Comfort is a top priority for workers to maximize productivity, whether they operate in a home office or commute to their job. An inefficient work environment can result in a severe lack of motivation, culminating in long hours being wasted each week.
The first step in crafting an efficient office environment is ensuring that the chair you sit in for hours each day is comfortable.
Generally speaking, standard office chairs are the most commonly used chairs in home offices. Industrial office chairs are also commonplace in the workplace.
These chairs are both excellent options when it comes to prolonged sitting; however, there is an option that has the potential to be even better: gaming chairs.
What is a Gaming Chair?
Gaming chairs were originally created in 2006 by the car seat manufacturer DXRacer. They are essentially a more complex version of traditional office chairs, designed specifically for gamers.
Gaming chairs feature shoulder, upper back, and head support via an elongated backrest. Additionally, gaming chairs can be precisely personalized, with the inclusion of adjustable headrests, adjustable armrests, and adjustable lumbar support.
There exist three types of gaming chairs: PC, platform, and hybrid.
PC gaming chairs—and the very similar racing style gaming chairs—are what you would most likely use in an office, with a standard office chair base, and are intended for computer video games.
Platform gaming chairs are more popular with console gamers, as they have a flat base and look like a recliner.
Finally, hybrid gaming chairs combine the recliner aspect of the platform gaming chair and the base of the PC gaming chair.
Gaming Chairs vs Office Chairs: The Great Debate
Customers looking at the chair market are sometimes quick to write off gaming chairs, as they believe that they are simply sold to gamers who are looking for a stylish new addition to their gaming setup.
Yet, this could not be farther from the case. Gaming chairs offer ergonomic support that can't be found on a high-end office chair, such as external lumbar pillows, the ability to recline, and the static headrest.
However, not every aspect of a gaming chair triumphs over regular office chairs in the ergonomics department.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic and price of the two different types of chairs. After all, the decision on which to buy should not be based solely on comfort—even if it is one of the most important aspects.
Ergonomic Design Differences
Gaming chairs and office chairs are certainly more common in design than you may realize. Nonetheless, they do differ in a few key areas.
The first of these areas is the seat design. Many gaming chairs feature a bucket seat design. A bucket seat has raised edges, mimicking car seats. Unfortunately, this design choice limits lower body movement and seating positions which is not beneficial.
Meanwhile, an office seat has a contoured ergonomic design specifically moulded for lengthy sitting sessions.
Furthermore, most standard office chairs feature a waterfall edge that reduces thigh pressure, as opposed to the raised edge found on most gaming chairs.
While standard office chairs beat even the best gaming chairs in the seat department, gaming chairs succeed in all areas relating to your back. Firstly, gaming chairs feature a backrest recline. Research has shown that sitting reclined is significantly better than having to sit upright, as you do in most office chairs.
Support pillows are also included for extra lumbar support and neck support. Moreover, the headrest—coupled with the neck pillow—is perfect for people who typically lean back while working.
Lastly, a typical gaming chair comes equipped with adjustable armrests, which are perfect for making sure your arm is always in a pleasing position.
Aesthetic and Price
One of the biggest differences between most gaming chairs and the traditional office chair is their overall design.
Gaming chairs typically are conceived with playing video games in mind, whereas the standard office chair is commonplace in an office.
It simply comes down to personal preference with the aesthetic, as both ergonomic chairs can fit comfortably behind any desk. Comparing gaming chairs to standard office chairs on pure size reveals that gaming chairs are slightly larger; however, the adjustable seat can be moved to potentially fit into smaller desk areas.
In terms of pricing, even a low-to-mid-range gaming chair includes many of the ergonomic features required to keep you comfortable while working.
This can't be said about all ergonomically designed office chairs, though. Many lower-end office chairs do not come with all of the ergonomic features included in low-end gaming chairs.
For example, if you want adjustable armrests on your office chair, you will have to purchase a very high-quality chair. Despite this, even the best gaming chairs are beaten by high-luxury office chairs ergonomically.
The Decision
There is no clear-cut winner between gaming chairs and office chairs. Gaming chairs excel in areas where even the most comfortable office chairs do not, and vice-versa.
Using the information in this article, you'll hopefully be able to draw your own conclusion as to which chair is the best for you—although you definitely can not go wrong with either choice.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaming_chair
https://ergonomictrends.com/gaming-chair-vs-office-chair-ergonomics/