Gaming Chair vs. Office Chair: What Are The Differences?

Are you caught in a conundrum between choosing a gaming chair and an office chair? You're not alone!

With the rise in remote work and home offices, the chair you spend long hours in is no trivial matter. It can affect comfort, health, and productivity. 

So, which type of chair is better for you? This article aims to clear up the fog and help you make an informed decision.

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.

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 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.

As we dive deeper into this comparison, we'll explore how design, comfort, materials, and price ranges differ between these two types of chairs, helping you discern which chair is better for your specific needs.

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.

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 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 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.

The bucket seat design in many gaming chairs provides a more snug fit, often becoming more restrictive as gamers hold a controller or set their keyboard in place for hours at a time. Standard office chairs usually offer a flat and wider seat design, offering more freedom of movement. This allows people to reach around their desks and complete other tasks while still finding needed support.

Support pillows, often offered with gaming chairs, can add an extra layer of comfort and customization. They can be placed wherever the user needs additional support. On the other hand, office chairs often integrate lumbar support into the chair's design, allowing more precise adjustments for the optimal fit.

Both gaming and office chairs often offer reclining features and swivel bases. These features allow the user to lean back and rotate the chair effortlessly, offering flexibility and movement. Some chairs offer a tilt mechanism, which allows the user to rock or tilt the chair, adding another dimension to the chair's movement and potentially increasing comfort.

For long periods of sitting, both chair types offer features to increase comfort and reduce fatigue. However, the best choice largely depends on the user's preference and needs.

For example, a gamer might appreciate the high back and bucket seat design of a gaming chair for marathon sessions. At the same time, an office worker might prefer the more upright and posture-focused design of an ergonomic 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 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 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.

When it comes to durability, the type of material plays a crucial role. Leather, both real and synthetic, tends to be durable but requires maintenance to prevent cracking over time. Upholstered fabric, while comfortable and warm, may require deep cleaning or steam cleaning over time. Recycled polyester and nylon chairs are breathable and relatively easy to care for.

Generally, the more expensive and high-tech the material, the longer it will last.

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.

Gaming chairs, though, are also often designed for a more laid-back, bigger TV-type use. They aren’t made for sitting at a computer monitor, typing all day. This is where a proper office chair becomes essential for reducing back and neck pain. 

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.

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.

The adjustable lumbar support, for instance, caters specifically to the natural curve of your spine, helping to prevent lower back pain. The adjustable armrests on an office chair help maintain a comfortable position for your arms and shoulders, reducing the strain on these areas when you're typing or using a mouse. Elbows will sit at 90 degrees to the working surface, and the shoulders won’t slump.

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.

Office chairs are designed to promote productivity. Features like swivel and smooth-rolling casters allow you to move around your workspace effortlessly. According to research, the upright position encouraged by office chairs helps us concentrate and approach difficult tasks confidently.

Office chairs often utilize materials like breathable mesh that can help you stay cool during long working hours. This can be particularly beneficial in warmer climates or if you tend to feel warm after sitting for extended periods.

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.

To find your optimal chair for whatever your day calls for, take our office chair quiz.

Sources:

Ergonomics - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

Neck Pain When Sitting: Posture + Exercises | PRO~PT Physical Therapy 

The dangers of sitting: why sitting is the new smoking | Better Health Channel 

Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide | Mayo Clinic

Science Shows Good Posture Really Does Increase Your Confidence | Inc.com