Is a Gaming Desk Worth It and Other Questions To Ask Before Making a Purchase
With the rapid rise of gaming desk advertisements these days, you are left wondering, is a gaming desk worth it?
You may have checked numerous top gaming desk models and have seen people buy them regardless of the price.
Now you're in a dilemma whether to buy one for yourself or stick to traditional office tables.
You see, the experience one gets from a gaming desk varies.
The benefits it gives a person determines its value and whether it is a good buy or not.
Let us help you decide whether purchasing a gaming desk is worth it for you or not.
Is a Gaming Desk Worth It?
Before adding a gaming desk to your cart or to-buy list, you need to understand the difference between a gaming desk and a regular office table.
Some make the mistake of buying the wrong table because they fail to understand what both tables are used for, so let's define each one.
What Is a Gaming Desk?
What sets a gaming desk apart from other tables is its ergonomic design made for gamers.
They have features that make a player feel comfortable for extended periods.
They also have more features to make room for several displays and gaming devices.
Some are even height-adjustable, making them even more convenient for gamers.
You can further customize a gaming desk by adding extras like a full-size mouse pad, cupholder, headphones hook, and a monitor stand.
What Is an Office Desk?
Office desks provide a wide workspace. They include a surface area for a computer monitor, keyboard, lamps, file trays, and a writing area.
They're usually used for paperwork, storing files and folders, writing, and doing basic computer tasks.
Now that you know the difference, you can start figuring out what you need.
The Questions To Ask Before Purchasing a Gaming Desk
Joining the hype can be tempting, but making the wrong decision after an expensive purchase can be disheartening.
If you feel that you need a gaming desk, ask yourself these questions.
Question #1: How Much Are You Comfortable Spending?
If you've done your research, you'll know that gaming tables can be expensive.
While some are economical options, some high-end models can cost a lot.
You can read more in our guide: How Much Does a Gaming Desk Cost?
It can be overwhelming to pick among dozens to hundreds of options, so it is best to set a budget.
Setting a range that you're comfortable spending can help you narrow down your options.
It is not recommended to splurge on expensive tables that may leave you regretful after the purchase.
After all, there are a lot of well-crafted gaming desks that are reasonably priced.
Question #2: How Much Space Can You Allocate for a Desk?
Several factors affect a gaming desk's pricing, and one of them is its size and shape.
Now that you have a budget, you can then decide on the size and shape of the table you need.
It is wise to envision the desk in your gaming area.
How much space do you have? Do you need a compact one or a big one?
This factor is essential in determining the gaming desk to buy because getting one that is too small or big for your space can be problematic.
Question #3: What Gaming Desk Style Should You Go For?
The good thing about gaming desks is that they come in different forms and styles.
You can choose among back-to-back, L-shaped, H-shaped, or wave desks.
Of course, this will depend on your gaming area layout.
If you plan to put the table against a corner, then an L-shaped table is ideal.
Do you need to maximize four monitors in a game?
An H-table can be a great choice. If you want to save space, you can go for a back-to-back setup.
Question #4: Do You Need a Lot of Storage?
Sometimes, we get excited about a gaming desk's aesthetics that we forget about storage.
It can be challenging to come up with an estimate initially.
However, the technique that works for most is by getting an inventory of your gear.
Make a list and try to plan how you want it to look on your desk.
Do you need storage for a computer with two monitors?
Do you want to have your headsets, extra mouse, flash drives, and other accessories in a drawer?
Regardless of the items you need within your reach, they must be accessible.
Once you finish with the list and organization strategy, you can then choose a gaming desk that matches it.
Question #5: Do You Need a Heavy-Duty Desk?
Gaming desks are durable, but some unique models cater to heavy loads.
These usually have a weight capacity that extends up to 100 kilograms.
Some professional gamers or streamers need their gear set up on their desks.
The weight of all these items can be heavy and overbearing for a regular gaming desk.
Get an approximate weight of all the things you plan to put on your table and get one that can accommodate them.
This is vital to having a gaming desk that can last for a long time.
Question #6: Do You Need a Height-Adjustability Feature?
The difference between gaming desks and office desks is their innovative features.
Most gaming desks have a feature that lets you adjust their height.
It simply means you can adjust the table to accommodate you in a sitting or standing position.
Some gamers feel comfortable playing on a lower desk than standard desks, while others prefer a higher height.
Having a gaming desk that you can adjust to standing orientation is vital for those who spend almost the entire day playing.
This feature will allow you to stretch and change positions from time to time.
Question #7: Are You Planning on Getting a Desk With Additional Features?
A lot of gamers want to maximize their gaming desks, so they always opt for tables that leave room for extra features.
A good example is an area to put their drinks, additional USB ports, or cable management solutions.
If you hate clutter, this is one consideration you must pay close attention to.
Question #8: How Do You Want Your Setup To Look?
Though some players consider this the least of their concerns, it is good to have a concept of your gaming area.
Some gaming desks come with beautiful aesthetics.
You can choose among varying finishes and colors available.
In terms of lighting, there are gaming desks equipped with RGB lighting.
They're among the most popular lighting themes in the gaming world.
If you are not a fan of funky themes, you can always choose one for a modern, classic, or minimalist theme.
Reasons To Invest in Gaming Desks
Some of you will not find gaming desks appealing or even a necessity.
Though those who have experienced playing on one will attest to the following benefits.
These make gaming desks worth the investment, especially for gamers and streamers.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Gaming desks enhance a gamer's comfort in several ways.
Smooth, rounded, and occasionally curved front edges will let you sit closer to the desk's center.
A curved front edge allows you to reach for everything effortlessly.
Most gaming desks come with a silky microfiber desk mat that serves as a mouse pad.
The full-size pad lets you move the mouse around as much as you like.
They also provide an adequate tabletop area for your whole gaming setup while allowing you to stretch your arms.
The wide surface area lets you manage your gaming space better.
Durability, Capacity, and Construction
The materials utilized determine the table's quality, strength, stability, and longevity.
These desks are commonly made of wood, stainless steel, PVC, particleboard, and even plastic.
These can support large gaming equipment without collapsing or wobbling.
Most of them can hold between 90 and 100 kilograms, so you can have the largest arrangement without worrying about the desk's stability and support.
When Is Purchasing a Gaming Desk Unnecessary?
As the name states, gaming desks are primarily for gamers.
Manufacturers created these desks to cater to gaming setups and facilitate a good gaming experience.
If you are looking for a desk to add to a workstation, this purchase may be unnecessary.
You can opt for an office desk if you plan to use it only for work and basic computer functions.
These are generally cheaper than gaming desks because they don't have extra features for gaming.
Additionally, you can learn how to make a gaming desk yourself.
To Buy or Not To Buy?
So, is a gaming desk worth it? The answer to this query falls on several factors.
In general, we can say that a gaming desk is worth it if it fulfills a majority of your needs.
These desks should provide comfort, convenience, accessibility, and functionality.
If you feel that a gaming desk can address your needs and make your life easier, it is definitely worth it.
On the contrary, if you don't need all the frills and extra features a gaming desk has, you can always stick with an office desk.
Therefore, a gaming desk's value will always depend on what it gives its user, so carefully evaluate your specific needs.