Gaming setups are expensive, so it can be tempting to skip getting a specialized chair and simply use whatever dining or office chair that you have already. That, as any pro gamer knows, would be a mistake. Of the top fifteen Twitch streamers, only one does not use an ergonomic chair, and it’s a similar story for the top esports teams.
So, the pros know what’s what, but what exactly makes a good gaming chair, and are they truly that much better than a regular chair? Here we set out the features that are important, and look at the various benefits that they can provide.
Types of gaming chair
There are three main types of gaming chairs, and which one you choose will depend on what style of gamer you are. PC gaming chairs are fairly similar to standard office chairs, but they provide extra support and cushioning, as well as having more options to adjust. They have rollers on the base so they are easy to move around.
For console gamers, there are rocket or platform chairs, which resemble rocking seats for children. They have no legs, and the player is positioned on the floor. Hybrid or pedestal chairs take aspects of PC and platform chairs, and the product is a reclining swivel chair on a base with no wheels.
Essential features of a gaming chair
Is a gaming chair necessary, and if so, why? If you spend a good deal of time gaming, then we would argue that a special chair is essential. Spending hours in a regular chair will cause discomfort and lead to loss of concentration. This in turn will hurt your game, but more importantly than that, it will end up hurting your body in the long run.
Your neck and back, and even your blood circulation, can be adversely affected by a poor chair. Long-term, gamers who don’t use an ergonomic chair can suffer from bad posture which can lead to chronic pain. Let’s drill down and look at the features that we consider indispensable in a gaming chair.
The first is that it has adequate back, neck, and arm support. The seat is designed to hold your body in an upright and aligned position, supporting and cushioning your back and neck and all your muscles so that you don’t strain them while playing. Armrests are also important, since holding your arms unsupported will lead to pain in the neck and shoulders and use a lot of energy.
It should also be made from good quality materials, both for the seat of the chair, and the base and supports. Leather or imitation leather are popular because they are easier to keep clean, coupled with mesh to allow air to circulate. Some gamers prefer fabric seats as they find them more comfortable, although they are less durable. The legs and other supporting structures should be nice and sturdy since gaming chairs must often withstand more vigorous activity than other types of chairs.
Finally, chairs must be easily and widely adjustable. You have to be able to change the height of the chair, position the armrests, and it must have a good recline. Many gaming seats have armrests that can be adjusted in four directions.
Effects of a good ergonomic chair
It may take some time to get used to how an ergonomic chair feels when you first start to use it. If your body has learned to have suboptimal posture, the way that the chair forces you to sit can feel unnatural. However, once you become accustomed to it, you will start to notice the positive effects.
With your posture corrected, your circulation and breathing will improve. This will lead to improved focus and better performance. The full-body support means that you can sit for longer without causing strain to your muscles. As you are expending less energy to keep your body positioned, you will get an energy boost for your gaming.
Gaming chairs help to get you in the zone, removing physical strain and discomfort so that all your focus can be on the game. With your head positioned at the level of the screen, and all hardware within easy reach, it is possible to create a much more immersive experience. This is true for PC gamers on CS:GO, online chess players, FIFA aficionados, or gambles spending their free spins bonus in an online casino.
Gaming chair extras
Even the more basic gaming chairs can be a bit of an expense, but if money is no option then you can find some other cool features as well. Some have an extra footrest so that you can easily change the position of your legs. Others come with inbuilt speakers and other tech such as rumble functions.
In terms of materials, more advanced chairs have seats with special layering designed to keep the player cool. This kind of setup is more important for pro esports players who find themselves playing for hours in arenas under hot lights.
The bottom line
A gaming chair may sound like an unnecessary expense, but by not using one you may be hindering your performance and you are almost certainly damaging your body. A decent chair doesn’t need to cost a fortune, and there are some good budget options that fulfill all the essential criteria. PC gaming chairs are also multi-functional, as they are just as good for work as they are for recreation. For anyone who works from home with a computer, a gaming chair can also double as an office chair – and the opposite certainly is not true.
