Are you looking for a practical seat for your office and have trouble deciding whether to buy a gaming or an ergonomic chair? While the latter is often described as more functional due to high levels of adjustability, the choice depends on the individual circumstances.
With the lines blurred between the two chair types, it isn't just a question of productivity or comfort. Here we'll look at the advantages of both seating solutions so you can find the perfect chair for your needs. Let's get started!
Office Setup
In the past, the classical office setup required people to stay seated at their desks. They didn't have much room to lean back. If they did, they experienced pain in their shoulders and wrists due to the lack of support. This, in turn, lowered their productivity.
However, now that so many professions have gone online in the digital age and are working at home, office setups have evolved. Reclining has become a much-coveted function due to the possibility of breaks and endless Zoom meetings. If you have similar needs, this is a fundamental feature to look for in your next office chair.
If you need a seat for a few hours of work at your desk, you'll need to consider a few options. For instance, what kind of desk you're using? If you’re using a standing desk then you may see ergonomic supports as less of an necessity as you won’t be getting that soreness from sitting down.
Whereas, if working at a classic desk, you'll need to pay attention to the chair's lumbar support, back and headrests, and adjustability, both in tilt and height. You want something that will keep you upright and won't hinder your productivity.
High-end gaming chairs have almost as good ergonomics as some office chairs. And most importantly, they have excellent reclining functions. They usually recline at least 135 degrees to ensure the user can be in the most comfortable position.
While a 135-degree recline is also featured in some ergonomic chairs, classical office setups aren't designed for this posture. However, if your work allows you to sit back from time to time, letting your hands rest without putting strain on your body, this option might work for you, especially if you also require the added productivity-boosting elements.
If you have little interaction with your desk without hindering your productivity, look for a solution that offers the best of both worlds.
Gaming
Gaming stations feature designs that allow reclining, making gaming chairs the best option for this particular purpose. Console gamers interact only with controllers and not with their desks. They can sit back and enjoy the experience, unless their game requires keyboard use.
This is one of the reasons gaming chairs are designed with seats similar to racing cars. The bucket-type centres are made of durable materials and add as much comfort as possible during long gaming sessions. Even the lower-end gaming chairs feature memory foam seats, similar padding across the chair's back, and lumbar support for a good base for healthier sitting.
Since gaming chairs are also bigger than their ergonomic counterpart, they can accommodate a broader range of body shapes and sizes. It makes them perfect for gaming parties and marathons with friends.
Moreover, they can withstand far more abuse, which they undoubtedly get during intense gaming sessions. That said, if you're a petite beginner gamer who doesn't spend hours on end in their chair, you might get away with a high-end ergonomic chair, too.
Gaming chairs feature strategically designed components to improve and maintain the user's posture. For example, the high recline degree and the armrest adjustability come in handy when you need to reduce friction and relieve muscle pain.
In these chairs, you can have a break anytime you wish, which is part of their appeal. They often sport a multi-functional tilting mechanism, allowing you to find your sweet spot without interrupting the game.
And when you need time off, you can lean back and recharge while you snack and drink. Gaming chairs are often made of leather, PU or similar water stain-repellent materials. If you want a similar function in an ergonomic chair, you'll have to pay a lot more.
Gaming chairs are a superb investment for those who spend long hours sitting in a reclined position. While these provide a level of comfort aligned with their intended purpose, if you work long hours at a desk where reclining is not an option, this isn't the right chair for you.
Final Thoughts
Featuring full-height bucket seats with added comfort, deep recline functionality, eye-catching aesthetics and more than reasonable price, gaming chairs are the epitome of comfort and perfect for gaming.
Staying true to their name, ergonomic chairs have a much higher level of adjustability, minimalistic design, and enough comfort to prevent any soreness or discomfort. The right chair for you will depend on your preference and the posture you have while sitting at a desk.
