerable upgrade over a standard desk setup. If you prioritize a dedicated and well-equipped workspace for work or gaming, the investment may be justified. However, consider the potential drawbacks and explore alternative options if budget is a primary concern.
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