Deciding between a gaming chair and an ergonomic chair is not an easy task. One is optimized for productivity, the other prioritizes comfort. Can a gaming chair be used as a work chair, or vice versa? This article will help you answer the questions surrounding choosing the right chair.
Definition and advantages and disadvantages of each type of chair
Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the human body in the best possible way. Its design is informed by ergonomics, through the application of psychological and physiological principles to optimize human health and productivity.
Ergonomic chairs are known as the optimal product for work and study. It brings users many benefits such as reducing pressure on musculoskeletal systems, improving blood flow through smart mechanisms that have been researched based on human biological mechanisms.
However, it still has some disadvantages. A really good ergonomic chair is quite expensive, the highest can be up to 60 million. The seat height is not really suitable for those who are too tall or too short. It can make you lazier, sit for hours and lack of movement because of the comfort it brings.
Meanwhile, gaming chairs are designed specifically for professional and amateur gamers. Gaming chairs always bring comfort, provide maximum height, high aesthetics and flexible reclining function.
Gaming chairs also have some disadvantages such as being bulkier than traditional office chairs, making them difficult to move or store, being quite expensive, and the leather material not being as breathable as regular chairs.
The difference between gaming chairs and ergonomic chairs
The reason why you are confused between these two chairs is probably because they “look similar”. Next, we will explore the differences in some factors that are difficult to distinguish without careful study.
1. Difference in design
Difference in design
Gaming chair designs offer full-height bucket seats with a high aesthetic that tends to be flashier and more attention-grabbing with two popular colors, red and black, and a sporty, modern look (like an eye-catching Ferrari).
Meanwhile, the ergonomic chair design contains a minimalist and professional beauty with black, white, gray colors and delicate contours, in harmony with your workspace.
They are designed for two completely different activities. Gamers often stand up or sit down quickly (think of when a competition is intense) and sometimes become aggressive with extreme sitting force (when losing a game).
What about ergonomic chairs? Users typically sit in one place, maybe turn around a little, and generally try not to make noise. Ergonomic chairs are therefore more adjustable, focused on correct posture, and provide more spinal support than gaming chairs.
Most gaming chair legs are made of solid steel or aluminum with an extremely solid structure, while ergonomic chairs are just synthetic plastic or an iron core covered with plastic on the outside. Therefore, the load-bearing capacity of gaming chairs will be higher than that of ergonomic chairs.
2. Flexible in adjustment
2.1. Headrest
Flexible headrest adjustment
Ergonomic chairs have extremely flexible headrests with the ability to lift and adjust the distance to easily “fit” your neck. This feature is almost impossible to find in a gaming chair. Gaming chairs will be equipped with an additional headrest with a strap that allows you to move a little. However, the pillow will collapse after about 30 minutes of use.
2.2. Backrest
Many ergonomic chairs today feature a backrest that follows the natural curve of the body, with an independent backrest that can be easily adjusted and a flexible elastic mechanism that hugs the entire lower back of the user. In addition, in the higher-end segment, some chairs can be equipped with a very unique backrest.
The Epione AliusChair is a typical example. It has a CloverFit backrest with a four-leaf clover design with flexible height adjustment with 4 locking levels, helping to stabilize the sitting posture from the shoulders to the waist, providing precision for each body position, thereby bringing comfort to the user.
Most gaming chairs come with lumbar support in the form of a pillow. However, it can be inconvenient because it is difficult to adjust the back to fit properly and maintain the desired position.
2.3. Reclining
One key difference between an ergonomic chair and a gaming chair is the maximum reclining angle. Gaming chairs can recline up to 180°, which means you can lie down comfortably. Ergonomic chairs, on the other hand, tend to have a narrower reclining angle. If reclining is important to you, a gaming chair is a great choice.
2.4. Seat tray
A good office chair will have a seat pan that can be moved forward or back so that your thighs are parallel to the ground, which helps reduce pressure on your knees. This feature is only available in ergonomic chairs. Gaming chairs are more likely to be fixed in one position and cannot be changed.
In addition, the material of the seat surface is also a factor that users often consider when choosing a chair. Two common types of materials include cushion and mesh. If the material is cushion, it will bring a comfortable feeling but at the same time can cause skin irritation, especially in hot weather. Meanwhile, mesh material will be more airy, but can cause pain and marks on chairs with poor quality mesh.
At Epione, most of the chairs that use mesh for their seat pans come from reputable manufacturers. For example, the ErgoChair Pro 2.0 seat pan is equipped with quality SHRINX mesh from Krall+Roth (Germany), which meets the 190,000 Martindale durability standard (withstands 190,000 Martindale abrasion cycles), and also meets the international standard OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 for products with safe, friendly fabric surfaces that do not cause irritation when in direct contact with the skin.
3. Stand out with additional features
Integrated LED lighting
Gaming chairs may not seem to stand out in terms of flexibility, but they are the “boss” when it comes to aesthetics.
Here are some outstanding features of gaming chairs that will surely impress you:
- Heating and cooling options
- Massage function
- Tactile feedback
- Built-in speaker
- RGB Light
4. Diversity in price segment
Ergonomic chairs start at around 3 million VND and can go up to 50 million VND for higher-end ones. But in reality, with just 5-10 million VND, you can own a sturdy, well-designed ergonomic chair.
Epione FortisChair ergonomic chair in the price range of 3 million VND.
Epione EasyChair 2.0 ergonomic chair in the 5-10 million VND segment.
For gaming chairs, if you are a beginner or have a modest budget, a price range of 3-6 million is reasonable. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more advanced gaming chair, 7-12 million is a great choice for you.
E-DRA HERA EGC224 gaming chair pink version with price around 3.5 million VND.
The ROG Destrier Ergo gaming chair belongs to the high-end segment and is currently priced at approximately 20 million VND.
5. Exceed with comfort
The gaming chair is designed to provide up to 10 hours of comfort, with soft molded foam and thick, smooth PU leather. The backrest can be reclined to a minimum of 180°, so you can also take a break between games, relax and enjoy a nap without having to move elsewhere.
Ergonomic chairs with breathable materials and designs that are researched to support the human body will help you feel comfortable and pleasant when sitting at work. Thereby, increasing productivity and improving mood significantly.
Some frequently asked questions
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So which is better ergonomic chair or gaming chair?
The answer is no, there is no better chair, it depends on your needs and preferences. Gaming chairs are best for gamers. They help them temporarily escape reality and become truly immersed in their games. Ergonomic chairs are best for professionals, freelancers, people who work from home or sit a lot.
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Are gaming chairs suitable for office work?
If you don’t mind the extra personality it brings to the office and if it also has the support features you need for work, why not use it for both purposes. But you need to note that at this point the amount of money you have to spend also multiplies many times. And conversely, when one of your needs is not met, the ergonomic chair is always waiting for you to take home.
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I have just explored with you the differences between gaming chairs and ergonomic chairs. After this article, Epione hopes you have your answer. So do you choose productivity, comfort or even both?
