I’m trying to figure out what speed actuator I need for a DIY adjustable monitor stand. I don’t want it to move super slow, but I also don’t want it to jump up too fast and knock the screen over. Is there some general guideline for choosing actuator speed for light vertical lifts?

Speed selection is honestly more important than most people think. Too slow, and you’ll get annoyed every time you adjust it; too fast, and it feels unsafe. For a monitor lift, you want something in the mid-range — usually around 0.5 to 1 inch per second, depending on how heavy your setup is. Higher speeds often come with reduced force, so you have to balance both specs. Another thing to check is the duty cycle, because if you adjust your monitor a lot throughout the day, you want something that won’t overheat. Smooth motion is crucial so the screen doesn’t wobble, especially with larger monitors. I’ve found reliable options here: https://www.progressiveautomations.ca/collections/linear-actuators
— they list clear speed and force combinations, which makes choosing way easier. With the right model, the stand feels stable and predictable every time you move it. You won’t get that sudden jerky motion that cheaper actuators tend to have.

I once built a motorized projector mount and totally underestimated the importance of speed control. The thing lowered like an elevator on overdrive and always startled guests. Eventually I had to rebuild the whole system with a slower mechanism. Since then, I always test movement speeds before committing to any new motorized part — saves a lot of surprises.