Gaming Chair Vs. Office Chair Comparison: The Battle of Chairs
When you're purely concerned about getting work done, it can be all too easy to forget the importance of comfort. If you spend long hours gaming or working in an office environment, it's vital to invest in a chair that will keep you consistently comfortable all day long.
Choosing the wrong chair for the task isn't inconsequential, either. Studies show that chair-caused back pain can result in permanent physical damage and premature arthritic symptoms.
Before you shell out for just any chair, make sure to consider your specific preferences and needs. Luckily for you, I'm going to outline the major distinctions between chair types, and features to consider and review some of the most customer-approved brands. Say goodbye to herniated discs and lower back pain with an ergonomic computer chair for long hours.
Who Is the Winner of the Battle Gaming Chair Vs. Office Chair?
Alright, without further ado, I will answer the question: Who has won the battle of Gaming Chair Vs. Office Chair? The winner is X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 Video Gaming Chair.
And for those who want to learn more, I suggest reading my investigation below, where I will tell you why a gaming chair should be ergonomic, what kind of chair styles exist and how they differ. You will learn what features you need to consider when buying a gaming chair so that you could play games for long periods of time or sit at a computer all day without your back getting tired.
Making the Right Choice: Does a gaming chair make a difference?
Ergonomics is a term that most people only vaguely understand. Simply put, ergonomics is a whole field of study that researches human efficiency and comfort in the workplace.
Comfort Level and Ergonomics
At work, ergonomic office chairs are typically designed to maximize movement and comfort. Most pricier office chairs feature seat tilt, adjustable height, and waterfall-style lumbar support.
By contrast, gaming chairs are often decked out with full recline, leg rests, fully rotatable armrests, and adjustable lumbar support. For console games, users are meant to sit back at a 110-degree angle with their heads against the cushion.
Most gamers attest that the comfiest gaming chair is more comfortable than a comparably priced office chair. Ultimately, office chairs are meant to be moved, used at a desk, and squeezed into tight working quarters, which may cause a slight degradation in comfort.
Ultimately, you should consider both your needs and your coworkers' convenience if you're considering a bulkier gaming chair for the office.
Useful Features
Nowadays, most gaming chairs are crafted with a wide variety of different customizable features. The right chair will be both affordable while allowing users of most sizes, heights, and weights to sit comfortably for a long period of time.
- Adjustable Armrests
Though it's often looked over, armrests are an important component of daily comfort. Console gamers benefit from fully adjustable, 4D armrests that help to support the elbows during gameplay. Armrests should not only be height adjustable but should also angle forward and back.
- Seat Height
Both gamers and professionals need to select a chair that allows their feet to rest flat on the floor. Most chairs feature pneumatic height adjustors, allowing a 90-degree angle between your thighs and calves for maximal comfort.
- Reclining
For gaming, your chair should be able to recline from 90 degrees to at least 160 degrees. Make sure the unit includes a tilt locking mechanism so that you're able to adjust it to the perfect recline.
- Body Support
No matter what chair you opt for, you should select one that provides support for your neck, lower back, and buttocks. Most gaming chairs feature segmented padding for these sensitive regions.
- Material
Hands down, the materials used in construction are one of the most important aspects to consider when determining quality. Most gaming chairs are crafted with artificial or genuine leather, in addition to mesh covers that enhance breathability.
Although genuine leather is pricey, it's the most durable and waterproof material currently available. By contrast, artificial leather is much cheaper and almost indistinguishable from the real thing; however, it may cause sweat to stick to the seat on hot days.
- Different Chair Styles
For gaming chairs, the most popular styles include Racing chairs and Pedestal chairs. Racing-style seats are tailor-made for PC gaming activities since they are slim enough to slip under a desk and feature enhanced neck support.
Pedestal chairs are great for console gaming since they are mounted on a solid swiveling metal base and offer a natural recline angle.
Gaming Chairs Vs Office Chairs Comparison
Here, I'll list some of the most important distinctions to consider between the office and gaming chairs.
| Gaming Chairs | Office Chairs |
| Features a higher backrest with neck and head rest pads | Most basic office chairs feature a short back with no neck support |
| May have removable support cushion for the neck, buttocks, and back | Often has adjustable height and rocking function |
| Typically offers a generous recline angle from 90 to 180 degrees | Typically has five-point star, sturdy metal base with nylon wheels |
| Crafted with 2D, 3D, or 4D fully rotatable arm rests | Usually not designed for long, continuous hours spent sitting |
What Do Gamers Say?
If you're anything like me, then you know how uncomfortable it can be to use a standard chair during long hours of Counterstrike tournaments. When making a selection, it's important to opt for a chair that'll keep up with your gaming habits for years.
In my experience, it's best to select a gaming chair that you can sit in for hours without a hint of pain in your neck, back and buttocks. These are the most fragile areas of the body that endure a lot of stress while you sit.
Redditors agree with this opinion, too. In a thread on gaming chairs, one user stated: "I bought a $500 chair off of Amazon. When you sit in it, it doesn't really impress you. But then after a 14-hour gaming session, you realize you're not uncomfortable -- that's when you know it's a quality chair."
Battle of the Chairs: Reviews of the Best Gaming and Office Chairs
1. AKRacing Masters Series Chair
Crafted from perforated pleather upholstery, the AKRacing chair is designed to be both ergonomic and easy to clean. With a wide metal frame and anti-corrosive coating, the AKRacing chair is guaranteed to last years of daily use.
Even more importantly, the chair features a fully adjustable headrest, puffy lumbar support pillows, and 4D rotatable armrests. Users are able to recline anywhere between 90 to 180 degrees, making it perfect for both nap time and getting serious work done.
Able to withstand up to 330 pounds, the AkRacing is primarily for gaming but would also function for virtually any office need.
| Pros | Cons |
| Some users complain that the nylon wheels break frequently |
2. X Rocker Pro Series 2.1 Video Gaming Chair
At its core, the X Rocker is an all-purpose, fully leather gaming chair that's perfect for watching movies, listening to music, and lounging. Featuring two dual-action speakers on either side, the chair can be configured to create a fully immersive audio experience during long gaming sessions. Interestingly, the chair also features patented vibration motors that sync to audio bass.
Though its price is surprisingly low, the X Rocker doesn't skimp on ergonomics either. With a full swivel base and complete lumber and neck support, the X Rocker is comfortable to use for long durations of time.
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3. DXRacer Office Chair
Despite its surprisingly sleek appearance, the DXRacer provides maximum comfort at a minimal size. Whether it's the breathable mesh material or full lumbar cushion, the DXRacer is built to last years of use in both office and gaming environments.
The DXRacer is retrofitted with 3D rotatable armrests, flexible seat back adjustors, and full recline that makes it suitable for any time and place. Users appreciate the stable nylon five-point base and gas spring, which allows users of any height to glide seamlessly across the floor.
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4. RESPAWN-900 Racing Style Gaming Recliner
If you're a serious gamer, look no further than the Respawn-900. Made with segmented padding, full recline, and ergonomic lumbar support, it's comfortable to sit in the Respawn for hours at a time.
Users love the Respawn chair since it's clear the manufacturers paid attention to every possible detail. This unit includes a drink holder, removable side pouch for controllers, and completely adjustable footrest to give users complete control over their gaming experience.
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5. AmazonBasics High-Back Executive Swivel Office Chair
Featuring segmented padding, buttocks support, and pneumatic seat adjustment, practically every user can sit in this unit all day with no complaint. Though it's not the most eye-catching chair, the bonded brown leather and sturdy copper-tinted metal base guarantee long lasting support.
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