Arozzi Arena Gaming Desk (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
The latest in our line of gaming desk reviews, just what do Arozzi bring to the table?
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="" src="158690" /><img alt="" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158690_c4ddc76193ef80e987b91c3a6afd2e14.jpg" style="height:350px; width:847px" /></p>
<p>What makes a desk a gaming desk? It's a simple question, and one with an endless number of answers. In our previous reviews, we've seen RGBs, built-in outlets, and even height adjustment at the push of a button. For Arozzi however, their key selling point comes in the form of a full-surface mouse mat, as well as their take on a cable management solution.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159328" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159328" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158716_c104fa46a3ce83d7e0f72d349392e6b4_thumb.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159329" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159329" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158717_d57bc2c2925806ac4d84ae1111bd74fd_thumb.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159330" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159330" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158718_f75612e3b46193112a6f6f0fdecb1fb1_thumb.jpg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><em>The desk in various stages of assembly!</em></p>
<p>As far as my knowledge of DIY can tell me, assembling the desk was a trivial, if not slightly time-consuming task. The instruction manual containing only a series of pictures and no written assistance, I found myself getting caught up in smaller details from time to time, but on the whole there was nothing complicated. Even if you do manage to get something wrong, it's a simple case of unscrewing and trying again to correct it, and if you find yourself particularly stuck, Arozzi also have an assembly video you can check out (something I was amusingly unaware of at the time!). My biggest issue came in the tight space I had to assemble everything. Living in somewhat of a box, I was able to put together the legs and frame in a reasonably open area, but when it came to putting everything together, I found myself on my back attaching things from underneath instead of flipping the desk right at the end. Adjusting the height of the legs was a particular pain, having to rely on a friend to lift it as I locked the legs into position. This is by no means a fault of the desk, but should be kept in mind if you're considering a purchase. With the surface of the desk being a huge 160x82cm, you're going to need room for it, or at least an able-bodied friend to lend a hand. </p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158720_6ba84f9278992b0b50dcd0770391167d.jpg" style="height:1125px; width:1500px" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><em>You'll have plenty of room whatever you plan on using the desk for.</em></p>
<p>The top of the desk is made of three parts which are screwed together in the assembly process, and finally covered with the full-surface mouse mat when everything is ready to go. Despite being excited to have such a large desk, I can't deny I had my doubts about Arozzi's key offerings. A full-surface mouse mat is a good idea on paper, but felt like a gimmick that'd get in the way more than help. The cable management solution being nothing more than a mesh bag hung from the desk came across similarly; a nice idea but something I had no real expectations for. Having used the desk for a few weeks now, I'm surprised at just how much these have made a difference.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159331" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159331" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158719_6134c9b515fca35dcc279dfedda776bf_thumb.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159333" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159333" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158721_f12012cc6d5ac73b4f47244a2c69513c_thumb.jpg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><em>The full-surface mouse mat and under-table mesh bag.</em></p>
<p>I think the mouse mat somewhat speaks for itself in its usefulness, providing a high quality surface suitable for any mouse. My main concern with it was the lack of anything to attach it to the desk, but with it gripping so well regardless these concerns were thankfully unfounded. With the mouse mat being water resistant and machine washable, it's easy to keep everything looking fresh. The mesh bag was another surprising hit for me. I've never been a person to care about my tangled cables, just as long as they were kept out of sight. With this in mind, it's been common to see an abhorrent entanglement of unknown wires lurking beneath. Now? Now everything is clear. It's refreshing to be able to put my feet under a desk and not feel at risk of pulling a monitor or two down, not to mention the ease of cleaning with everything elevated from the ground. It's a shockingly simple solution, but one I can't deny is effective in doing what it sets out to do. </p>
<p>While there isn't much to complain about in such a simple desk, I do have a few minor gripes, the most significant of these coming from its two-legged design. Relying on two legs to maintain stability, I've found the desk to rock at times if leaned on too heavily. If you only have monitors and systems directly on the desk, this isn't anything of an issue; the rocking never gets too much as for things to start moving, especially with the surface providing a suitable degree of grip. If however you're stacking things, or like me use an adjustable monitor stand, it's something you should be aware of. I've not had anything fall in my time with this desk, but I have been concerned from time to time. If you want a more stable way to elevate your monitors, the holes in the back of the desk to thread cables through also double as mounts if you have the right equipment. Sadly, it isn't something I was able to test, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless. </p>
<p>Overall, Arozzi's Arena gaming desk is one I find myself recommending. Presenting a high quality and well-built aesthetic, paired with its mouse mat and mesh bags, it is a simpler kind of desk. Putting attention on functionality over flashiness, it is a solid choice for anybody in the market for an upgrade. </p>
<p>What makes a desk a gaming desk? It's a simple question, and one with an endless number of answers. In our previous reviews, we've seen RGBs, built-in outlets, and even height adjustment at the push of a button. For Arozzi however, their key selling point comes in the form of a full-surface mouse mat, as well as their take on a cable management solution.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159328" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159328" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158716_c104fa46a3ce83d7e0f72d349392e6b4_thumb.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159329" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159329" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158717_d57bc2c2925806ac4d84ae1111bd74fd_thumb.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159330" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159330" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158718_f75612e3b46193112a6f6f0fdecb1fb1_thumb.jpg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><em>The desk in various stages of assembly!</em></p>
<p>As far as my knowledge of DIY can tell me, assembling the desk was a trivial, if not slightly time-consuming task. The instruction manual containing only a series of pictures and no written assistance, I found myself getting caught up in smaller details from time to time, but on the whole there was nothing complicated. Even if you do manage to get something wrong, it's a simple case of unscrewing and trying again to correct it, and if you find yourself particularly stuck, Arozzi also have an assembly video you can check out (something I was amusingly unaware of at the time!). My biggest issue came in the tight space I had to assemble everything. Living in somewhat of a box, I was able to put together the legs and frame in a reasonably open area, but when it came to putting everything together, I found myself on my back attaching things from underneath instead of flipping the desk right at the end. Adjusting the height of the legs was a particular pain, having to rely on a friend to lift it as I locked the legs into position. This is by no means a fault of the desk, but should be kept in mind if you're considering a purchase. With the surface of the desk being a huge 160x82cm, you're going to need room for it, or at least an able-bodied friend to lend a hand. </p>
<p style="text-align:center"><img alt="" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158720_6ba84f9278992b0b50dcd0770391167d.jpg" style="height:1125px; width:1500px" /></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><em>You'll have plenty of room whatever you plan on using the desk for.</em></p>
<p>The top of the desk is made of three parts which are screwed together in the assembly process, and finally covered with the full-surface mouse mat when everything is ready to go. Despite being excited to have such a large desk, I can't deny I had my doubts about Arozzi's key offerings. A full-surface mouse mat is a good idea on paper, but felt like a gimmick that'd get in the way more than help. The cable management solution being nothing more than a mesh bag hung from the desk came across similarly; a nice idea but something I had no real expectations for. Having used the desk for a few weeks now, I'm surprised at just how much these have made a difference.</p>
<p style="text-align:center"><a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159331" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159331" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158719_6134c9b515fca35dcc279dfedda776bf_thumb.jpg" /></a> <a class="LbTrigger" href="attachments/159333" target="_blank"><img alt="attachThumb159333" class="LbImage attachThumb bbCodeImage" src="https://gbatemp.net/data/attachment-files/2019/02/158721_f12012cc6d5ac73b4f47244a2c69513c_thumb.jpg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center"><em>The full-surface mouse mat and under-table mesh bag.</em></p>
<p>I think the mouse mat somewhat speaks for itself in its usefulness, providing a high quality surface suitable for any mouse. My main concern with it was the lack of anything to attach it to the desk, but with it gripping so well regardless these concerns were thankfully unfounded. With the mouse mat being water resistant and machine washable, it's easy to keep everything looking fresh. The mesh bag was another surprising hit for me. I've never been a person to care about my tangled cables, just as long as they were kept out of sight. With this in mind, it's been common to see an abhorrent entanglement of unknown wires lurking beneath. Now? Now everything is clear. It's refreshing to be able to put my feet under a desk and not feel at risk of pulling a monitor or two down, not to mention the ease of cleaning with everything elevated from the ground. It's a shockingly simple solution, but one I can't deny is effective in doing what it sets out to do. </p>
<p>While there isn't much to complain about in such a simple desk, I do have a few minor gripes, the most significant of these coming from its two-legged design. Relying on two legs to maintain stability, I've found the desk to rock at times if leaned on too heavily. If you only have monitors and systems directly on the desk, this isn't anything of an issue; the rocking never gets too much as for things to start moving, especially with the surface providing a suitable degree of grip. If however you're stacking things, or like me use an adjustable monitor stand, it's something you should be aware of. I've not had anything fall in my time with this desk, but I have been concerned from time to time. If you want a more stable way to elevate your monitors, the holes in the back of the desk to thread cables through also double as mounts if you have the right equipment. Sadly, it isn't something I was able to test, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless. </p>
<p>Overall, Arozzi's Arena gaming desk is one I find myself recommending. Presenting a high quality and well-built aesthetic, paired with its mouse mat and mesh bags, it is a simpler kind of desk. Putting attention on functionality over flashiness, it is a solid choice for anybody in the market for an upgrade. </p>
Verdict
What We Liked ...
- Full-surface mouse mat to cover the full desk
- Mesh bags hung underneath for simple cable management
- Smaller option available for 50€ less
What We Didn't Like ...
- Two legs make it slightly unstable if leaned on
9
out of 10