Last updated: 17th Mar 2026
This may come as a shock to you, but I’m NOT a 19-year-old moody teenager living in his parents’ basement. So when Secretlab contacted me to review their Titan Evo NanoGen gaming chair, I initially declined.
The gamer image isn’t exactly what I’m going for.
But then I took a closer look – and reconsidered.
Yes, the Titan Evo NanoGen is a gaming chair. But it’s a gaming chair wearing a tux.
Above: I like the Titan Evo’s sculpted lines. Classic Secretlab stuff.
Only available in minimalist black and white (no garish Pokémon colour schemes, thank God), it offers ultra-soft upholstery and a sculpted look that maybe – just maybe – could not look out of place in a home office of a married 45-year-old guy.
Moreover, I had the same hesitation when I reviewed Secretlab’s Magnus Pro standing desk – but walked away seriously impressed.
I decided to suspend my scepticism and find out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-Comfortable. Oh man. The Evo Nanogen feels nice to lower yourself into. | Big, bulky and very ‘gamer’. Doesn’t shake off the gamer vibe. Young guys will love this. Older guys, not so much. |
| Surprisingly good ergonomics. It won’t win ergonomics awards, but it does well compared to the best ergonomic office chairs in Australia. | Disappointing lumbar. Doesn’t support the S-curve of your spine in the same way as office chairs do. |
Reasons To Buy The Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Chair.
The NanoGen’s pure black (or white) leatherette material makes a statement. It’s certainly not a chair that’s designed to blend in.
Every single part of the chair is blacked (or whited) out.
I love the exposed stitching – it’s a nice nod to seats you see in expensive Porsches.
The leatherette, meanwhile, is ultra-soft and reminds me of an (expensive) aniline couch I bought many years ago. Yes, it’s fake leather, but visually it’s impossible to tell apart from the real thing (unless you’re some sort of leather expert, which I most certainly am not).
By the way, I glossed over the assembly, so let me come back to it. I’m glad to report that the chair is easy to throw together.
It’s a bit on the fiddly side – as expected from a direct-to-consumer mid-range chair – but the clear instructions make up for it.
Expert Tip.
The poster-sized assembly instructions greet you as soon as you open the box. They’re great for the wow factor, but Secretlab also gives you an instruction booklet, which is far more legible.
Above: Skip the giant assembly manual. Use the booklet instead – you’ll make less mistakes and work faster.
I was relieved to find armrests pre-attached, as this is one of the clunkiest steps when assembling an office chair.
Speaking of armrests, if you read my chair reviews regularly, you’ll know that I’m a harsh marker. I hate almost all of them.
But the Titan Evo’s are not far behind. They adjust in 4D, and even though I wish they were closer to my body at the narrowest setting, it’s a small gripe.
NanoGen’s PlushCell armcaps (a $99 option on the standard Evo) are included standard – and are the real stars of the show.
Secretlab’s marketing gushes about their “pillow-like softness” and “unmatched comfort” – and thankfully, the product does live up to the hype.
Expert Tip.
I love the fact that they can be replaced. I can see myself spending $99 every couple of years to restore that velvety feeling on my skin.
Above: Exposed stitching is a nice touch that makes the chair look more expensive than it is.
The ultra-comfortable vibes continue to the backrest and the seat pan.
I’ve seen reviews where people complain about the firmness of the seat pan, but I disagree. It’s definitely on the former side, but it’s not a deal-breaker. NanoGen’s seat pan is roughly as firm as the one on my Steelcase Series 2.
If you remember anything from reading this review, let it be this – all expensive ergonomic chairs are firm.
Did You Know?
An ergonomic office chair should not feel like an old man’s saggy sofa. You should not be sinking into your chair.
I guarantee you that people who make the most noise about this “issue” have transitioned from cheap, plush office chairs – or cheap mainstream gaming chairs.
They don’t realise that firmness is a good sign.
If the Titan was more plush, it’d be even more likely to trap heat (which is the issue I need to talk to you about) – and make you sweat “down under”.
The seat is unapologetically a bucket. As is the backrest. It doesn’t flex at all, so you’re locked – as you are in an Aeron.
But unlike the Aeron, the NanoGen Evo has soft side bolsters, so you are free to give yourself hip issues by sitting with one leg tucked under.
Above: The bucket seat and sculpted bolsters give you a nicely cossetted feeling.
The recline function of the Titan Evo NanoGen is brilliant.
Most mid-range office chairs use a synchro-tilt mechanism, but the Evo opted for a knee-tilt. The result is a wonderfully rocky motion that not only reclines – but sinks back and down.
Again, the gold standard for a smooth, rocky recline is the venerable Aeron – and the Evo gives it a great run for its money.
I haven’t noticed any noticeable creaks or wobbles, and the chair feels like it’s been forged from premium materials.
Forums say that creaks can develop over time – especially in the lumbar – but I can’t speak to that (I’ve only had the chair for two weeks before writing the review).
Did You Know?
There are a handful of companies that partner with Secretlab to let you try out their TITAN Evo chairs in-person before you buy, based in Sydney, Melbourne, regional Victoria and Launceston.
Reasons To Avoid The Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Chair.
Coming in at just over a grand, the Titan Evo NanoGen chair isn’t cheap. And I don’t love that I have to pay $100 extra for an XL.
You also get a good range of accessories, but the costs stack up quickly.
Above: The headrest pillow attaches using magnets, and is surprisingly useful.
A memory foam footrest is $109, while the recliner add-on will set you back around $300. Your total cost can start nudging $2,000 if you’re not careful.
That’s why it’s disappointing that the chair is backed by a 3-year warranty as standard (it can be extended to 5 years if you boast about your purchase online).
You’ll need to pay for return shipping, which – because the Evo is a heavy and bulky beast – will cost you a kidney (budget at least $200 around Sydney and Melbourne metro areas).
And because the chair comes with an ungodly amount of packaging, I guarantee you won’t keep it for 49 days anyway. Unless you live on a farm.
But these are trivial matters.
I have high metabolism, so I tend to sweat a lot – and a solid bucket chair made from synthetic leather is the perfect recipe for overheating my backside.
Important!
This heat problem is precisely why I often use my Aeron – instead of my Steelcase Leap – during summer. Even though I find the latter far more comfortable.
I must emphasise that you may not have the same issue. Especially if you live closer to Melbourne or run aircon all day.
The second issue is the lumbar.
It’s adequate for making sure your back isn’t 100% flat, but it doesn’t support the S-curve of your spine in the same way as “proper” ergonomic office chairs do.
If you have a wonky back, you should look elsewhere.
Above: The metal tabs that unlock armrest height adjustment are outstanding. They feel cool to the touch – and remind me of steering wheel paddles on expensive sports cars.
Finally, I wish Secretlab was more consistent with the build quality of its controls. The two paddles underneath the chair (controlling height and tilt lock) are on the flimsy side.
Like the lumbar, they’re perfectly adequate, but lack that precise tactile feeling you get on the (cheaper) ErgoTune Joobie, for example.
But surprisingly, the metal tabs that unlock armrest height and pivot adjustments are wonderfully tactile. Yet the armrest width adjustment is flimsy.
And the tilt tension knob is located in the worst possible spot – under the seat pan. I also wish it was easier to turn and offered more tension.
How The Secretlab TITAN Evo NanoGen Chair Stacks Up.
A standard Titan Evo is almost as good and is $200-$300 cheaper, but I think the visual appeal of the NanoGen makes the extra cost worthwhile.
| Adjustments | 4.5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
| Aesthetics | 4/5 |
| Build Quality | 4/5 |
| Warranty | 3.5/5 |
| Cost | 4/5 |
| OVERALL | 4/5 |
My Final Verdict On The Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen Chair.
Secretlab’s marketing is outstanding.
You’re bombarded with trademarked terms that make you feel like the chair is packed with exotic technology.
CloudSwap.
PlushCell.
NanoGen. NanoFoam. SoftWeave.
EpicFury. Whoops, no – that was from a different article I’m writing.
Let me translate all the marketing jargon for you.
The Titan Evo NanoGen is a stylish gaming chair with dialled-back aesthetic, outstanding armrests and gorgeous faux leatherette upholstery that feels like real Nappa leather.
I haven’t tried the standard Titan, so I can’t make a direct comparison, but as someone who doesn’t mind paying for nicer things, I wouldn’t regret spending the extra few hundred dollars.
I can see the Titan appealing to big and tall guys. If you feel that every ‘regular’ ergonomic chair feels like a children’s toy that you spill out of, the Titan will feel right.
It’s less a chair and more a throne.
The monochromatic colour palette and sumptuous hand-feel of NanoGen fabric elevate it from gamer-chic to a chair that’s suitable for a ‘grown-up’.
Just make sure you have enough space around your desk to accommodate it. It’s a beast of a chair that can easily overwhelm a tiny space.
Steven
Cody says:
Hi,
Do you know 9am HOME standing desks?
I want to know how about their desk.
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Cody, I’ve never seen them before but I took a quick look for you and I’m 90% certain it’s another Jiecang desk. You can tell by the design of the feet and the lowest height (60cm). Desky, Omnidesk, Stand Desk are all pretty much the same.
Cody says:
Which one do you mean? Pesk or Robin series? I am interested in their Robin series, it looks unique and beautiful. I can’t find anyone like it in Desky.
Steven McConnell says:
I was talking about the Pesk Series. Robin series does look attractive and unusual, but I’m usually not a fan of tubular legs as they tend to be more prone to wobble. I can’t say whether this is the case in this instance, as I haven’t physically tested the desk myself. The 10 year warranty is reassuring, however. I wish they offered a risk-free trial to let you test out the legs!
Cody says:
Thank you very much, Steven; I will take your comments into consideration.
Erin says:
Do you know much about Kangadesks? There are Australian as well.
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Erin, its another Jiecang standing desk. Same as Desky, Omni, Stand Desk etc. The design of the feet and 60-125cm height range gives it away. The desk appears to currently be currently on sale for $299, which is an absolute steal and I’m wondering why they’re selling their stock at 1/3 of RRP. Regardless, even if they’re about to go bust, I’d still buy one at that price.
EDIT: Be careful. Fakespot showed these warnings while browsing their website: “Multiple eCommerce scam experiences detected, Poor customer service”
Suzy says:
Hi – given all the desks are so similar, is it possible to mix a desk from one brand with a drawer accessory from another? I don’t like the UpDown desk metal drawer (hangs very low so likely to impede leg space) but don’t mind the Desky one – can these be mixed and matched?
Thank you for the reviews! Super helpful.
Steven McConnell says:
Yes, it’s possible to play switcheroo. But you may want to consider that UpDown design is curved, so it will hurt less if you do jam your thighs into it. Desky’s meanwhile, is quite angular. Pro tip: you can also find a bunch of inexpensive slimline desk drawers on Amazon.
jason says:
I’ve spent far, far too much time agonising over which desk to get haha, definitely more than a week. Very happy that you’ve added the omni-desk to your catalogue. That was the one I was considering the most untill you came you with a review saying that it was more wobbly!
Anyways, do you have an opinion on the new updown desk KLIK Series? Its advertises to be significanlty ligher while having better (on paper) specs
Thanks!
Evelyn says:
Hi Steven, great blog post – thank you! I’m also wondering whether you have any opinion or insights on the new UpDown Desk KLIK series…they come at $100 more expensive (for the same size/table top) but seem to be ‘better’ according to the UpDown website.
Cheers!
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Evelyn, thanks! I will have a full review of the KLIK up around February 2025. It’s not necessarily a better standing desk – but it is lighter, less bulky and promises easier assembly.
Ben Clements says:
Hi. I’m interested to know more about whether I actually could fit the Desky cable management system in the Omnidesk? I’ve had a look at the omnidesks in person at the showroom and it looks like their cable management trays screw on (vs the clip in at the edges of the desk with the Desky tray). The desky system also has the power plugs that snap into place in the tray.
So I’m curious to know if you have you tried it, and if so how did you do it please? Or is your thinking that you’d just buy the power boards and plugs from Desky and rest them in the Omnidesk tray?
I’m stuck, because I prefer the Omnidesks but I really love the idea of a single power lead!
Thanks
Steven McConnell says:
I just had a new Omnidesk delivered to my house. Give me about two weeks to assemble it, test it out and report back.
Sunni says:
Thanks for your very helpful (and funny) review. I used the information to to buy a Desky standing desk in record time – no consumer agonising for weeks, as is my usual practice. It has a pneumatic up/down mechanism, so lets see how that goes.
Steven McConnell says:
Ha! You’re welcome, Sunni. Glad I helped you cut down on the agonising. The pneumatic mechanism is an interest choice – let me know what you think of it?
Amber says:
Hi Steven,
Really great and insightful review. It was refreshing to see something that wasn’t filled with ChatGPT affiliate link garbage!
I’m curious about your opinion on L-shaped standing desks? I know that Desky, UpDown and a few other retailers offer these types of desks and I would assume they are more strong and stable, but I’m not an expert and I can also imagine the opposite being true due to the irregular shape. I’ve been looking at these types of desks because I think their shape suits my space the best. Do you have any knowledge on this or do you only have experience with regular rectangular shaped desks?
Steven McConnell says:
Thanks, Amber. Did you know that I have a L-shaped standing desk review? Search for “arielle best corner standing desks” and you’ll find it.
Melissa says:
Hi Steven great article thank you!
I’ve spent way to much time on this, and I’m now leaning towards the Artiss thanks to your review.
I’m wondering if you have any insight into ergonomic chairs for the home office also?
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Melissa, thanks! The Artiss is a great budget pick. I’ve written numerous ergonomic chair reviews – Google “arielle best ergonomic office chairs” to find them 🙂
tania says:
hey are there any other manual desks apart from the ikea ones you don’t recommend, that you would recommend? I prefer the idea of not needing electricity to move between stand up and sit down but maybe that doesn’t really exist?
Steven McConnell says:
Hey Tania, all of the premium brands (UpDown, Desky, etc) offer a manual crank model. Definitely the way to go if you want to avoid electronics. But TBH I suggest you reconsider. Electronics are very reliable these days – and hand-cranking your standing desk is more annoying than you’d expect.
Adam says:
Hi, do you know much about the UpDown Klik vs Pro system?
Steven McConnell says:
The company has shipped their new Klik standing desk to me yesterday. Stay tuned!
Scott Long says:
You mention in your review of the Up Down Pro that you would get the cable holes and grommets done, but it looks like your (very pretty) Messmate desk doesn’t have them. Is your recommendation a hindsight reflection, or did you choose not to spoil the look of the desk with the grommets? Without the grommets can you can still run the cables behind the desk and into the cable management tray? Cheers!
Steven McConnell says:
Scott, I said in the review that grommets and holes are a great idea, not that I have them. They’re less important if your standing desk faces a wall. But if you have an open-plan style home office like mine, they’ll make your workspace look much cleaner. PS You can still run cables into the tray without the holes and grommets – the cables will simply run behind the desk.
Isaac Jenkinson says:
Hello,
Have you had a chance to try the new UpDown Lyft model? Curious about its stability vs the pro.
Steven McConnell says:
Isaac,
Not yet. On first glance, it looks like a budget alternative to the “big brothers”. It’s probably pretty good (UpDown has a reputation to maintain), but I’m of the opinion that buying cheap means you pay more in the long term. I’d save up another few hundred bucks and get the Pro. You can often get a melamine or bamboo-topped model on sale for around $900.
David says:
This is a great site and will help me decide on which desk to buy. Have you heard any good/bad reviews about the Blacklyte Atlas Lite or Ergo-Rise II from BDO furniture?
Steven McConnell says:
David, thanks for the kind words. Never heard of the Atlas Lite until you mentioned it. Looks like a decent gaming desk that borrows heavily from Secretlab Magnus – but why not just buy a real Magnus instead?
As for the Ergo-Rise – looks like a decent desk, but its height controller is outdated. The best standing desk brands have upgraded to OLED controllers.
Ben says:
Thank you for writing this review Steven; really helpful to break through the BS.
By any chance have you used or hold an opinion on Vertilift desks?
Steven McConnell says:
You’re welcome. God, I haven’t even heard of them – but thanks for the heads-up. There are too many standing desks on the Australian market. Obviously I haven’t used these in person, but I’m almost certain they’re yet another Jiecang variant (i.e., frames are identical to Desky). You can tell by the identical max and min heights, as well as the design of the foot.
Eloise says:
Hey Steven, I was recommended the Alwyn or Octavia (Living Fusion) 140cm sit and stand desks from Temple and Webster which don’t even get a mention in your review. Would you bother with any of their brands ? (I may have dodged a bullet by finding your review!)
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Louise, I haven’t had first-hand experience with the T&W standing desk (must add one to my list!).
However, I had a look through the specs for you.
It doesn’t look too bad, actually – considering the price. If you can’t stretch your budget to ~$950 for an entry-level UpDown or Desky, this could be a good option.
Jordan says:
Hi Steven, Thanks for the review! I am starting out with a home office set up and need a new chair and sit stand desk. I’m a student but I prefer to buy things I know will last, but I don’t have too much experience with sit stand desks. I initially thought to buy the Artiss but have considered buying the Acacia UpDown Pro+ so I know it lasts and I don’t have to buy another desk in a couple of years. Is it worth the price jump for me? Thanks!
Steven McConnell says:
Hi Jordan, the Artiss and the UpDown desks sell at two very different price points. If you have the budget, I suggest you stretch to the UpDown standing desk – you won’t regret it.
jason says:
I know you’ve disqualified the flexispot e7 pro so the e7 max plus would probably also be disqualified, but a quad motor 4 column desk frame at a prices competitive with UpDown desk is incredibly tempting. Plus 15 year warrenty (if the company lasts that long)
Have you had a chance to take a look? Its like half the price of the desky quad!
Steven McConnell says:
Hey Jason, great observation. I haven’t included quad standing desks here because they’ve traditionally attracted a niche consumer – someone who needs to place a tonne of gear on the desktop and doesn’t mind paying 2X the usual price. But Flexispot’s sharp pricing on their quad desk certainly changes things. I haven’t seen one in the wild yet – but the specs look promising.
Steven