Exploring the Magnus Pro desk by Secret Lab reveals a premium motorized sit-stand gaming desk designed for stability and functionality. With a robust metal frame, it supports up to 125 kg and offers programmable height adjustments. Its innovative cable management system keeps setups tidy, while various accessories enhance customization. Although assembly requires patience, the desk impresses in performance and aesthetics, available in black or white with optional gaming-themed desk mats and accessories, starting at 898 euros.
The Ultimate Gaming Desk Experience
When envisioning a perfect gaming setup, our thoughts often gravitate towards the PC, monitors, peripherals, and the all-important chair. Yet, the desk is the cornerstone of this configuration, serving as the solid foundation for all our gaming gear.
Secret Lab, renowned for its high-quality gaming chairs, steps into the spotlight with its Magnus Pro desk. This impressive motorized desk aims to transform the gaming experience. The ambition is certainly high.
With a starting price of 849 euros for the standard version (excluding additional accessories), the Magnus Pro firmly places itself in the premium category. At first glance, this price tag may seem daunting. After a month of rigorous testing, here are our insights.
Outstanding Features on Paper
The Magnus Pro is primarily a motorized sit-stand desk. Built with a robust metal frame, it can support up to 125 kg, making it more than capable of handling multiple monitors and a full gaming setup. It comes in two sizes (150 cm or 170 cm in length), providing a spacious work surface with a depth of 70 cm.
The desk allows for height adjustments ranging from 65 cm to 125 cm, featuring three programmable memory settings accessible via the control panel embedded in the tabletop. The motors operate quietly, facilitating precise adjustments down to the millimeter.
A standout aspect of the Magnus Pro is its innovative cable management system. The desk includes a liftable rear panel, magnetic cable channels, and an integrated power strip, effectively tackling the issue of messy cables. Say goodbye to cable chaos!
Available in a sleek matte black finish that resists fingerprints, the tabletop features a special coating designed to withstand scratches. You can also enhance your workspace with a magnetic desk mat (sold separately) that comes in various designs.
Secret Lab offers a wide array of accessories such as a PC tower stand, an adjustable monitor arm, RGB lighting, and a headset holder. These options enable complete customization of your gaming environment, though they can significantly increase the overall cost.
Assembly: A Test of Patience
The Magnus Pro arrives in three hefty packages, requiring approximately 1.5 hours to assemble with two people. The main tabletop is particularly weighty, so it’s advisable not to attempt assembly solo. Trust me, floor protection is essential, especially when lifting the structure.
All components are meticulously packaged and well-protected. The assembly instructions are straightforward and detailed, complete with clear diagrams. Secret Lab even includes a dedicated kit with all necessary tools.
The assembly process begins with attaching the motorized legs to the main tabletop. The fit is precise, ensuring stability once secured. No need to dig through your toolbox since all tools are included.
Installing the cable management system requires careful attention to ensure the liftable rear panel aligns perfectly for optimal functionality.
Magnetic accessories like the headset holder and cable passages attach in seconds, thanks to their powerful magnets.
A single cable exits the desk for power, simplifying the wiring process, while all other connections are managed through the integrated technical panel.
The final step involves calibrating the motors using the control panel, allowing you to save your preferred height settings.
Once assembled, it’s time to organize your cables and adapters; I even managed to tuck away a router in the designated space.
Performance that Exceeds Expectations
In action, the Magnus Pro impresses with its remarkable stability. Even at its maximum height, there is no wobbling, a crucial factor for precise gaming.
The motors operate smoothly and silently. Transitions between positions are seamless, and the memory function performs flawlessly, allowing you to lock in your preferred height to prevent accidental adjustments.
The cable management system lives up to its reputation, making it easy to access your connections and maintain a tidy setup.
However, the large adapter from a MacBook Pro cannot be plugged directly into the power strip; adjustments may be necessary. As previously mentioned, it serves as a practical catch-all; I even stashed my router there.
The matte black finish resists fingerprints and is easy to clean. The magnetic desk mat (tested in standard black) provides a smooth surface and stays securely in place. You may not need an extra mouse pad, but a small one can enhance mouse performance.
The optional PC stand elevates your tower, ensuring easy access to ports while supporting a comprehensive gaming setup. I used mine to accommodate a large Razer eGPU connected to my laptop mounted on a dedicated arm.
The adjustable monitor arm (also optional) is impressive, supporting up to 8 kg. It allows for precise screen positioning and features an integrated cable management system. I successfully mounted wide monitors, including a 49-inch display, and utilized the laptop stand that connects directly to the arm.
Adding RGB lighting (optional) enhances the ambiance, controlled via a Nanoleaf app offering numerous effects and synchronization with other compatible products. Though I haven’t purchased this accessory yet, it’s certainly appealing.
The ability to easily switch between sitting and standing is a significant advantage for lengthy gaming sessions. The memorized positions facilitate smooth transitions. A highlight is how the screen integrates seamlessly with the desk, eliminating the need for clamps or hangers.
The integrated technical panel allows for tidy connections of all peripherals, and the single power supply significantly streamlines the setup.
One minor criticism is the somewhat limited opening between the technical panel and side cable passages, which may complicate the use of bulky plugs as previously mentioned.
Pricing and Availability
The base model of the Secretlab Magnus Pro is priced at 898 euros for the 150 cm version in black, complete with a faux leather desk mat. The larger 177 cm version is available for 999 euros.
Color options include black and white, with customization available through various desk mats, including limited editions inspired by games like Cyberpunk or Valorant, which add an extra 94 euros to your total.
Accessories such as magnetic cable anchors are priced at 25 euros each, allowing you to enhance your setup further.