As the world changed from analog to digital, so too did the work and play arena. Nowadays, more of us are located behind the computer for hours, and that is not what the human body was made for. That is why choosing an excellent chair to sit in behind your desk is so important.
There are many different options and styles to choose from. Two of the most popular are the traditional office chair and the gaming chair, but which one is the best option? Which will give you the most support and comfort for those long hours behind the screen?
In this article, we will be taking a look at these two popular options and pitting them against each other. Hopefully, by the time we are done, you will have some idea of which option will work the best for your needs.
What Is a Gaming Chair and What Is an Office Chair?
There are many similarities when you get down to the small details of each of these chairs, but when you look at them in the big picture, it is very evident that they have some big differences, as well. Let’s take a look at how we can define each of them.
The gaming chair is crafted to look almost like a racecar seat. This is not a surprise, as many of the features included in standard gaming chairs have an origin in the race car industry. These seats are typically crafted in a bucket-style design and consist of holes in the back rests, tall backs with added posture and back support.
Often, these chairs will come with an adjustable neck and lumbar support system for improved ergonomics. They also tend to come with adjustable armrests, as well as reclining features.
The traditional office chair has a slightly simpler design than the gaming chair. Typically, they will have armrests that can’t be adjusted and may have a rocking feature. The typical office chairs also tend to come with little to no extra padding, lumbar or head support. As for style and design, they come in a huge plethora of builds.
Now that we have a loose idea of what each option is, let us see how they stack up against each other in some key areas.
Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: A Comparison Guide
Style and Design
If you're worried about how the chair looks, then you will probably be more drawn to the gaming chair. The traditional office chair will be plain and more simple when it comes to design. Basic colors and basic design - that is what you will get with an office chair. If you are looking for a more functional design, though, then the office chair will be the best option.
However, if you want something that is going to add a little panache to your desk, then the gaming chair is the right fit no matter what brand or style you choose. They tend to come accented with fun colors and an almost futuristic-looking aesthetic.
Comfort
Style and aesthetics have nothing to do with the performance, though, so let’s look at something that does - the comfort level. Since you are going to spend long hours in the chair, it may very well be the most important feature to look at. If you put these two types of chairs against each other, the gaming chair will win hands down.
The gaming chair tends to come with plenty of features that can be adjusted to suit the individual. This just naturally leads to a more comfortable chair. They are also padded with higher quality and thicker padding. That doesn’t mean there are not some comfortable office chairs out there, but it does mean that gaming chairs are inherently more comfortable.
Extra Features
This is another area where gaming chairs come out on top. Traditional office chairs don’t have too much in the way of extra features. They tend to be quite straightforward and may offer a rocking option, but not much else. However, with a gaming chair, there is so much more.
As we said, you get plenty of ergonomic adjustment systems when you opt for a gaming chair. Some will come with massage features, LED lighting, cup holders, and much more. There are even gaming chairs that are fitted with a built-in retractable footrest. This is why, when it comes to features and accessories, the gaming chair wins the battle.
Budget and Value
If it is just a question of money, then the traditional office chair is the clear winner. Because these chairs come with no extra frills, they tend to cost way less than a gaming chair. A good standard office chair will typically cost you less than $150. On the flip side, gaming chairs can range from $150 up to almost $600 depending on the model.
On the other hand, if you are talking about value, then we are afraid the office chair tends to falter a little. Traditional office chairs will cost less and often come with a very short limited warranty. However, gaming chairs usually come with a one-year warranty and tend to be made with higher-end materials. This means that investing a little more will allow you to get longer use out of the product.
Summary
When you put gaming chairs up against office chairs, what is the outcome of the battle? The truth is that there is no clear winner. It depends on what you are looking for and how much you are willing to invest.
Overall, you will find the standard office chair is cheaper and more comfortable for short periods of time. The longer you plan to sit in the chair, the more the pendulum swings to the gaming chair as the best option.
In the end, it all boils down to one question - how long and how much comfort do you need when you are working behind your computer? If this is the final question, then we think that the winner is the gaming chair. However, that is just our opinion, and as we said, the final decision rests solely in your hands.
