Gaming chairs have this certain look to them – made of leather, has the brand’s logo on the neck rest, use different dark colors to accentuate the design of the leather, you get the picture.
But sometimes, these types of chairs can be very expensive. And if you live in a warm climate area, the leather can’t be too warm to lean or sit on.
This makes people ask, would mesh chairs be a good option for gaming?
Yes, mesh chairs are good gaming chair options because they’re breathable, more affordable, lighter to carry, and need less maintenance than leather gaming chairs. They also come in different designs and features, so you won’t run out of choices to choose from.
You still might be skeptical about using mesh chairs for gaming. This is understandable given that we’ve always thought that mesh chairs are strictly for the office.
However, many people don’t know about the advantages of using mesh chairs, and I’m here to tell you what those are.
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Are mesh chairs good for gaming?
Yes, mesh chairs are good for gaming because they are ergonomic, breathable, more affordable, and more ethical. In short, there are many advantages to using them as your gaming chair.
The first advantage is they’re ergonomic. Most mesh chairs today provide some kind of lumbar support that helps in supporting your lower back.
If you’re planning on playing games for a long time, it wouldn’t hurt to have a chair that properly carries your weight. Besides, the lumbar support also gives additional comfort since it embraces your lumbar area.
The second advantage is ventilation. Compared to the leather material found on most gaming chairs, mesh chairs give a more breathable and cooler sitting experience.
This is ideal for people who don’t have the air conditioning unit turned on while they’re playing. Not only will your back feel much cooler, but the heat won’t accumulate in this area either.
Another advantage of using mesh chairs is the price difference. Leather is more difficult to source, which makes gaming chairs more expensive.
And lastly, mesh chairs are more ethical. A lot of people don’t talk about this most of the time, but a lot of gaming chairs use leather made from animal skin.
However, there are leather gaming chairs that have switched to using PU leather instead.
Which is better: mesh or leather gaming chair?
When deciding between mesh or leather gaming chairs, there are a few things to consider. The short answer is that the better gaming chair is the one that fits your preferences and needs.
First, what’s your preference? This is usually the first question I ask because your preference will be a big factor when picking a gaming chair.
The second is comfort. If you plan on playing games for hours on end, you have to find a gaming chair that fits you perfectly (or can be adjusted to) so that it feels comfortable to sit on.
In general, leather gaming chairs are much softer because they have an extra cushion under the leather. Moreover, the padding is thicker in some areas (like the lumbar area) to make the seat more comfortable.
Another thing you need to consider is your budget. Mesh chairs are much more affordable because the mesh material is easier to create than leather.
However, keep in mind that mesh chairs are also as expensive as leather gaming chairs. The price can be affected by the make, durability, and brand name.
Lastly, think about ergonomics. Because mesh chairs have highly adjustable features, they tend to give better ergonomics support.
Besides, gaming chairs were made to mimic a car seat – so there are a few limitations to the adjustments that you can do.
For example, a typical mesh chair has lumbar, seat, tilt, and height adjustment whereas a gaming chair lacks the lumbar and seat adjustability features.
What type of chair is best for gaming?
There are lots of mesh chairs that double as gaming chairs. Here are the top 3 most-favored mesh chairs by gamers and professionals alike.
NOUHAUS Ergo3D
The NOUHAUS Ergo3D is an adjustable swivel chair that uses mesh for its backrest and neck rest. This mesh office chair is famous for its highly functional features that allow you to customize the chair depending on your working posture.
Almost every part of the Ergo3D is adjustable – from the neck rest down to the armrest. While its casters aren’t adjustable, they do come with another set of replacements.
What makes this mesh chair ideal for gaming is its ergonomic design. It gives great lumbar support that helps you rest your lower back for hours of gaming.
Add to that, the NOUHAUS Ergo3D can tilt its backrest up to 135 degrees. So if you want to lie down while holding your console, then you’re able to do so!
Herman Miller Aeron
Another mesh chair that is very popular in the professional and gaming scenes is the Herman Miller Aeron office chair. This is an ergonomic swivel chair that has customizable sizes and padding.
By customizable, it means that you are able to pick the type of padding you can use for the arms and the seat. However, the customization requires an additional fee.
There are two common issues with the Herman Miller Aeron – its hefty price tag and the lack of a neck rest. While there’s nothing we can do about both, the absence of a neck rest can be a reason why some gamers might hesitate to buy this mesh chair.
Nonetheless, the mesh used in the Herman Miller Aeron is very durable and high-quality. The design is super breathable and the whole mesh design also extends to the seat.
Staples Hyken Task Chair
If you’re looking for a more affordable version of the Herman Miller mesh chairs, then it’s time you meet the Staples Hyken Task Chair. This knee tilt mesh chair uses a breathable mesh chair with larger holes for better ventilation.
Compared to other mesh chairs, the Staples Hyken Task Chair has a uniquely designed mesh. If you look closely, its holes are bigger, making the chair “cooler” especially when you’re in for long hours of gaming.
Another reason to love this mesh chair is its adjustability. The neck rest, backrest, and armrests are all tiltable, making them easy to fit your gaming posture.
The only issue with this mesh chair is that it can be rickety after a few months of use.
Conclusion
So are mesh chairs good for gaming? Yes, they are.
Mesh chairs provide the breathability and ergonomics that most leather gaming chairs don’t have. They’re also more affordable than most branded gaming chairs.
The top mesh chairs used for gaming are NOUHAUS Ergo3D, Herman Miller Aeron, and Staples Hyken Task Chair. These chairs all use mesh for their backrest and come with several adjustable features.
My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.