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The most obvious reason for getting a gaming chair is comfort. It would be best to have all the support for your back and neck to pace through your gaming sessions efficiently. Of course, they also look good, almost like a throne that is fit for a king. But before you pick up a gaming chair, there are quite a bit of factors to consider.

One can argue that a standard office chair is good enough. That is true to an extent, as most office chairs offer similar back and lumbar support that helps maintain your posture. They even let you adjust the height and back support. However, gaming chairs have extra ergonomic features that you may or may not find on a regular office chair.

For instance, most gaming chairs come with adjustable armrests, lumbar support pads, headrests, back cushions, head/neck pillows, and so on. In fact, the gaming chair that I use lets me adjust the armrests in multiple directions, so my arms get all the comfort when I lean back while watching a movie. There are also certain gaming chairs that come with a footrest. Manufacturers usually have all the ergonomic features of their gaming chairs clearly mentioned on their product pages, make sure you read them carefully.

Apart from comfort and ergonomics, the fabric can also be a deciding factor when buying a new gaming chair. Depending on the material you choose, these may differ in pricing as well.

Leather

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Thermaltake X Comfort Leather gaming chair

Leather on gaming chairs can be hard to find as most manufacturers rely on faux leather in the form of PU or PVC leather. The advantage of using genuine leather is that it is durable and can last generations. It is also a more breathable material since it is made out of natural animal skin when compared to its imitating counterparts. Brands like Thermaltake and Noblechairs do sell genuine leather gaming chairs, but they cost a fortune.

PU/PVC Leather

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GTRacing PU leather gaming chair

PU leather is a synthetic alternative to genuine leather. It is made out of the material left behind after the top grain layer of genuine leather is taken out from a rawhide along with a polyurethane coating. PVC is also made in a similar way with the base material coated in a mix of polyvinyl chloride. These synthetic leather materials are not as durable or breathable as genuine leather. Hence they are cheaper to make and you can get gaming chairs with PU or PVC leather at a most affordable price. Some well-known brands that make synthetic leather gaming chairs include Anda Seat, DXRacer, and SecretLab.

Mesh

Gaming chairs made out of mesh are the most breathable compared to any other material. However, mesh is very delicate and difficult to clean, especially if you have to remove stubborn stains. They are also typically less durable having a shorter lifespan than any other material. Some of the well-known brands making mesh-based gaming chairs include Respawn, Hyken, and AutoFull.

Fabric

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Corsair TC60 Fabric Gaming Chair

Fabric chairs are also an option for customers looking for a soft finish and the best breathable qualities. It is more sweat-resistant and offers less retained heat. The biggest issue with fabric is that it is less resistant to water or any other liquid when compared to leather and its synthetic alternatives. The most important thing to consider while buying a fabric chair is how you prefer your chair, soft or firm. Fabric chairs are usually softer than leather but tend to be less durable.

You can check out fabric gaming chairs from GT Racing, and Corsair.

One size does not fit all

It is important to note that gaming chairs are not limited to people of average height and weight. Certain manufacturers offer chairs in small and large sizes. There are gaming chairs for kids as well as people who are tall and need good legroom. If you are looking for small-sized gaming chairs, check out Arozzi Verona Jr while brands like GT Omega Racing, Anda Seat, and DXRacer offer large and tall gaming chairs.

Price matters

The more money you spend, the more features and premium finish you get. It is that simple. Having said that, gaming chairs are available at fairly affordable prices. You should be able to get an entry-level gaming chair for about $100-$150, with mid-range gaming chairs going up to $250-$300. There is no limit to luxury, and you can end up spending up to $500-$600 for a pure leather or high-quality mesh gaming chair. For the ultimate comfort and premium finish, there is the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair which costs an eye-watering $1,595.

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Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair