High-quality gaming chairs support the back when playing for hours on the computer or console. In addition to good seating comfort, the chair should also score points with its design. Many models are equipped with practical accessories such as integrated speakers. Find out here which gaming chair suits you and what you should look out for when buying.
To the gaming chairs
How does a gaming chair differ from an office chair?
The most obvious difference is probably the eye-catching design of the former, but many more details distinguish a gaming chair from an office chair. On the other hand, they have a few things in common: for example, both are usually equipped with castors, are height-adjustable and are available in different materials.
An office chair is designed to support the body ergonomically, keep the back upright and allow the feet to rest on the floor when the knees form a right angle. The seat height is adjustable so that the eyes are at the same height as the computer monitor. Some models have a headrest.
Gaming chairs, on the other hand, are much more padded so that they offer complete relaxation for the whole body. Therefore, their appearance is often reminiscent of sports car seats. Some gaming chair models recline much more than an office chair. Many include numerous extras that are superfluous or unusual at work.
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Gaming chairs
These aspects you should consider when choosing a gaming chair
Apart from aesthetics and the question of which specific model your favourite gamer uses, comfort and ergonomics while gaming should always be the basis for choosing a gaming chair. Therefore, you should always consider your height and weight to find the right model.
Different designs have each been developed for people with certain physical characteristics. The headrest, armrests and lumbar cushions should therefore adapt to your body as well as possible. Pay attention to the technical features of each model. Some are available in different sizes so that they adapt better to different body shapes and weight classes.
Gaming chair materials and parts
The most common materials for the seat of a gaming chair are
Leather,
imitation leather and
fabrics or synthetic fabrics.
Some models feature a combination of different materials, making them more breathable and easier to clean.
A gaming chair made of artificial leather, for example, is much less expensive than one made of real leather and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. On the other hand, the material is much less breathable than real leather, which can be uncomfortable in summer. Therefore, it is not uncommon to come across chairs with imitation leather upholstery that have breathable fabric, some of which is micro-perforated, in certain places to prevent perspiration.
They are easy to clean: a hoover is recommended to remove dust (especially if the chair has fabric parts or if a pet lives in the household). Then wipe with a damp microfibre cloth. Take this opportunity to check the castors and their axles. Hair can accumulate there, which then makes movement difficult.
Wrapping the backrest and seat
The seat of the gaming chair should be slightly wider than your pelvis so that you can move freely and do not feel cramped at the sides. The seat should be high enough so that you can put your feet on the floor and your back can maintain a good posture. The feet should not hang in the air.
Most models can also be adjusted in depth to fit the distance between your pelvis and knees.
The backrest ends in a headrest, which is either integrated into the chair or is a separate upholstered part. In this case, it can be easily adjusted to your height, and even to the posture you adopt when playing.
The same applies to the lumbar cushion: A movable or separate model can adapt perfectly to your spine and can be removed when you stretch out backwards.
The seat’s filling material is usually foam with a higher density, so that it lasts a long time and you sit on the chair just as comfortably as on a sofa or in an armchair.
In high-end models, the backrest can be tilted backwards up to 180 °. This is probably less comfortable for playing, but pleasant for relaxing, taking a nap or watching a film. Chairs of medium or lower quality can usually be tilted at an angle of 130 ° to 150 °.
Foot and castors
The base of the chair must be as durable as possible so that it can serve for a long time. It is made of plastic or metal. The latter is more recommended for people with a heavier body weight.
The castors allow 360 ° rotation and smooth movement. Also consider the floor on which the chair will move, especially if it is parquet. Choose a model with rubber castors so as not to damage it, or use a floor protection mat.
Most castors are replaceable. So if one breaks, you can get a new set to fix it. This way your gaming chair will last even longer.
2D, 3D and 4D armrests on the gaming chair
The armrests on a gaming chair are very different from those on an office chair. They facilitate the movement of the forearms during gaming and offer various adjustment options. They have an axis that can be adjusted vertically and horizontally (2D), but 4D armrests are particularly popular.
These can be adjusted in 4 directions: forwards or backwards, from left to right and at a lateral angle. All of this helps you to react faster and more efficiently while gaming.
Accessories for gaming chairs
Medium and higher quality models often include various accessories:
Removable cover to make cleaning easier;
removable footrest;
Lumbar cushion with integrated vibration massage;
Bluetooth speaker directly in the chair, with volume control and audio connection.
LED lighting, for a perfect gaming atmosphere.
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Speaker
How to assemble your gaming chair
Gaming chairs (just like office chairs) come in parts. However, it will take you no more than 20 minutes to assemble. Follow the steps in the instructions in the order given, paying particular attention to whether there is a guard to remove on the gas strut.
During assembly, you can easily see the position of the various levers and their function.
