One might think that desks don't need the “gaming” moniker or treatment. After all, how much more different can it be to place gaming systems on a surface? ThunderX3 shows that it has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to that, and it doesn't even involve RGB lighting! We’ll take a look at the gaming peripheral manufacturer’s TX3 LAB-X Lite Ergonomic Gaming Desk in this review. It is the static variant of the LAB-X standing desk from the same company.

Contents and specs

The TX3 LAB-X Lite Ergonomic Gaming Desk is currently priced at £180/€200. It comes disassembled with all parts and tools required to piece it together.

Specs of the desk are as follows:

• Frame type:    Steel & Aluminum frame track for full DIY ecosystem
• Max loading:    <80kg/175lbs
• Accessories:    1*cable tray, 1*cupholder, 1*headset hook, 1*bag hook
• Product weight:    26.0kg/57.3lb

TX3 LAB-X Lite: high quality desk, finicky to set up

As with the company’s TX3 SOLO 360 gaming chair, the TX3 LAB-X Lite was not particularly quick or easy to set up, especially solo. It does come with all parts, instructions and tools required for the assembly but it takes quite some time. 

On my own, it took over an hour to put the desk together (what with wrongly inserted components and flipping and rotating the individual pieces). Some components even ended up misaligned, leaving some screws unused. I am not sure if it is because of my own solo assembly efforts or because of the pieces themselves not being exactly cut to shape. What this experience informed me was that ThunderX3 could really do with streamlining the assembly process of its products, especially for solo buyers.

After this ordeal, I could finally take a good look at the TX3 LAB-X Lite and, all things considered, the effort was worth it. Its compact footprint and premium build adds a classy touch to my gaming setup. The tempered glass mousepad surface, mesh side plates and aluminium frame give the desk a high-end look in a minimal footprint. It is very apt for small areas like my place and its features are highly functional.

A gaming desk with a minimal footprint and handy features

At first glance, the TX3 LAB-X Lite might not look like it but it is indeed highly functional. The segment closer to the user features a smooth tempered glass surface. This functions as a mousepad, and my mouse does indeed glide around effortlessly. This takes away the need for a separate mousepad altogether. 

The right sided segment of the desk has a mesh plate. This is designed to improve air flow for PC towers; a thoughtful and highly beneficial aspect of the desk. There’s also the option to include a fan bracket to further improve cooling.

ThunderX3 also designed the LAB-X Lite with the usual gamers’ tangle of wires woes in mind. The side of the desk facing away from the user and the side connecting to the mesh plate are shaped to accommodate wires. There is also a sort of wire holder underneath the desk as well. These additions might be small but are very useful for better organizing wires.

  

One nifty feature of this gaming desk is the specialised track system in the aluminum frame. Through it, you can attach add-ons, such as the cup and headset holders included in the package. The track system allows you to position the add-on anywhere along the length and width of the desk. This adds a layer of customisation and personalisation to this desk. You can even get creative and make your own add-on with standard M6 hex bolts to attach to the track.

Having recently moved my gaming and home office space in a constrained area, the TX3 LAB-X Lite has been a great fit. It’s not overly large but still offers sufficient space for my gaming and work needs. I can easily fit on it a monitor, my laptop, keyboard, controller, XBOX Series S and the add-ons offer additional storage space for accessories such as headsets. 

At £180/€200, the TX3 LAB-X Lite Ergonomic Gaming Desk does sport the “gaming tax”. However, it is not without reason. The desk is sturdily built and well-engineered. Its space-saving design while being highly functional for PC setups is worth recommending for gamers, especially those with a minimalist mindset.