How to Choose a Gaming Armchair
Gaming armchairs are ergonomically designed and sport a distinctive side-profile shape, constructed to ensure a stable and well-supported sitting position during intense gaming. Although they are generally less flexible, you can still adjust the height, rocking tilt, or how rigid the armchair feels when rocking. Gaming chairs are suitable for relaxation and relatively infrequent use.
Gaming Armchair FAQ
How does the rocking mechanism work?
The rocking mechanism allows the chair to be firmly locked in a particular position or, conversely, serve as a rocking chair. This provides your back with a temporary relief, but it's not particularly suitable for long hours of sitting, because your back still maintains the same angle with the rest of the body. On the other hand, some users find rocking relaxing and a good way how to release some strain.
Are rocking gaming armchairs suitable for frequent and long gaming?
Absolutely. The rocking mechanism means you can lean back and take a few minutes of rest anytime, and with high-quality chairs you can even lie down. If you feel tense and tired, this option feels heavenly.
Should I invest in an expensive gaming armchair or will a budget one suffice?
Depends on how much armrest positioning options you need and if you want some extra features like a more striking shape/design or a metal base.
Gaming Armchairs
For casual gaming and relaxation
Key Gaming Armchair Properties
Upholstery Type
Gaming armchairs are typically upholstered with artificial leather. This material looks expensive and it's relatively easy to clean if you have the right cleaning agent. Things tend to get sticky and sweaty in summer, however, especially if you don't play in an air-conditioned room.
Armrest Design
Many gaming armchairs don't really allow any armrest positioning. The only exception is height adjustability. A chair with height-adjustable armrests will be more comfortable.
Base Material
The base is sometimes overlooked, but it's an important part of any chair or armchair. It supports the castor wheels and the gas lift cylinder, which enables the height adjustability of the chair. Budget models tend to feature a plastic base, but if you are on the heftier side, choose a chair with a metal base. It looks cool and will last you longer.
Maximum Weight Capacity
You should always respect the maximum weight capacity of the chair as specified by the manufacturer. Although they are designed to withstand extra weight to some extent, it has to be a rare situation. Otherwise, parts of the base or castor wheels may crack or deform. With regular over-stressing, the gas lift cylinder can also slide all the way down to the floor and you will lose any height adjustment options the chair may have had before.
TIP: If you can, choose a chair designed to withstand more than what you weight. This will extend its service life.
Castor Wheels
For hard floors, parquets, linoleum, or other hard surfaces, choose a chair with soft rubber wheels to avoid scratches. Conversely, hard, non-rubberised plastic wheels won't do any damage if you are planning to put your chair on a carpet or other soft surface. The more expensive gaming armchairs also come with brakes. Their purpose is to prevent the chair from rolling away when you sit down. The wheels are unlocked while chair is empty and will only lock in place once you sit down.
TIP: You may want to buy a durable plastic pad to put under the chair to ensure less wear and tear for your flooring or carpet.
Glossary - Chairs & Armchairs
Synchronous Tilt Mechanism
The chairs with the most advanced synchro tilt mechanism will constantly copy your sitting position. The chair automatically reclines back and forth to match the position of your back, adjusting the seat pan and backrest in sync.
Asynchronous Tilt Mechanism
Chairs with an asynchronous tilt mechanism are notable for their great flexibility. They usually use three levers, which adjust the chair height, backrest angle, and the seat pan angle. This makes them very ergonomic and means they support the so-called dynamic seating, making you constantly change the sitting position and relieving stiffness and back strain.
Dynamic Seating
Dynamic seating is a healthy, natural way of sitting so different from the usual stiff and motionless sitting posture. With dynamic seating, your position is constantly changing, either by rocking back and forth or by changing the angle between the seat and the backrest, so you exercise your core muscles and avoid getting locked into one pose.
Glossary
Rocking Mechanism
This mechanism is notable for the fact that if you unlock the chair, you can rock back and forth. This provides a temporary relief for your back and alleviates the strain caused by a fixed sitting position. Choose a model that lets you adjust the rocking tilt.