In the era of remote work and home offices, the chair you spend long hours in is no trivial matter. It can significantly impact your comfort, health, and productivity. This article aims to clear up the fog and help you make an informed decision between a gaming chair and an office chair.
Understanding the Basics: Gaming Chair vs. Office Chair
Whether you’re an avid gamer or an office worker (or both), understanding the fundamental differences between gaming chairs and office chairs is a solid starting point.
Office Chair: Designed for Ergonomics
A standard office chair often emphasizes ergonomic design. Ergonomics involves designing products to best fit the human body and its movements, reducing discomfort and enhancing productivity during long working hours. The best office chairs feature adjustable armrests, lumbar/back support, and a swivel base. The height adjustment feature allows for customization according to the user’s height, ensuring optimal alignment with your workspace.
Gaming Chair: Inspired by Racing Car Seats
Gaming chairs borrow aesthetics from racing car seats, offering a more sporty look. Besides style, gaming chairs should provide comfort during extended gaming sessions. They can also come equipped with a high backrest for head and neck support and adjustable recline features. Some even have exceedingly unique features like Bluetooth built into the headrest.
Design Comparison: Gaming Chair vs. Office Chair
When it comes to chairs, design isn’t merely about aesthetics. It’s also about how the shape and features of the chair can support you during usage.
High Back vs. Standard Back: How Does It Affect You?
One striking difference between the two chair types is their backrest height. Gaming chairs usually sport a high-back design, similar to those in modern sports cars. This design, inspired by racing car seats, supports the entire spine, all the way up to the neck and head. Office chairs, on the other hand, are commonly found with standard backs, supporting the lower back to the upper back, with added adjustable headrests to reduce neck strain.
Racing-Style Gaming Chairs vs. Ergonomic Office Chairs: Which Provides Better Support?
Racing-style gaming chairs often feature bucket seats that hug the user’s body. This design keeps gamers comfortable during intense gaming sessions. Ergonomic office chairs emphasize a design that offers adjustable lumbar support and promotes a neutral posture to prevent back pain and promote comfort during long periods of sitting.
Material Matters: Gaming Chair vs. Office Chair
The materials used in a chair not only dictate its look and feel but also play a significant role in its durability and comfort level.
Gaming Chairs: Vinyl, Fabric, or Real Leather
Gaming chairs often use materials like vinyl, fabric, or real leather. These materials contribute to the chair’s aesthetic appeal and comfort. However, they might require more upkeep to maintain their look over time. These materials are often referred to as “sticky” as they can stick and pull on exposed skin.
Office Chairs: Mesh, Nylon, or Fabric Weaves
Office chairs tend to use more conservative materials like mesh, nylon, or fabric weaves. These breathable mesh materials give more venting and cooling to your bottom end, which keeps the user cool during long hours of sitting.
Gaming Chairs: Not Just for Gamers
While gaming chairs are designed with gamers in mind, they can also be a viable option for non-gamers. In a home office setting, gaming chairs can add a touch of personality with their unique designs and colors. Their high backs and adjustable features offer comfort during long periods of focused work in which one is holding the same position for hours on end.
Why Choose an Office Chair for Work?
While gaming chairs have their advantages, there are several reasons why a proper office chair could be a better fit for your standard work environment.
Emphasis on Ergonomics for Long Work Hours
High-quality office chairs are constructed with ergonomic principles at the forefront, aiming to reduce discomfort and the risk of musculoskeletal problems associated with prolonged sitting.
Professional Appearance
Office chairs often have a more professional and subtle aesthetic compared to the sporty, more masculine look of gaming chairs. If you’re conducting video meetings from your workspace or in a traditional office environment, an office chair may better suit the professional setting.
The Best of Both Worlds: The Ergonomic Chair
Choosing the best chair for your day-to-day use remains a personal preference, but you can combine the best of both worlds with the top-of-the-line Ergonomic Chair. With eight points of adjustment and high-density supportive seating, gamers and office workers can sit for eight hours or more comfortably. The double-layered mesh is breathable and durable. This chair is strong enough to be graded for commercial use but looks equally at home in a home.