One of the most hot topics in gaming culture is also one of the simplest: what’s the point of a gaming chair? Some of us shell out hundreds, even more than a thousand dollars, for the most luxurious name-brand gaming chair. But what’s the point of doing such a thing? Can you get the same performance out of a decent budget chair? And why not just grab some office chair and throw that down at your desk instead?
There are a few features that make gaming chairs worth it - but before we get too deep into it, you should know that many of these things are personal taste. Here are some of the most important factors that deal with the worth of your new gaming chair.
What Makes A Gaming Chair A Gaming Chair?
To start, why is there even a difference between a gaming chair and any other type? What do we call chairs thataren’tgaming chairs?
The most common split for chairs is Gaming and Office. The names there are pretty self-explanatory; an office chair is meant for long-term use in an office, while a gaming chair is meant for use at a gaming desk. But what are the differences?
Aesthetics
One of the first things that comes to mind when we think of gaming chairs is the aesthetics of the chair. Office chairs tend to have a more neutral, “professional” feel to them. They’re almost always black and come in a variety of simple designs usually meant to be as unremarkable as possible. It isn’t that they’re unattractive, it’s just that the professionalism of the average office calls for this appearance more than in other areas.
Gaming chairs, by contrast, often strike a definite and notable image. It’s common for them to be a “Racer” style chair, with one of the most notable brands in this genre being the DXRacer brand. These chairs often have flared “winged” tops, as well as long backs to help provide the best ergonomic support.
The colors also vary more than in office chairs. While office chairs are almost always neutral or cool colors, you can find gaming chairs in any color you want. These include brighter, more striking colors like pink and red as well as the same neutral colors you’ll find your office chairs in. Whatever you prefer, there’s a chair that accomplishes those aesthetics.
Features
The features of a gaming chair are also what will draw most people in. Looks are nice, but if the chair sucks, what’s the point? The most common features of a gaming chair focus on adjustability. It’s likely that you’ll be lounging a bit in your gaming chair, so having more adjustable options helps you customize the chair to your needs. A great example of this is an adjustable back, allowing you to recline if you want, which many office chairs lack. Others may even havespeakers built into the chair.
Another common choice is the adjustable armrests. Many gaming chairs have armrests that you’re able to shift to wherever you’d like, with padding often being optional. In most cases, you can also completely remove them if you prefer that. We find that this is a common tactic among people who also do things like play guitar in their chairs, as the armrests can get in the way.
Ergonomics
Finally, the ergonomic support that a gaming chair provides is one of the most important features. But why, and what does that even mean?
Ergonomics, scientifically speaking, focuses on studying the efficiency of someone in the working environment. Naturally, this makes it a common feature in office chairs. Ergonomic features will focus on making a chair more comfortable and often promote better posture. Due to this, ergonomic features became exceptionally popular in office environments where people had to sit for eight hours or more.
The problem was that gaming chairs began to become uncomfortable by comparison. People started to shift to office chairs for their gaming chairs, which led the gaming chair market to chase down ergonomic features. It’s no secret that many of us spend a great deal of time in our gaming chairs, whether it’s to work from home or to marathon our favorite games.
When you’re shopping for gaming chairs, pay close attention to ergonomic features. Gaming chairs often use lumbar cushions, neck cushions, tall-back chairs, and even extendable footrests to provide the best ergonomic support they can. But keep in mind that the more features your chair has, the more expensive it’s likely to be once it comes to check-out time.
Conclusion: Are Gaming Chairs Worth It?
Ultimately, the main thing you should consider is what aesthetic you want. If you’re looking for comfort and aesthetics, there really isn’t much that a gaming chair does that an office chair can’t also do. Both chairs are meant for you to sit in them for long hours (or at least are built to accommodate such a thing).
Make a list of what features are the most important to you while you shop. Throw in some gaming chairs and office chairs when you’re making your final choice. By doing so, you ensure you’re making an informed choice while shopping for something that ultimately is going to last you for years.
And, as always,keep the price in mind. If the only thing you’re spending more money on is the look of your gaming chair, is that worth the extra cash that gaming chairs often cost?
In short -gaming chairs are worth it, but they’re only worth it if the chair is good for your needs.
FAQ
Where Can I Find A Good Gaming Chair?
There are countless places that sell gaming chairs. Some of the easiest shops to search are places like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, as they have quick shipping and a wide variety of products. But that isn’t to say these are the only places to check. Consider anywhere that sells gaming gear, office supplies, or furniture and check through what they’re offering.
Do I Need To Bother With Ergonomics?
It’s certainly a good idea to. Ergonomic support can help you avoid some common issues like a stiff back or bad posture. It also can stop you from problems like a sore bottom. There are no drawbacks to ergonomic features other than a price increase, and if you intend to spend years in the same chair, it’s a good time not to spare any expenses.
Can I Use An Office Chair Instead?
Of course, you can! You’re just sitting down, it’s your choice where you put your butt. Office chairs make a great substitution for a gaming chair. The primary “issue” is that they often have a rather boring look to them.
