How to choose a gaming chair

Choosing the right gaming chair isn't easy. Beyond the basic factors of looks and price, there's also a whole set of things to consider around ergonomics, size, materials and the adjustment options on offer.

At VALK we're chair specialists, and in this article we share some pointers to help you get your gamer chair choice right.

Why a gaming chair and not just any chair

Between work, studying and gaming sessions, we end up spending a good chunk of our lives sitting in the same spot. And a chair that holds up for two hours straight doesn't necessarily hold up for eight.

What sets a gaming chair apart from whatever chair you already have lying around at home isn't the racing look, it's that it's built for long sessions: a backrest that cradles your back, padding dense enough not to sag, and adjustable armrests, recline and rocking. If you want the detailed comparison with a classic office chair, you'll find it in gaming chairs versus office chairs.

The price

There's a lot of variety in the market, and the first thing that will help you narrow down your options is settling on a price range. Be careful though, in the gaming chair market prices don't always match product quality, sometimes you're paying extra just for the brand name, without the specs backing it up.

A look that fits your setup

Unlike others, at VALK we think looks are a really important factor when buying a gaming chair. Your setup is a special kind of space, and not just anything belongs there. Even a good chair won't feel right if it doesn't fit with the rest of your setup. A few weeks after buying it, you won't remember what it cost, but you'll see it every single day, and if you bought it just because it was on sale and you don't actually like it, you'll end up regretting it. Looks matter.

Ergonomics and customization

If you're going to spend a lot of hours sitting, the chair needs an ergonomic, adjustable design that fits your posture.

Beyond seat height adjustment, which every chair has, make sure the backrest can recline so you can get comfortable, for example when you want to watch an episode on Netflix. A rocking function on the seat can also help you stay comfortable during intense gaming sessions.

The reference for setting the height is simple: ankles, knees and elbows at close to a 90 degree angle, with your feet flat on the floor. If you can't reach that position, either the chair is too big for you or your desk is too high.

You should also think about the type of armrests you'll need, depending on your height or how you plan to use the chair. For example, if you also work on your PC besides gaming, we'd recommend at least 2D adjustable armrests. And keep an eye on two details that go unnoticed until you feel them: that the armrests have a soft touch PU coating, since hard plastic gets uncomfortable after about three hours, and that the wheels move smoothly and quietly, with no jerking.

The chair's size

Measurements are what most people overlook, and what's hardest to fix afterward. Three checks are enough: that the armrests, at their lowest position, fit under your desk, that the seat's minimum height lets your feet rest on the floor, and that the backrest reaches above your neck so you can rest your head when you recline.

At VALK we provide detailed measurements for every part of the product, along with recommended max weight and height in each model's specifications. And if you want the full breakdown matched to your exact measurements, you'll find it in choosing the right chair for your height and weight.

The mechanism

The mechanism decides what you can do with your chair's recline: whether you can lock it at whatever angle you want, or only leave it free or fixed upright. The simplest mechanisms, like the butterfly type, only lock upright. Multifunction and synchro mechanisms let you fix several specific positions, which is handy if you switch between work and gaming on the same chair throughout the day. We break down each type in types of mechanisms in gaming chairs.

The raw materials

The fifth point is about material quality. A chair you're going to spend hours in needs to be sturdy and durable, while also feeling soft and pleasant to the touch.

Ideally the frame is steel, a material that doesn't need much of an introduction, one that guarantees years of durability without warping, and that allows for a backrest designed to follow the natural curve of your back, with real lumbar and neck support.

On top of that, the fabrics need to be sturdy enough not to fade over time or tear if you sit down wearing pants with a poorly placed zipper. Among the most common upholstery materials for gaming chairs you'll find fabric and PU leather. The choice between the two is fairly personal: PU leather runs warmer than fabric, but it gets dirty less and cleans up more easily, plus it has a more premium feel. At VALK we work with both materials precisely because there's no single right answer. If you want to go deeper, here's fabric, PU leather or mesh, how to choose and how to avoid cracking in PU leather.

You'll also find models that go for microperforated PU leather, which keeps the good parts of regular PU leather while also helping it breathe and stay cooler. It's a good option if you tend to run hot or live somewhere warm.

Finally, the padding foam is no minor detail. You've probably heard someone complain that just a few months after buying their chair, the padding had already sunk in. The reason is usually very low density foam, around 25 or 30 kg/m3. That means shortly after sitting on it, the foam starts compacting under the heat and weight of the user, and eventually flattens out until it feels like sitting on a wooden plank.

Here it's also worth looking at the type of foam, not just the density. Cold cured foam, the same kind used in car seats, springs back into shape after every use and holds up far better over time than foam cut from a block. At VALK we've taken this seriously and gone for higher density foams than what you'll find with competitors. It's a real competitive edge, since our chairs will last longer without deforming, even under heavy long term use.

Now, time to choose

To sum up: set your budget, pick a look you're going to live with every day, check that the measurements work for you, and don't leave the most important part for last, which is the mechanism, the materials and the foam.

If you already know what you're looking for, you can check out all our gaming chairs and compare models, materials and finishes in one place.

FAQ

What's the first thing to check when choosing a gaming chair?

Your budget and your body measurements, in that order. Price narrows down the realistic options, and your measurements rule out chairs that, however good looking, simply won't work for you. Looks and features come after that, not before.

Once your budget is set, the next filter is always the same: seat height, backrest and armrests need to actually fit you. You can check this model by model in choosing the right chair for your height and weight.

How much should you spend on a good gaming chair?

There's no magic number, it depends on how many hours you'll actually spend sitting in it. What is a red flag is a high price with no data behind it: foam density, frame type, certifications. If the product page doesn't give you those numbers, chances are the price doesn't account for them either.

At VALK we publish the foam density, base material and maximum weight for every model, specifically so you can compare beyond the sticker price.

Is a fabric or PU leather gaming chair better?

Both, depending on what you need. Fabric breathes better and holds up better over the years, PU leather cleans up in seconds and feels more premium. There's no absolute winner here.

We go into more detail in fabric, PU leather or mesh, how to choose.

Can a gaming chair handle a full workday?

Yes, but if remote work takes up most of your day, it's worth checking out our ergonomic chairs too, built for longer sitting sessions with less fatigue. A lot of our customers work and game in the same chair anyway, the line isn't as strict as it sounds.

You can compare them in ergonomic chairs.

What foam density should a gaming chair have?

50 kg/m³ cold cured foam or higher, that's what keeps the seat from sagging after a few months. Budget foams sit around 25 to 30 kg/m³, and you'll feel that difference sooner than you'd expect.

Our chairs use 55 kg/m³ or higher cold cured foam, the same process used in car seats.

How long does a well-chosen gaming chair last?

With good materials and minimal upkeep, several years without losing support or looks. The steel frame and high-density foam matter far more for durability than the brand name or the sticker price.

If you want to get the most out of it, the routine is here: cleaning and maintenance for your gaming chair.