If you’re reading this article now, there’s a high chance that investing in a gaming chair has been on your mind lately. Well, you’re in luck. You’ve come to the right page as I’m about to walk you through the ultimate computer gaming chair guide for every gamer out there for 2021.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll be covering the basics of what makes the ultimate computer gaming chair. The different types and everything you need to consider before fully investing in one.
Check Out Our List Of Our Top Gaming Chair Recommendations This 2021 Here.
What is a gaming chair and do you need one?
If you’ve been exploring the gaming chair market, chances are you’ve also seen the amount of criticism this piece of furniture gets. A lot of people are very hesitant when it comes to gaming chairs and view them as unnecessary.
Of course, they’re entitled to their opinions and to each our own. But I have to respectfully disagree. While your standard office chair can provide some ergonomic relief, gaming chairs are just altogether built differently. It has a different set of priorities and was made particularly with gamers in mind.
In addition, gaming chairs are just so much more fun to look at too.
You see, gaming chairs can no longer be seen as a passing trend. It’s not deeply rooted as part of gamer culture. Especially now when the eSports industry continues to grow. In turn, this allows manufacturers to make a market out of their gamer audience and to keep up with the increasing demand.
But what exactly makes a gaming chair, a gaming chair?
For most people, a gaming chair looks like the typical bucket seat with a race car style design. And they’re not wrong. For some time, it was the only design for gaming chairs available. But as the market grows, so do different designs that continue to pop up.
Aside from that, a lot of people also confuse gaming chairs with office chairs. Which is understandable. In most cases, a gaming chair can also double as an office chair and serve the same purpose but with added benefits or even tech-savvy options.
So do you need a gaming chair? I would say yes.
If you want optimum comfort whether you’re working or gaming for long hours throughout the day, a gaming chair might just be the one for you.
What You Need To Consider Before Getting A Computer Gaming Chair
Ergonomics and Comfortability
When it comes to the things you should consider before getting a gaming chair, your comfortability should be at the forefront. The main reason we want to get a gaming chair is to make our gaming sessions comfortable after all, right?
Thankfully, most manufacturers of gaming chairs prioritize their users’ comfort when producing a new gaming chair model. But not all units are built equally. Different gaming chairs are equipped with ergonomic features in varying degrees.
Some have naturally more ergonomic features or add-ons, making them perform better. Then there are ones that fall on the mediocre category.
Here are some helpful tips!
So how do you find out when a gaming chair you’re eyeing is ergo-friendly? It’s quite easy. Here are some features to look out for:
- One of the best things about a gaming chair is the recline. Some chairs offer a complete 180 degrees of recline, some offer less. But I find they’re usually pretty comfortable and do the job of lessening back pain.
- Aside from recline, you can also check the lumbar support. This also helps decrease the strain on your back during tougher levels of gaming.
- Next are armrests. Some gaming chairs offer fully adjustable armrests that you can move in different directions. Some even pivot with the chair as you recline. There are also padded armrests and non-padded ones.
- Another feature to consider are the headrests. You can find manufacturers that design fully adjustable headrests for maximum comfort.
- Footrests aren’t as common in gaming chairs, unfortunately. Especially in bucket seat types. But there are a few brands that do add them. Personally, I love footrests so I always look out for this particular feature in a gaming chair.
There are a lot more ergo-friendly features to consider, truth be told. But it’s up to you which ones you would prioritize over the other. Usually, the ones that have all these features can be found on more premium brands.
Design
As the demand for computer gaming chairs in the market continues to rise, a lot of manufacturers right now offer such a wide range of different variants to choose from to be able to cater to every gamer.
You might find that some have the standard bucket seat race car style design. These tend to be the most popular structure as well. While others may sport a more minimalist look. Almost akin to your traditional office chair. Then there are some that are somewhat in the middle of being a gaming chair and a la-z-boy type of recliner.
Each of these chair designs has its own perks and disadvantages. But it all comes down to what exactly you’re looking for.
There’s actually a lot more variety in design if you go through online and physical stores right now. But those are just some of the examples. So whichever type you might prefer, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste and your setup.
Materials Used
Different gaming chairs may be created from different materials too. This tends to depend on the design, but here are some of the more popular ones that are being used:
PU Leather
PU leather, faux leather, or bonded leather are the most commonly used upholstery in gaming chairs. A few brands use real leather but those usually cost quite a fortune. If money is no object to you, be my guest and look for premium manufacturers.
But for most people, PU leather is more than enough. It offers the best value and is also typically very budget-friendly. In addition, you get a really soft padding that feels comfortable against your body.
Mesh
If you want a more breathable material that prevents heat build-ups, I highly recommend going for a gaming chair with a mesh finish. This type of material is less common in gaming chairs and are more usually seen in your normal office or desk chairs.
Nevertheless, they’re one of the best gaming chairs I’ve sat on. They provide so much ergonomic relief without getting uncomfortable even when you’ve sat down for several hours. They feel light, they make you sweat a lot less, and you still feel fresh and dry after an intense game.
Fabric
In comparison to PU leather, fabric is a lot more breathable. Though comfort-wise, I think this will depend on you. But keep in mind, a more breathable material takes up less heat and in turn, makes you sweat less.
Personally, I do find fabric a lot more superior in comparison to the previous two types of materials used for a gaming chair. Mesh is relatively more breathable but the lack of padding is a disadvantage. Meanwhile, a fabric finish is just the sweet spot between the two.
In most cases, fabric gaming chairs are made from synthetic polyester.
Build Quality
Another important thing to consider is the build quality. This will tell you how long your gaming chair will most likely last. So keep an eye out on a gaming chair’s frame and overall build. You won’t want a gaming chair that wears out and breaks after just a few uses.
Some of you might play very hardcore and intense games, making you fidget and move around in your seats. This also takes a toll on your gaming chairs, so if yours are durable enough, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Usually, a good quality frame is made of metal or flexible and heavy-duty steel. Also, look for ones with wide aluminum bases rather than nylon-based ones. Wheels that are 3 inches are also a lot more durable compared to lower sizes.
When it comes to padding, shapeable or cold foam are the ones you can find on the best gaming chairs in the market. These don’t turn flat as pancakes after use.
Dimensions, Weight Capacity, and Recommended Height
As for a gaming chair’s weight capacity and recommended height, find one that fits you just right. You won’t believe how many first-time buyers make this rookie mistake of not considering a chair’s weight capacity and recommended height for its users.
With that in mind, always check the chair’s dimensions. Most gaming manufacturers nowadays give a detailed description of their chairs anyway. So you should be good as long as you don’t forget this!
Other Add-Ons
These aren’t as necessary as the ones I’ve mentioned above but in case you might want them, some gaming chairs (mostly the very high-end ones) are equipped with built-in speakers, have Bluetooth connectivity, and etc.
If you like these kinds of features, you can find a lot of it in the market. Just keep in mind, these will have extra costs.
Conclusion
Finding the ultimate computer gaming chair for you can be hard, albeit overwhelming, for anyone. Especially when you’re new to this kind of furniture. But it’s totally worth it.
I perfectly know and understand how rewarding and satisfying it is to have a reliable chair to sit back and relax on after a long and hard day.
It almost feels like you’re becoming one with your chair, as weird as that may sound. And once you’re comfortable, you can start to immerse yourself and just feel ready to take on a whole new world in the games you’re playing.
So if you can, I highly recommend it to treat yourself and get a gaming chair.
To conclude this article, I only hope this buyer’s guide was able to help you out in knowing the things you need to keep in mind before completely investing in a gaming chair.
Happy gaming!
Do you already own a gaming chair? What was the experience like for you? Let me know in the comments section below your insights or anything you’d like to add to this buyer’s guide!
Recommended reading for you:
Best Computer Gaming Chairs For Adults 2021: Take Your Gaming To New Levels
