Top considerations to keep in mind when shopping for gaming chairs. Here’s how to select the perfect gaming chair.
Gaming chairs might be the most overlooked gaming accessories. If you’re like most, you might plan to shell out for a top-of-the-line PC and monitor, as well as a headset that can do it all. You take into account all of the technological components that will elevate your gaming experience such as speakers and a gaming mouse. But have you given any thought to your gaming chair?
If you plan to sit for long hours in front of the computer gaming, you will want to make sure that the seat you park your seat in is comfortable and durable. The right gaming chair for you should make your extra-long gaming sessions enjoyable as well as elevate your entire gaming experience.
Finding your perfecting gaming chair: seven key considerations
Fabric
Leather and pleather chairs may look sleek and cool, but they don’t actually keep you very cool. If you are someone who games in a room that can get warm, you may want to consideration a fabric gaming chair. If you plan to be seated in the chair for long hours, a chair made with breathable fabric might be the right choice for you, especially if you are hot-natured.
Stain-resistant
An hours-long gaming session requires sustenance. From soda to sports drinks and potato chips to cookies, you will probably snack while you game. And, despite your best efforts, you might spill or otherwise get your gaming chair dirty. Look for fabric that can easily wiped clean and is stain-resistant so it will stay new-looking longer.
Lumbar support
Sitting still for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. And a gaming chair that doesn’t offer proper back support (especially in the lower back) can simply ruin your gaming sessions. Find a chair that is ergonomically designed to offer support in the lower back area so you can be comfortably seated for longer periods. This will enable you to focus on your gaming and not your aching lower back.
Built-in speakers
Some gaming chairs come equipped with built-in speakers to elevate your gaming experience and give you more of a “surround sound” experience. Adding this optional extra to your purchase is completely optional. Some view it as one more thing that can malfunction or break while others view it as essential to the experience. The choice is yours!
Style
Gaming chairs come in several different style options: rocker, traditional or pedestal. The style you choose is up to you. One of the biggest reasons to select a gaming chair instead of a typical office chair for your gaming needs is that gaming chairs have a different center of balance and are designed to enable you to lean comfortably back without tipping over.
Wheels
Some gamers prefer chairs with wheels so that they can move seamlessly from spot to spot without getting up. Others don’t want wheels on their chairs, either because they want to be able to lean back without moving around or because they game in a room with carpet where wheels simply won’t function properly anyway. Consider whether or not you want your chair on wheels.
Headrests and armrests
Not all gaming chairs come with headrests and armrests. While some people like the support in both places, some people don’t. If you move around a lot while gaming, perhaps you don’t need armrests, but if you sit still more often than not and like to have support for your arms, armrests might make sense for you. Consider which option will suit your needs best.
Finding your perfect gaming chair: final thoughts
A proper gaming chair will likely set you back several hundred dollars, so, if you’re on the fence about, ask yourself these questions before you take the plunge:
- Will you use this chair just for gaming? Or will you use it in your home office, as well? You may have different needs or wants in an office chair.
- What is your all-in budget? What are the features in a gaming chair you must-have and which ones are simply nice-to-have bonuses?
- Who will use this gaming chair? If it is limited to just you, you may decide to splurge a little. If your kids or siblings will use the chair and there’s a chance that it won’t get well taken care of by all parties, you may want to consider purchasing something on the lower end of the spectrum.
Happy gaming!