Gaming Chair Buyers Guide

Gaming chairs are one of the most important pieces of equipment you should invest in if you are an avid gamer. Make no mistake about it, these chairs are not only for professional gamers.

If you do a lot of office work at home or inside a cubicle, you’d be surprised by how a gaming chair can seamlessly replace your not-so-ergonomic office chair.

You can invest in a high-end gaming chair if you are really serious about climbing the leaderboards or opt for a mid-range quality chair that still does its job well.

Let us give you a rundown of what to look for in a gaming chair, but first, let’s discuss the importance of ergonomics in designing your gaming station.

Ergonomic Gaming

In the world of gaming, it’s not all fun and, well, games. (Sorry, we had too!) You wouldn’t know how managing your gaming environment is crucial until you develop neck stiffness and lumbar problems.

Ergonomic gaming is a fancy name for the application of ergonomics in order to stay comfortable and healthy while gaming. Ergonomics involves the optimization of products to fit human use, often by refining their design or arranging them in a certain order.

Video gaming has gotten a bad rap among health professionals. From poor posture to back pains, obesity, and wrist problems–there’s no shortage of medical conditions that are somehow linked to excessive use of video games.

There is a clear friction between the addictive nature of video games and the usual environment where we play. A typical home setting is just not conducive to a comfortable gaming experience.

But a lot of things have changed over the last decade. Lucky for us, technology is catching up pretty fast. We now have a plethora of accessories and equipment that can take our gaming experience to an entirely new level.

Proper Posture: The Secret to Better Gaming

We probably don’t need to explain why long-term gaming is linked to a variety of health problems. Those movement breaks in between games are helpful and very much recommended, but you can do more than stretching those legs.

Modifying your gaming/working station, ergo applying ergonomics is important in achieving proper posture while you work or play. Those gaming chairs (that look like racing seats) significantly help in maintaining an upright position and minimizing pressure on your wrist and neck, so you don’t start feeling tired.

Good posture keeps your joints and bones in proper alignment; that’s why it’s so important!

But, our gaming environment often dictates how we sit while playing so it’s difficult to consciously assume the most optimal posture. When you are so caught up in the game, you don’t really realize when you are hunching forward, slouching, or sliding down the chair.

Let’s be honest, a regular office chair doesn’t provide support in the right areas.

The main purpose of a gaming chair is to promote optimal posture, but it’s only a piece in the ergonomic puzzle. You also need to position your monitor the right way and choose a gaming mouse and keyboard–but that’s a story for another time.

Gaming chairs are designed to make you comfortable even if you sit on them for hours doing repetitive motions. In addition, newer models now come with amazing features that will upgrade your gaming experience. You have to consider those “little something extra” when buying a new gaming chair.

Benefits of Using a Gaming Chair

You already have a comfy office chair, so why do you need a gaming chair? If your chair fits your body size, promotes proper posture, and supports your lower back, then you probably don’t need to click on that “add to cart” button.

An ergonomic chair won’t solve all your gaming problems; they can, however, make a big difference in your health and comfort, but only if you choose wisely. Aside from unparalleled comfort, here are some of the benefits of using a gaming chair:

Chairs with headrests keep your head and shoulders relaxed in a neutral position.

Many chairs can be customized to support users with injuries or disabilities.

There are many styles to choose from to satisfy your aesthetic tastes.

It caters to different body types, height, and weight.
The market is competitive so there are many products across a wide price spectrum.

It will improve your sitting posture.

Some are built with cooling materials that regulate body temperature.

Important considerations when purchasing a gaming chair

There is a case to be made that a gaming chair is nothing but a marketing gimmick. A lot of people seem to buy them because they look cool.

The glaring difference between a gaming chair and a regular chair is the higher backrest and lumbar cushions. But its the design that makes gamers buy them on a whim.

Once they sit on it, though, some are surprised that it’s not as comfortable as they hoped. It’s because, like everything else, buying a gaming chair can be a bit hit-and-miss. Most of these chairs can only be bought online, so there’s no chance of testing them first.

If you haven’t checked the height, weight capacity, or even the material of your chair before purchasing, then you should brace yourself for more ugly surprises. So, be a diligent shopper and evaluate your options before you make your next purchase.
Upholstery Material

Comfort is a given when choosing a PC gaming chair. Why would anyone want to spend more cash on a glorified office chair that is not even remotely comfortable?

Some buyers fail to realize that their chair’s upholstery plays a big role in the level of comfort they will experience. Below are some of the most common materials you will find in popular gaming chairs.

PU Leather – the higher pricepoint of real leather means you can only find them among high-end chairs. Most gaming chairs advertised as made of leather are actually made of PU leather. These are synthetic leather manufactured using split leather (the leftover cowhide when creating genuine leather) coated with polyurethane–a plastic that came from petroleum byproducts. Chairs made of PU leather are water-resistant and looks like real leather, but they trap heat so you’ll sweat more.

PVC Leather – another faux leather made from cow split and coated with PVC (polyvinyl chloride). PVC is cheaper than PU and genuine leather. They are flame-, stain-, and water-resistant but they are the least breathable.

Fabric – a breathable material that is better at absorbing moisture. They are generally softer and more comfortable to sit in but are less durable. You have to be extra careful if you have a gaming chair made of fabric as they are vulnerable to stains and dirt.

Mesh – gaming chairs reinforced with mesh are the most breathable, but they’re obviously more difficult to clean than leather or faux leather. If you want a comfortable chair that offers better ventilation and airflow at an attractive price, look for mesh as its main upholstery material.

Adjustability

An ergonomically designed chair has a high level of adjustability. The complimentary lumbar pillow does the job (sometimes) but a chair with adjustable lumbar support that can be adapted to the curvature of your spine is even better.

Even high-end chairs’ lumbar cushions get a lot of flak for being too low or too high. It seems like finding a chair with a perfect lumbar support feature is still an ordeal to some. So it’s probably a good idea to do your research and see if you can find reviewers who have the same preferences as you do.

Almost all gaming chairs out there have a tilt-and-recline feature, adjustable armrest, and adjustable height. Seriously, a chair with adjustable everything is a dream. Being able to adjust your chair to your particular preferences is critical for an ideal sitting experience.

Armrests

An armrest is a necessary chair feature both for gaming and computing because it prevents wrist problems. Fixed-position armrests can be annoying because there’s a chance they won’t fit under your desk.

Some gamers rest their arms on their desks and would rather play without armrests, so pick chairs with adjustable or removable armrests if you’re that kind of gamer. But you really should try to give your armrests a chance as they can reduce wrist strain.

Style

If a professional-looking chair is what you’re aiming for, forget these gaudy, racing-style, gaming chairs. Some people think they look awesome, others think they are fugly.

This doesn’t mean you won’t find a handsome leather chair that blends well with your upscale décor. You just need luck in hunting because it’s the race car style chairs that currently dominate the market.
Height and Weight Requirements

This is an important consideration, as there are certain models that will not work for your body type. And the reason why many unsatisfied buyers return their chairs is that they don’t fit them and they can’t be adjusted.

There are chairs specifically designed for smaller or larger users. Chairs with metal support structures tend to have a higher weight capacity.

If the height and weight requirements are not mentioned in the store’s website, then you should look for a different option. Many gaming chairs under $200 have a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs.

System Compatibility

Many advanced gaming chairs have the capability to integrate with your console or PC. Some chairs even have built-in USB ports where you can charge your controllers. Others incorporate speakers and subwoofers to further immerse you in your game.

An additional motion simulator feature that makes the chair vibrate, tilt, and shake based on the game you are playing offers a more realistic gaming experience, but they may also come with a hefty price tag.
Other Awesome Features

A top of the line gaming chair may come with additional perks. Not every gamer will need these add-ons, but you’ll never know if something is indispensable unless you try them.

• Lumbar massage feature
• Realtime vibration immersion
• 190-degree recline
• Floor mat inclusion
• 4-D adjustable armrests
• Memory foam padding

The bottom line

Playing video games is an opportunity to relax and have some fun. Whether you are a casual gamer, professional gamer, or someone who needs to sit on a chair for 8 hours a day, it’s important to design an ergonomic gaming setting that will protect you from potential health issues, encourage good posture, and boost productivity.

Gaming Chairs FAQ

Q: How do I clean a gaming chair?
A: It depends on the cushioning material of your chair. Vacuuming any chair to collect loose residue is safe. You can wipe dirt and stain from PU and PVC leather using a slightly damp cloth. If you have a mesh chair, you can also clean it using a damp, soapy cloth. For small cracks that are not accessible by a cleaning rag, use a soft-bristled brush or cotton buds.

Q: Can I change the lumbar cushion of my gaming chair?
A: Some gaming chairs have a removable or adjustable lumbar cushion. You can replace it with a more comfortable pillow or reposition it for better comfort. Fixed lumbar support cannot be removed or modified.

Q: How can I return an assembled gaming chair?
A: Most furniture can be returned even if they were assembled. Check the product’s return policy and warranty from the manufacturer. Some chairs have a 30-60-day return policy so you can check and have them replaced if they don’t suit your needs.

Q: Can a gaming chair treat my back pain?
A: Only a medical professional can design the best treatment plan for your back pain. Gaming chairs are not intended to treat any medical condition, but can definitely improve back pains by supporting your shoulders and back and correcting poor posture over time.

Q: My gaming chair is not comfortable enough, what should I do?
A: Give it a few days or weeks. New gaming chairs could make you feel sore the first time you used them, especially if you are used to regular chairs. Since an ergonomic chair encourages better sitting posture, it requires a bit of adjustment for people with poor posture.