Gaming Chair vs Office Chair - side by side Comparison

For the serious gamer, there is every reason to have the best equipment, but if you are lacking a gaming chair, that is essentially the same as lacking a proper graphics card. These essential pieces of gaming equipment are specialized for gamers. They provide comfort and support unique to gaming. The bottom line is the reason why gaming chairs so expensive is that they are designed for the needs of gamers. There will be lots of time spent playing games, and during this time it is imperative to be comfortable while having the ability to easily move the mouse or adjust on the fly.

There are several factors to consider when investing in a gaming chair. However, do not avoid this purchase. Just like your graphics card and processor, the gaming chair will help you be proficient at gaming along with comfortable when spending time perfecting your craft. Here are some things to be aware of when searching for an ideal gaming chair.

Comfort

The key to any chair that you will spend a long time in is being comfortable. The gaming chair has a high back and depending on your preference, could be upholstered in real or fake leather. There are other types of upholstery to consider as well. One of the important parts of a gaming chair is being able to sink into it and feel a bit weightless. There are several keys to comfort, the biggest one is making sure that your thighs are parallel to the ground and that you’re sitting upright. One of the keys is having soft material that you can sink into a bit, but not completely get lost in.

Adjustability

A big part of the gaming chair’s appeal is that the gaming chair is incredibly adjustable compared to the office chair. Office chairs can go up and down while some models don’t even come with arm rests. This is not the case with many gaming chairs. These chairs are incredibly adjustable. Besides the up and down movements, you can also adjust arm rests and the angle of the chair to the computer. You can set the chair to have a recline and keep it in that position. These chairs move around very well and having a gaming chair means you can sit in an ideal position with loads of comfort.

Cosmetics

The thing about office chairs is that they’re just blasé. It’s not their fault, they’re designed to be ergonomic and keep you in one place with relative comfort. Unless you’re spending $500-$600 on an office chair, it’s probably something mass produced that doesn’t help your body’s contours feel supported. Gaming chairs are different. The coloring of the chairs is fierce, and many chairs have a look of a racing seat. Sitting in these chairs will make you feel like you’re in the game. Just as the images on your screen are vivid, so are the chairs.

Neck Support

One of the biggest drawbacks with office chairs is that there’s no neck support. For all that you get in terms of having lumbar support and a comfortable seat, your head and neck are left to roam. This is mostly because people in office chairs are leaning forward often to read and check things. Gaming chairs have the high back. This allows for them to have neck support. A proper seat in a car has the head rest high and behind the head. This allows your head to hit the head rest in an accident, absorb the kinetic energy and thus prevent whiplash. A similar dynamic is at play with a gaming laptop. Instead of the violence of a car accident, your neck can be strained by constantly tilting your head back or forward. The head rest solves the problem. Just rest your head on the back and you won’t have to deal with the cervical spine strain that those in office chairs have reported.

Accessories

Gaming chairs are constantly evolving to make the gaming experience more immersive. Thanks to the adjustability, you can sit in the gaming chair and feel like you are part of the action. Another feature found on some gaming chairs is having speakers built into the chair that can connect to the computer. This provides a more immersive experience within the game and doesn’t require a lot of adjustment to be done by the chair manufacturer. Some chairs have cupholders as well while others come with pillows sewn into the neck area. There are some gaming chairs that are rocker style as well.

Competition

Because gaming chairs are in demand, companies are perfecting these designs and they are costing gamers less at the point of sale. The key is understanding the cost of fabricating a chair isn’t very high, but the details of stitching and other accoutrements are where the chairs get expensive. There are some things to consider like whether seams are sewn – this is the best option as they will be stronger. Also, if a fabric is breathable, that could add cost as well. The biggest driver of cost is usually the visual appeal though. Don’t spend money on a great looking chair if something a bit less expensive provides the same level of comfort.

Conclusion

There are many compelling reasons to choose a gaming chair instead of a typical office chair for your gaming needs. One important consideration is gaming time. If you are spending more than 5-6 hours a week gaming, it is wise to invest in a gaming chair. These chairs will provide your body the support it needs to sit for a while and have fun in a virtual world. One of the other keys is to check out how adjustable the chair is and give it some seat time before buying. If the chair feels comfortable, then it’s a chair to purchase. The neck support is something that is vital for gamers and will keep them from developing stiff necks and other issues with the cervical spine. Office chairs just can’t provide all the support needed for gaming, and that’s why a gaming chair is the way to go.