Types of Mechanisms in Gaming Chairs: Which One to Choose and Why It Matters

A gaming chair's mechanism is one of those parts you don't see… but you feel. It's what connects the seat to the base and enables key functions like height adjustment or rocking. It often goes unnoticed, but choosing the right type of mechanism can make a real difference in comfort, ergonomics and durability.

At VALK we work with three main types of mechanisms, used across our chairs depending on the model and intended use. All of them meet the European EN1335-1, EN1335-2 and EN1335-3 certifications, which guarantee their safety, stability and long term durability.

1. Butterfly mechanism

Found on our VALK Nyx and VALK Gaia chairs, it's a simple, reliable mechanism, ideal for general use or occasional gaming. It has a single lever:

• Left lever: adjusts piston height.

This mechanism allows free seat recline of up to 15°, by unlocking the rocking motion with the lever pulled outward. It only locks in the upright position, so you can't fix the recline angle.

It also includes a central knob to adjust the rocking tension based on your body weight or preference.

You can find the butterfly mechanism replacement part here: VALK Butterfly Mechanism

2. Multifunction mechanism

Used on the VALK Freya and the VALK Freya Elite, this mechanism allows finer, more personalized adjustment, ideal for long sessions or mixed use (gaming + work).

• Left lever: adjusts piston height.
• Right lever: activates or locks the seat's recline angle (up to 25°).

This mechanism lets you lock the seat's recline at multiple positions, improving personalization and comfort over long days. It also includes a knob to adjust rocking tension.

You can find the multifunction mechanism replacement part here: VALK Multifunction Mechanism

3. Synchro multifunction mechanism

Found on our VALK Noma, VALK Noma Office and VALK Myla, this is the most advanced mechanism, built for people who spend long hours working remotely and prioritize ergonomics. The backrest and seat move in sync, keeping the ideal angle between your back and legs, with recline up to 135° on all three models.

On NOMA and NOMA OFFICE the synchro movement goes up to 10°, with two levers:

• Left lever: adjusts gas piston height.
• Right lever: adjusts seat depth (up to 4 cm) to match your height.

On MYLA the control is different: instead of levers, the mechanism has integrated side buttons. The synchro range goes up to 15°, locking at 5 positions. Seat depth and backrest height don't depend on this mechanism either, they're two separate mechanical adjustments unique to MYLA: the seat slides up to 5 cm across 4 positions, and the backrest moves up and down 6 cm across 12 positions with the integrated, adaptive lumbar support, which adjusts on its own to your weight and posture with no controls needed.

All of them include tension adjustment to match the rocking motion to the user's weight.

You can find the synchro mechanism replacement part here: VALK Synchro Mechanism

Important: backrest recline

On all our models, the backrest recline mechanism is independent from the seat mechanism. It's controlled by a lever on the right side, right where the seat and backrest meet.

Maintenance and spare parts

All our mechanisms come with a 3 year warranty. And if you need to replace a part down the line, you can check our general VALK spare parts guide, with technical diagrams and measurements to check compatibility with your chair, even if it's not our brand. If the issue is the wheels rather than the mechanism, you'll find the full guide in replacement wheels for gaming chairs.

We also explain how to lubricate and maintain the mechanisms in this dedicated article:
Advanced maintenance guide

Have questions?

If you're not sure which mechanism your chair has, or need help choosing or replacing one, reach out through our VALK Help Center. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Mechanism comparison summary

FAQ

What mechanism do VALK ergonomic chairs have?

NOMA, NOMA OFFICE and MYLA use a synchro mechanism, the most advanced of the three: the backrest and seat move together, reclining up to 135°. It's the same mechanism type, but MYLA syncs at 15° versus 10° on NOMA and NOMA OFFICE.

What's the difference between the butterfly and multifunction mechanisms?

The butterfly only locks the rocking motion in a fully upright position, while the multifunction can be fixed at 5 different recline positions. If you want to leave the chair reclined at a specific angle without holding it yourself, the multifunction is the one that lets you do that.

How do I know if my chair's mechanism is broken?

The clearest signs are rocking that won't lock even when you tighten the tension knob, a recline that won't stay fixed, or a metallic noise when you move. Before thinking about a replacement, try lubricating it, often the problem is just a lack of grease.

If the noise continues after lubricating, the mechanism needs replacing, and you'll find it in our spare parts guide.

Can you swap the mechanism on a chair that isn't a VALK?

It depends on the mounting measurements between the mechanism and the seat, which vary by manufacturer. Write to us with your chair's model and we'll check before you buy anything.