Pneumatic standing desks, like the Klöud and Nimbus, use gas spring technology to offer power-free height adjustments. This system allows for smooth, quiet, and fast transitions between sitting and standing, all without being tied to an outlet or relying on slow motors.
The key component is a nitrogen-filled gas spring that provides lifting force. When you activate the desk, the spring compresses air, allowing the desk to lift your work surface and any equipment placed on it. This system operates up to eight times faster than electric desks, making it ideal for dynamic work environments where users frequently switch between sitting and standing.
The Importance of Balance: Achieving Equilibrium for Optimal Performance
The lift provided by a gas spring in pneumatic desks is fixed and directly related to the internal compression of the spring. This means that the lifting assistance is predetermined by the amount of gas pressure inside the spring, which exerts a consistent upward force. However, the downward force acting on the desk comes from gravity and depends on the total weight of the desk surface and any equipment you have on top.
Choosing the Right Desk Model Based on Setup Weight
1. Calculate the Weight of Your Setup
- Work Surface: The weight of the desktop plays a crucial role. A 30”x60” surface weighs around 60 lbs.
- Monitors and Equipment: Consider the weight of your monitors, keyboard, laptop, and other items. A dual-monitor setup typically adds 20-40 lbs. depending on screen size.
2. Select the Appropriate Desk Model
- The Klöud: This model provides weight adjustability up to 150 lbs. This means you can adjust the gas spring’s lift assistance to match varying setups. For example, with a 60 lb desktop, the Klöud can lift an additional 90 lbs of equipment.
- The Nimbus: This model offers a fixed lift assistance of around 110 lbs. It’s ideal for more consistent setups with a total weight (including the desk surface) of approximately 100-120 lbs.
3. Fine-Tuning for Balance
For the smoothest operation, aim to have your desk’s total weight close to the spring’s lift capacity. With the Klöud, you can adjust the spring to achieve this balance. The Nimbus, with its fixed capacity, works best for setups that remain consistent in weight.
To achieve the best user experience, it’s important to create an equilibrium between these two forces:
- Upward Force (Lift Assistance): Provided by the gas spring, which is fixed in strength and doesn’t change dynamically. In desks like the Klöud, this force can be adjusted within a range to better match varying desk setups, but the lift still needs to be balanced with the load on the desk.
- Downward Force (Gravity): The weight of your desk surface, monitors, laptops, and other accessories. This downward force opposes the gas spring’s lift.
When the upward and downward forces are in balance, height adjustments become effortless. The desk moves smoothly with minimal effort, and the user feels in control when raising or lowering the desk.
Achieving Balance for Different Desk Setups
- If your setup is too light, the spring’s upward force will dominate, requiring you to apply more effort to push the desk down to lower it.
- If your setup is too heavy, the downward force will be greater than the spring’s lift capacity, meaning you’ll need to exert extra effort to raise the desk.
To ensure the desk operates effortlessly, strive to balance these forces by selecting the right desk model and adjusting the spring’s lift capability (where possible), depending on the total weight of your desk setup.
Sample Setups for The Standing Desk Models
To help you make the right choice, here are some sample setups for each of The Standing Desk’s popular pneumatic models. These examples will show how different desk setups pair with each model’s lift capacity.
The Kloud - Adjustable for a Range of Setups
Setup 1 – Lower End of the Range:
- Work Surface: 30”x48” Formica Laminate (45 lbs)
- Setup: Single monitor (10 lbs), laptop (5 lbs), keyboard & mouse (5 lbs), desk accessories (5 lbs)
- Total Setup Weight: 70 lbs
- Lift Capacity: 150 lbs (adjusted for lighter setups)
- Use Case: Ideal for users with a minimalist setup. The Klöud’s adjustable weight capacity allows it to be fine-tuned for lighter setups like this, ensuring smooth height adjustments without requiring excessive force to lower the desk.
Setup 2 – Upper End of the Range:
- Work Surface: 30”x60” Formica Laminate (60 lbs)
- Setup: Dual large monitors (30 lbs), desktop computer (20 lbs), keyboard & mouse (5 lbs), desk accessories (10 lbs)
- Total Setup Weight: 125 lbs
- Lift Capacity: 150 lbs (adjusted for heavier setups)
- Use Case: Perfect for users with tech-heavy setups. The Klöud’s adjustable spring ensures smooth operation even when the total weight is close to its upper capacity limit, making it highly versatile for professionals who regularly switch between setups or add new equipment.
The Nimbus – Dual Monitor Setup for Consistent Mid-Range Weight
- Work Surface: 30”x60” Formica Laminate (60 lbs)
- Setup: Dual monitors (30 lbs), laptop (5 lbs), keyboard & mouse (5 lbs), desk accessories (5 lbs)
- Total Setup Weight: 105 lbs
- Lift Capacity: 110 lbs
- Use Case: The Nimbus is perfect for a stable, dual-monitor setup. With a fixed lift capacity, it’s optimized for setups that don’t frequently change in weight, offering smooth and easy adjustments without needing to worry about tweaking the lift assistance.
The Lüften – Optimal for Large Monitors and Equipment
- Work Surface: 30”x60” Formica Laminate (60 lbs)
- Setup: Large dual monitors (30 lbs), desktop computer tower (20 lbs), keyboard & mouse (5 lbs), desk accessories (10 lbs)
- Total Setup Weight: 125 lbs
- Lift Capacity: 140 lbs
- Use Case: The Lüften is great for users with heavier tech setups, such as multiple large monitors or desktop computers. With its robust pneumatic spring and stable central columns, the Lüften provides smooth adjustments for larger, tech-heavy configurations.
The Ändern – Compact, Light-Weight Setup
- Work Surface: 24”x40” Formica Laminate (30 lbs)
- Setup: Single laptop (5 lbs), keyboard & mouse (3 lbs), notebook & phone (2 lbs)
- Total Setup Weight: 40 lbs
- Lift Capacity: 50 lbs
Use Case: Designed for smaller spaces or lighter office setups, the Ändern is ideal for minimalists who work primarily with a laptop and a few accessories.
Conclusion
To fully enjoy the benefits of a pneumatic standing desk, balancing the upward force of the gas spring with the downward force of your desk setup is key. Whether you need the flexibility of the adjustable Klöud or the fixed-capacity Nimbus, achieving the right equilibrium will ensure that your desk moves easily and effortlessly, enhancing both comfort and productivity throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Nimbus and Klöud?
The Klöud desk features our innovative pneumatic technology with adjustable weight capacity, allowing for a dynamic range of 100 lbs. This makes the Klöud incredibly versatile for various work setups.
The Nimbus, utilizing the same high-quality frame as the Klöud, is designed for those who prefer simplicity, offering a fixed weight capacity of approximately 50 lbs. This model is perfect for standard setups, supporting multiple monitors and everyday work essentials with ease.
Where are your desks made?
Every desk is meticulously assembled by our skilled team in Grand Rapids, Michigan, ensuring unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. The core components, including our world-class pneumatic and electric lift mechanisms, are engineered and produced in Germany. We choose Swiss steel for its superior strength and durability, reflecting our commitment to using only the best materials.
What are the work surfaces made of?
Our desks come with a 1.15″ thick work surface, available in five timeless Formica laminate options chosen for their exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal. The underlying substrate is made from high-quality recycled wood particle board, designed to resist bending and warping, offering a stable and long-lasting desk surface.
For smaller spaces go with the Andern Pneumatic or Andern Electric with a 40″ wide top.
If you want a large setup go with the Luften, Kloud, or Oben and a 60″ wide top.
How stable are the desks?
Our desks are very stable because we use high tolerance steel, wide glides, and inset column mounting to reduce movement.
But, the truth is all standing desks will move when they are fully extended. Split leg desks are, by design, more stable while center column desks are less stable but, for most, not noticeable with everyday use.
Yes, there are 4-leg and 3-leg setups that show almost no movement but they are pretty pricey. We find that 95% of users end up not noticing the slight desk movement after a week or 2 of use.
If you have any issue with your desk and want to send it back you’ll have 30 days from the date of purchase to do so.
This is an expensive center column desk from one of the largest furniture groups in the world. It’s an awesome desk, but it moves when extended.
Here is our center column electric, with a human on it, for comparison.
Can I attach a keyboard tray or floor mat?
Absolutely! Our desks are compatible with a variety of accessories. Keyboard trays can be easily mounted using pre-drilled holes or customized placement beneath the work surface. Standard floor mats (up to 36″ x 48″) fit well with all our desk models.
What is the total desk weight?
The base of our desks weighs approximately 80 lbs, providing a stable foundation. When paired with our larger 30″x60″ work surface, the total weight comes to around 140 lbs, ensuring both stability and ease of movement when necessary.
DIY Desk. Recommended work surface sizes
The desks are tested to perform with the work surface sizes available on their respective product pages. Using a work surface size much larger, smaller, or lighter will affect the performance of the lift. If your desk top is a couple of inches outside of the recommendation it still should work fine.
Kloud – ideal desktop size 30″ x 60″ or 30″ x 48″
Luften – ideal desktop size 30″ x 60″
Oben – ideal desktop size 30″ x 48″ up to 72″ wide as long as the weight does not exceed 60lbs.
Andern – ideal desktop size 30″ x 48″ or 24″ x 40″
How do I maintain my desk?
Our desks are designed for low maintenance and longevity. For cleaning, a damp cloth and mild detergent are sufficient to keep your desk looking new. We recommend occasionally checking and tightening any accessible screws to ensure stability.
How much lift do I need?
Read our guide on Understanding Weight Lift Assistance
How soon will my product ship?
Most orders are dispatched the same day if placed before 12 pm, or the next business day, ensuring swift delivery. Most customers in the lower 48 states can expect their products to arrive within 2 to 5 days.
Do you have a payment plan like Affirm, Klarna or Paypal?
Yes, we offer flexible payment options through Paypal’s Pay Later program, available at checkout for your convenience.
30 day risk free trial
We’re confident you’ll love your new desk, but if you’re not satisfied, you can return it within 30 days in its original packaging. We’ll refund your purchase and even cover the return shipping costs. This offer applies to desks only, as our chairs are made-to-order. (Note: This offer is only available within the United States.)
Warranty
Our comprehensive 5-year warranty covers:
- The desk and all its components
- Work Surface
- Cable Management
- Casters and Glides
- Any defects in materials or workmanship of the base affecting the operation of the height-adjustable desk
Is the product stress tested?
Yes, all our desks meet the rigorous BIFMA x5.5 standards, ensuring they withstand the demands of daily use while maintaining strength and functionality.
How environmentally friendly are your desks?
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our choice of materials and manufacturing processes. From using recyclable Swiss steel and German engineering to ensure longevity, to selecting Formica laminates and recycled wood substrates for our work surfaces, we strive for an eco-friendly product lifecycle.
Can the desks support dual-monitor setups?
Absolutely! Our desks are designed to accommodate various setups, including multiple monitors. The Klöud, for example, with its adjustable weight capacity, is perfect for tech-heavy configurations, ensuring stability and ease of use.
What is the difference between the Kloud and the Nimbus?
The Nimbus offers a fixed lift-capability for the most common desk setup, 1-3 monitors and typical desk content, around 50lbs. The Klöud is designed for to accommodate a wider range of setups by way of its variable lift-capacity mechanism that allows the user to fine tune the lifting strength to their exact needs.
