Gaming Chair vs Office Chair: 7 Main Differences

Most studies that focus on spinal health show that sitting for a prolonged amount of time is unnatural and unhealthy for the human body. Yet, nowadays most people work sitting and then spend hours in front of the computer, therefore the chair designs and technologies are constantly developing.

On the market, you can find standard office chairs vs gaming chairs. Most people and firms decide to buy an office chair, because of the lower price while streamers and gamers prefer a gaming chair which has higher price. Saving money on the furniture you spend most of your day in might be a very bad idea that can cost you your health.

As you ponder over a gaming vs office chair for your home office, here are some important aspects. These could help you determine what suits you the best. Here are the seven differences between a gaming vs office chair:

What Is a Gaming Chair? Types of Gaming Chairs?

Most folks are probably wondering what to go for, a gaming chair vs office chair? So, what are various options for gaming desk and chair? Chairs that are ergonomically designed to suit and give gamers the best comfort possible are called gaming chairs. You may be designing a game or an active gamer who plays for long hours. You don't want your health to suffer for your passion, gaming. Hence, these ergonomically designed chairs give you good comfort and the best posture for sitting and working or offer you great convenience as you play.

Types of gaming chairs include a large variety. While most companies offer you three broad categories of a PC and racing gaming chair, rocking gaming chairs, or floor gaming chairs.  Some other hybrid varieties are also available under different names.

A PC and racing gaming chair adapted a typical office chair as the gaming business started. As a result, you will find armrests, backrests, and more similar to an office chair.

A rocking gaming chair is like a recliner seat and allows you to rock back and forth to experience the best of your games.  Some also call these platform chairs.

Often you will find variations like a flight/car simulator type of chairs that allow you to experience a learning environment for your games.

More often than not, gaming chairs have additional features built-in, including speakers, controls for video games, and more. The best part is that a gaming chair has extra cushioning for the users as they are expected to sit for long hours, either coding for a game or playing a battle or tournaments.

Don't be surprised to see some gaming chairs also having different dockets for i-pad or a gaming console provided on the chair armrest so that gamers like you have easy access to the gaming controls.

What Is an Office Chair? Types of Office Chairs?

An office chair is a chair that is used in offices. Earlier they would have four legs and were traditionally made of wood. As time progressed and computers came in, most office chairs were now designed with a single leg that bears the load.  This load is further distributed to four or five legs. The chairs usually have a swivel to give the user much better access to all areas of their work desk. Chairs continue to be made in metal or wood, based on your preferences. Metal ones last you longer and could prove to be worthy. If you talk about colors, most folks may prefer a white ergonomic office chair. 

Office chairs are various types starting from swivel chairs, chairs with arms or without arms, and more. In addition, many office chairs are designed depending upon the usage of the chair – for example, a drafting chair or a task chair, a high-rise chair, and more.

Task chairs were introduced for typists who had to do a particular task.  Their roles were to take dictation from their boss in short-hand and then come back and type out the letter on a typewriter. This required the chairs to be having a straight back to ease the pressure.  There were no adjustable features, unlike today's ergonomically designed chairs. 

Drafting chairs or a high-rise chair was designed to be used by folks who draft various things, including the architectural maps & blueprints, or using it in air traffic control rooms and more. Therefore, the drafting chairs had more height than a normal chair, with eighteen inches from floor to the seat level. This gave the user extra height for managing their work. In addition, drafting chairs usually compliment high-rise tables and large work surfaces.

So what have you decided? Is it an office chair vs gaming chair?

Difference between Gaming Chair vs. Office Chair

1. Armrests

The first feature indicates the difference between gaming chair vs office chair is armrest. Some traditional office chairs do not have armrests. In the case of those who have them, they are usually fixed. If they do have them, they can still not be good for the user, for example, there is no way to adjust their height. In effect, the arms' weight has to be supported by the arms, which can lead to fatigue, hunching, and unnecessary pain.

Gaming chairs have armrests that the user can easily adjust. In most models, you can modify the height of the armrests. Additionally, some chairs, such as the ErgoChair Pro, has adjustable armrests which allow you to move the armrests in and out to provide you with even more comfort. When your hands are supported, your spine doesn't have to deal with this extra weight.

2. Back, Neck, and Head Support

When it comes to gaming chair vs office chair, ergonomic support is the most important thing you should consider.

In a standard office chair, the back doesn't adjust to the person. It is rare to get an option to regulate the back tilt. Moreover, the back of a seat that cannot be adjusted is never going to meet the user's needs. The lack of back support can cause pain, and in effect, you are going to slouch.

Gaming ergonomic chairs give you extra support options, such as additional cushions, regulated tilt, backbend, and others, to keep your posture straight and give you options to move, even when you sit.

Moreover, most gaming chairs have neck and head support. They can have a form of a headrest or an additional cushion. Thanks to them, you avoid an annoying stiffness in your neck, and your spine can rest as it doesn't have to support your head's full weight.

3. Padding

You must notice padding when compare office chairs vs gaming chairs. Gaming chairs were designed to resolve the problem of unhealthy sitting habits. They simply adapt to the user. You can pick from various models, starting with small to extra-large, to choose the one that suits your body type best.

Chairs dedicated to gamers usually have thick padded seats. That provides a good base for the buttocks and hips. Moreover, the padded backrest and neck pillows give some extra comfort.

Office chairs are designed to be more discreet, and they have thinner padding than a gaming chair. Some of them only have seat padding, and the back goes without any additional cushioning. Because of that, they may be less comfortable for the user, especially with a higher weight. Thin padding doesn't provide sufficient support necessary to keep the right posture while playing.

4. Reclining

Do reclining have any difference beween office ergonomic chair vs gaming chair? A standard office chair rarely has an option for reclining, and if it does, it is very limited. Only some ergonomic chairs have this reclining feature in their design.

The reclining function was invented in 2006. It is very important for your health and comfort. It helps you to move when you sit in a chair. Thanks to this, you don't have to stop your work or playing to give your body necessary stretching and movement. When you move your muscles, your blood circulation improves, thanks to which you can feel more energized.

A reclining backrest can simulate muscle activity and reduce pressure on the lumbar discs. It is one of the most important functions of an ergonomic gaming chair. You should be able to recline and lock the seat at various angles.

When you focus on an intense game or work, it's best to keep the angle straight. But when you think, read, or give yourself time to relax, you can set up a deeper recline.

5. Material

Standard office chairs were designed to be cheap and simple. Because of that, they are usually executed in lower-quality materials.

On the contrary, gaming chairs use modern technologies that make them adjustable and durable.

A big difference between a standard office chair and a gaming one can be easily noticed. It is their design. While gamer chairs have bold, visible designs, traditional office chairs are discrete and blend in.

However, to meet clients' needs, some ergonomic chair producers bet on the classic, minimalistic design that connects functionality, beauty, and technology. Thanks to this, you can enjoy the features of the gaming chair without standing out.

6. Seat Shape

Standard office chairs do not adjust to the user’s body. Because of that, they cause back pain and lead to bad posture, as overtime, slouching is more comfortable.

Chairs dedicated to gamers have a special seat shape that can easily adjust to the user’s body. Very often, they have memorable foam. Some of them are inspired by science and have a special design that gives full comfort to the body. The back seat of ErgoChair Ultra was executed using the shape of the electromagnetic field. The fishbone shape easily adapts to the human body, giving strong support.

7. Price

Of course, price is the biggest differentiate thing between gaming vs office chairs. Gaming chairs are usually more expensive than an office chair. However, they give you much more comfort and options for modifying. Moreover, they are executed from better quality, long-lasting materials, which means that gaming chairs are much more durable than a standard office chair.

Buying an office chair should be an investment for years. A gaming chair saves you a lot of money that you would spend for healing your back problems resulting from using an uncomfortable chair. Autonomous chairs have a warranty, thanks to which you get the security that the product you are buying is going to last years.

FAQs

Is it better to get an office chair or a gaming chair?

Much of it depends upon your needs, usage, and preferences. Given the versatility of chairs available in the marketplace today, you could always combine both purposes. Other contributing factors like storage space, between gaming vs office chair, whether the chair has to be used at your work desk too (and hence has to be dragged to another room), and more, could also be a contributing feature to your decision. Either way, an ergonomic chair vs gaming chair is another angle that you could consider.

Can I use a gaming chair for the office?

Well, the answer is a simple yes. It is your preference, after all. Most folks who are working at a home office prefer to invest in a single chair. Dragging the gaming chair to another room or another work desk set-up could be time-consuming. You would notice that this switch costs you more time and effort. Hence, you may know some friends or colleagues who prefer to keep two different set-ups. Then, it isn’t necessary to mind the difference between gaming vs office chairs.

Can I use an office chair for gaming?

Ergonomically designed chairs give you lots of flexibility for you to be comfortable. They have adjustable recline, adjustable armrests, footrests, strong & adjustable lumbar support. You will notice that people with different body shapes can adjust the chairs to their body shape and needs. Why? This helps them sit in the best posture for sitting and working on a system or playing a game.  Remember that you must adopt the right sitting posture as you work; Occupational Safety and Health Administration has laid down definitive guidelines around this to help you manage good health.

However, remember that some games may require you to sit in a particular posture that an office chair may not support. Office chairs have a different purpose altogether. It is also a matter of your personal preference and comfort. 

Additionally, you may want to consider a desk chair for small spaces. 

Are gaming chairs good for back pain?

Yes, of course. Most gaming chairs are designed ergonomically.  This ensures that if you adopt the correct sitting postures, a gaming chair should not aggravate your back pain. If you are unsure, do remember to consult your doctor for the best advice. Also, remember, unless your gaming chair is designed for a specific purpose, you can always use a gaming chair for your office work.  Don't miss our list of the best desk chairs for back pain.

Summary

Gaming vs office chairs each have their purposes. With the changes in technology, one could decide to use them interchangeably. Hope 7 things above can help you to distinguish between gaming vs office chairs.

Many people choose a standard office chair to work, study, or for gaming. That might not be enough. If you are a person who is sitting most of the day, you should consider investing in an ergonomic chair dedicated to gamers. You can create an ultra-comfortable working or gaming space by choosing an ergonomic chair and a standing desk - all of this for less than $1000.