It’s been almost 3 years since our first test of Secretlab’s Magnus desk, a model that impressed us with its unrivalled qualities. Today, we’ve got the opportunity to do it again with the Secretlab MAGNUS PRO. This Magnus Pro is the upgraded version of its big brother, still in the catalog, but with the major difference of the sit/stand functionality. A “gadget” option for some, but one that can be interesting when you need to do something other than gaming on this desk.
As part of this test, Secretlab has also provided us with a number of accessories designed for its desktops but not supplied as standard with the Magnus Pro. We’ll be able to give you a full review of this ecosystem, including an Ultra-wide screen arm, an RGB LED headband and a cable management kit.
Secretlab, quality is our ambition:
As we’ve seen with every Secretlab product that has passed through our hands, the brand’s main objective is to add value to its customers by giving them a Premium product experience right from the start. This is once again the case with this desk. The unboxing experience remains as flattering as ever from the moment the box is opened. We can only applaud the brand’s willingness to pay close attention to every detail, including packaging and product assembly.
Magnus Pro desktop presentation
The Magnus Pro is an all-metal desk. As mentioned at the outset, this is a sit/stand desk, so it has two motors. The top of the desk can support up to 120 Kg of weight. It can be raised to 1.25 meters and lowered to 65 centimeters. A maximum height that allows you to enjoy standing mode regardless of your height. Three positions can be pre-set and selected by the desktop controller. But the nicest feature of these columns/legs that support your desk is the integrated power socket.
So you won’t be bothered by the length of the cables if you decide to raise your desk. This is a major shortcoming of all sit/stand desks on the market. So there’s no risk of taking your setup with you when you raise your desk.
With just one cable, you’ll be able to power not only the legs of your desk, but also the rest of your setup! The aesthetic benefit is major, as all this wiring is hidden by a hatch located under/behind your screens.
Secretlab’s uncluttered, sober desktop is perfect for everyone, whether you’re a gamer, a designer or a daily user. Even if, given the brand’s DNA, you might think the desk is intended for gamers, its sobriety will suit most people. Finally, two sizes are available: if the Pro version isn’t enough for you, you can opt for the “Pro XL” version, with its simply gigantic dimensions.
As you can see from the technical specifications, you’ll be entitled to a 5-year warranty, so you can rest assured in the event of engine problems. Of course, this quality comes at a price, starting at almost 900€, with only the MAGPAD mat as an option, essential for a good finish.
Magnus Pro unpacking/assembly:
Any imposing package like this desk can be subject to transport damage. Here, the desk comes from Secret Lab’s European warehouse in Poland. This box, numbered “box 1 of 2”, arrived a little late due to a local delivery service not really used to these sizes… So there are two separate boxes, each containing a part of your desk’s components.
The first thing to note is that, despite this setback, there’s no damage whatsoever, and not the slightest dent in the protections closest to the outside. A positive point in the design of the packaging, and above all a reassuring argument. The “big” cardboard box will contain the top and the long parts of the desk, such as the rear access hatch.
Carton number two will contain the other parts of our Magnus Pro. It will also be marked Secret Lab, with the information “Signature Stealth Edition” in relation to the model of carpet sent. In our case, there’s no external damage to report.
All in all, everything is admirably well protected. The various parts of the desk are aesthetically placed in the box. We find the motorized columns, the carpet, the legs and a long power cable. Handy when you want to quickly visualize how the assembly will work and get an idea of the size of the desk in your home.
Watch the unboxing / assembly video :
The video will give you a better idea of how the desk is unpacked and assembled than with photos. You’ll see how easy it is to assemble the desk, and how cleverly designed it is. The instructions and tools supplied make assembly quick and easy. There’s no need to get out your toolbox – it’s all done with ease. Here too, attention to detail makes the buyer’s “job” as easy as possible.
Each screw is numbered in a bag, and stored with all the tools required for installation. We’re even treated to Secretlab’s signature “scratch” clamps.
The sit/stand:
With this sit/stand desk, Secretlab brings its own vision to the table. The control panel is integrated directly into the desk. So it won’t get in the way of your chair’s armrests if you move them there.
The buttons for raising or lowering the desk are well defined by two different colors (green and red), they are touch-sensitive and rather precise. They are accompanied by three other buttons where you can save your heights to change position as quickly as possible. Finally, the control panel is not always active. You can switch it on and off with a push-button. Here, too, you’ll find color signalling, with green if the desk is on and red if it’s off.
The Heavy Duty arm:
In order to remain as practical and premium as possible, Secret Lab has created its own monitor arms. There are several versions, the MAGNUS Single for screens up to 34″, the MAGNUS Double for two screens (max. 34″) side by side, and our version. So we have the MAGNUS Ultra Large or Heavy Duty Arm. This arm is not only compatible with Magnus desks, but also with tops between 1 and 5 cm thick.
This arm is therefore designed for “Ultra-Wide” screens. It can support up to 16 kilograms and a maximum screen size of 57 inches! Features as impressive as its finish and ease of assembly. See how it’s unpacked and mounted on the MAGNUS Pro desk in our video below.
Same philosophy as the rest of Secret Labs’ products: as soon as we open the box, we get a short introduction and explanation of the product in the form of a simple, precise poster. It also serves as a leaflet once you’ve opened it in half.
Our video unpacking has no doubt confirmed this: all the components are clearly laid out for assembly, and the perceived quality is once again obvious. We’re clearly a fan of those little red lines and the overall sobriety of the product.
As with the desk, we’re treated to a simple but highly explicit instruction manual for mounting this XXL screen arm.
Once we’d assembled the arm quickly and easily and installed our screen, we were able to enjoy its smooth movement and stability. The overall quality also immediately reassured us of the arm’s sturdiness and reliability…which should safely carry our big 49″
So, of course, Secret Lab charges €349 for this arm… a price that doesn’t make it affordable for everyone. However, in view of its quality, the arm remains totally within the price range, offering a more “gamer” version of the Ergotron arm, renowned for its quality. In my case, I’ve already owned an Ergotron arm for a 49″ screen, and frankly, Secret Lab’s arm has nothing to envy it in terms of quality. Its design and various details, such as its packaging, made me put my Ergotron in the attic without qualms.
Magnus Pro accessories:
Secret Lab has created its own RGB LED headband in collaboration with Nanoleaf: the MAGRGB. Here again, the magnetic system is used to make installation as easy as possible.
The led headband comes in a small box containing a remote control and power supply. The led strip is designed specifically for Magnus desks, so it can’t be used anywhere else unless you decide to do a little tinkering.
At the risk of repeating ourselves, it’s once again the perceived quality that stands out, with details such as the logos at the end of the led strip. It’s clear that the product has been developed specifically for MAGNUS desks and isn’t just a rebadged existing product.
After its extremely rapid installation, and once I’d digested the simple operation of the remote control, I decided to connect the headband to the Nanoleaf application for greater RGB customization and control.
However, this little touch of animation for your Secret Lab desktop will cost you €79. The price for a quick and easy installation with a dedicated app and unlimited color customization.
The last accessory to accompany this Magnus Pro is the cable management kit, for top-notch cable management! This will be the essential accessory to take with your desk to route your cables neatly while adding a touch of color!
The kit includes three magnetic anchors for your telephone, USB or audio cables. Ten Secret Lab-branded “scratches” for clean cable management, and two magnetic sleeves for your desk legs to neatly route other cables such as ethernet.
This little kit will cost 49€. A price that some may find a little too “steep”. But we think this accessory is a must-have for a clean desk, while remaining in the Secret Lab universe. It will also be possible to buy a better-supplied version with more magnetic anchors. As with the desk mats, you can also choose different “styles” featuring Batman or the famous esport team : Team Liquid etc…
Other accessories for Magnus desks are available, depending on your use. These include the Magnus desk riser or the PC stand.
Here again, Secretlab’s determination to make its desks “agnostic” (meaning usable by everyone) is remarkable. Of course, as DNA dictates, we’ll find more accessories for gamers in the brand’s catalog.
General conclusion:
As you’ll have gathered from reading this article, we’re convinced of the quality of Secretlab desks. That’s why we’ve fallen in love with them. Of course, some people will ask themselves whether a solution of this type is better than a conventional layout, which we’ve all done at one time or another… Especially if the financial parameter comes into play.
The real question is whether you want a playroom or a clean, simple office. Here, Secretlab brings the simplicity and quality of a desk that can blend into almost any environment. With a price tag of €900 for the Magnus Pro and a total of €1,375 with all the accessories we’ve presented, we’re obviously talking about a price tag that not everyone can afford. But if you can afford it, forget the DIY and the headaches: you’ve got an efficient, solid, functional system whose quality will be with you for many years to come. Finally, there’s the question of the relevance of the sit/stand function. If you don’t think this feature is crucial, there’s an alternative, with the “simple” version available at 578€. This version, which since our 2021 test has undergone a move and several disassemblies/reassemblies, is still in superb condition, confirming over time all the good things we think of these solutions.
