The Best Kinetic Desk Toys
Before smartphones, kinetic toys were the best way to decompress without having to leave your desk. Though most are simple, toys like Jacob's Ladder provide an important opportunity to relieve stress. They allow us to step back, refocus, and attack our work with renewed energy. While there's still something oddly satisfying about the click-clack of a Newton's Cradle, the kinetic desk toy market has definitely made some advancements. We've rounded up everything from swinging pendulums to mini magnets to make sure you can find something for your fidgeting needs.
CaLeQi Stress Relief Desktop Ball
This desktop ball is silent, smooth, and stress-relieving. The aluminum alloy construction is decorated with spiraling grooves that create the visual illusion of melting. But don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere. Thanks to a nonslip silicone bottom that allows you to give it a spin on any flat surface, this little optical illusion is the perfect companion for your desk. The smallest option is the size of a large marble while the largest is a hair bigger than a racquetball. So whatever your needs, spin on.
Pros:
- Silent spinning ideal for quiet offices or video-conferencing meetings
- Durable aluminum alloy construction
- Varying sizes and colors to choose from
Cons:
- Some users report spin times inconsistent with product details
Dotsog Newton’s Cradle
An Oldie, But a Goodie
Click-clack, you’ve got your focus back thanks to this Newton’s Cradle from Dotsog. This desk toy is as straightforward as they come. Simply unfold and secure the bars to the included base and let the ball drop. Though you won’t get the infinite motion that can be achieved in a vacuum, you’ll still be rewarded with 15–20 seconds of movement, along with the satisfying sound of physics at work. The clear nylon lines won’t break or snap after extensive use, so get ready to pass this cradle along to your grandkids.
Pros:
- Provides a live demonstration of basic principles of physics
- Straightforward setup and use
- Nylon lines are strong and durable
Cons:
- The sound may bother some of your officemates that struggle to concentrate
Fortune Products Inc. Swinging Sticks Sculpture
Nonstop Swinging
This swinging stick sculpture from Fortune Products Inc. is another mesmerizing desktop accessory. The double pendulum creates constant, seemingly random motion that varies in speed. And though some people might find it distracting, there’s no denying its noiseless elegance and intrigue. Not to spoil the surprise, but it is battery operated, so be ready to power up this sculpture with 4 AA batteries (not included) and watch the sticks swing.
Pros:
- Elegant and noiseless design
- 4 AA batteries can power movement for up to 3 months
- A mesmerizing addition to an office setting
Cons:
- Kind of pricey
Speks Original Nickel Magnetic Balls
Practically Putty
If you loved your play-putty as a child but can’t fathom the mess now, opt for these magnetic nickel balls from Speks. We know that 512 magnetized balls sound like an absurd number, but measuring at 2.5 millimeters each, you can hold all of them in the palm of your hand. The tiny magnets have an electroplated nickel coating with a tarnish-resistant mirror finish to ensure that they can properly reflect your artistry. Put your latest creation on display with the provided metal base, or consult the manual if you’re short on sculpture ideas. Then, when you’re finished, just crush the magnets back into a cube and pop it in the carrying case for safekeeping.
Pros:
- Highly malleable, strong magnets to let creativity shine
- Metal display base gives elegance for handmade office art
- Reconfiguring your magnet sculpture is easy and encouraged
Cons:
- Very small magnets that require close attention when actually trying to shape them
Small Fish Infinity Cube Fidget Toy
Flatten, Fold, and Flip
The Infinity Cube from Small Fish is as slick and satisfying as they come. Stainless steel rivets connect 8 durable plastic cubes to create an endlessly foldable and flippable desk toy. It can be transformed from a rectangular prism to a cube in seconds, making it a fantastic little accessory to keep in your pocket or desk drawers. That also means it’s ideal for those one-handed fidgeters who prefer to have a writing hand free for work.
Pros:
- Durable plastic connected by stainless steel rivets
- 1.7″ cube easily transportable
- Silent movement for daytime fidgeting
Cons:
- Pretty small in size
Frequently Asked Questions
Will kinetic desk toys actually relieve stress?
While experts haven’t reached a definitive conclusion about the effects of fidget toys, there’s certainly no evidence to suggest that it could make your symptoms any worse. Many people swear by them, citing their Newton’s Cradles or Infinity Cubes as the reason for their extended focus and efficiency. You won’t know until you try, so start with a low commitment toy to see whether or not it moves you — kinetic pun intended.
Are these desk toys considered professional?
It depends on the type of toy you buy. Plenty of offices feature silent fidget toys that double as visually-striking decorations, but you might not want to bring your tennis ball-sized Newton’s Cradle to work — the click-clack will probably do more hurt than help for your co-workers. Try to strike a balance between subtle and suitable for your fidgeting needs. After all, playing with a desk toy while doing work is far more professional than being distracted by your Instagram feed.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.