If someone spends $500 on a gaming chair, then he must be out of his mind. All gaming chairs are essentially the same and mass-produced by a couple of mage factories somewhere in China.
Well, it sounds too ridiculous to be true!
Although China is the leading furniture manufacturing country, labeling a multimillion-dollar industry as a hoax is unfair. Even Puma co-produced its Active Gaming Seat.
So, let’s find out what gave birth to this rumor and what little truth hides in it.
History of Gaming Chairs
At the dawn of the 21st century, a young company stepped up to make luxury racecar seats on sunny planes of Michigan. Their timing coincided with the 9/11 attacks and subsequent market crashes. With the automotive industry crippled, they had a number of chairs but no one to sell to.
A blessing in disguise!
That startup was DXRacer, which turned its eyes towards rising enthusiasm for video games.
ESports and newfound streaming platforms were all the rage. However, the ordinary chairs were not fit for hours of uninterrupted sitting. Gamers were literally making a trade-off between career and wellness.
In 2006, DXRacer launched the world’s first gaming chair – a guardian angel. The ergonomic and comfortable racecar seats proved a heavenly match. So the era of racing-style gaming chairs began. The design became a blueprint for future developments.
Soon after, Chinese-owned AKRacing and other brands joined the fray. They sponsored eSports tournaments and capitalized on different market segments.
Unfortunately, the popularity of DXRacer triggered the production of cheaper knock-offs. It put a stain on the utility of gaming chairs that years of promotion couldn’t wash away.
Why are gaming chairs made in China?
The majority of gaming chairs are supplied from Chinese factories. But the companies manage their respective production lines and quality control.
This trend is not limited to gaming equipment. The nation’s productivity is stamped all over the clothes and electronics too. There are plenty of reasons manufacturers set up their facilities in China instead of the US or Europe.
Some of them are apparent, such as low wages and non-compliance with OHS requirements. Besides a flexible business environment, tax exemptions and devalued currency also bring down production costs.
China also hosts a large number of original design manufacturers (ODM). Therefore, private labeling is rampant. Meanwhile, factories produce items in bulk. Then, buyers market them with their distinguished packaging.
These web-only brands have flooded Amazon listings. Such gaming chairs indeed share all features other than an imprinted logo. There is no point in going for an overpriced product when another seller is offering it at a lower price. It pays to compare.
Nonetheless, you should always stick to a renowned brand name. They have physical outlets, proactive customer support, and a reliable warranty to justify their price tags.
Top International Gaming Chair Brands
There are various reputable China-based brands. AKRacing, Homall, and GTRacing are a few to name. Herman Miller, an American company, has also shifted its operations in Dongguan. Now, Vertagear’s chairs are also China patented.
Are you wondering whether all gaming chairs are made in one country? Consider the following premium brands to debunk this myth.
SecretLab
Secret Lab produces high-quality gaming chairs. And most of them fall on the expensive side — over $400. However, the ergonomics and build quality are top-notch.
The award-winning company is headquartered in Singapore. Since its inception in 2014, the operation has expanded all over Asia, the Americas, and the EU.
Brazen
Brazen is the largest gaming chair brand in the United Kingdom. It is well-known for featuring in multiple competitions. The manufacturer takes pride in providing superior aesthetics and after-sales service.
‘No Compromise’ is not only their slogan but doctrine.
You’ll find a range of wireless speaker-mounted models in Panther, Python, and Pride Series.
DXRacer
DXRacer is the US-based trailblazer of the industry, that even operate their own research and development center in Michigan.
Two decades of manufacturing have cemented its unchallenged position. It has sponsored international events, such as MLG Pro 2014 and World Cyber Arena 2015.
They are not the cheapest, but you don’t have to break the bank either, to own a DXRacer gaming chair– a huge plus!
Maxnomic
Maxnomic and Secretlab surfaced together on the scene. Both companies brought technological advancements to the gaming chairs and indulged in a Cold War of partnerships.
2014 remarked another history – more people turned to watch eSports than NBA finals.
Maxnomic offers a two-year warranty on all goods. Its subsidiary in Germany, NEEDforSEAT, is responsible for 3D rendering and production.
Corsair
Corsair Gaming is a hardware development corporation located in California. It sells all PC components and accessories, providing customers with an integrated workstation.
Corsair gaming chairs are armed with high adjustability and reliable construction. The fabric upholstered T-lineup also comes affordable.
As of now, the company has a whopping market cap of $1.7 billion.
Maingear
Maingear is a privately held American company founded in 2002 and headquartered in Warren, New Jersey. Maingear specializes in custom gaming computers, gaming chairs and workstations designed and built in the USA.
The company is one of the few that actually still manufactures everything in the USA these days. The products are high-quality, the American-made premium gaming chairs combine luxury with sitting comfort.
Ending the Debate
The notion of a low-quality monopoly arises from the generic design of gaming chairs.
A bucket seat with curved edges and a winged backrest has emerged as the universal identity of gaming chairs. Many may be of good quality, but comparable low-budget-mass-market products fall short of their claims, tainting the credibility of the entire sector.
There are many other styles as well. Platform gaming chairs and rockers are a popular choice among fervent console gamers. On the other hand, big boys favor unrestricted hybrid seats. Nowadays, beanbag sofas are redefining comfort.
You get what you pay for! Gaming chairs cost from $100 to more than $500. Since it lies at the bottom of priorities, many people turn to low-end chairs. Of course, there is going to be a difference in quality.
Manufacturers are locked in tech rivalry to integrate state-of-the-art features at a minimum price point. The built-in lumbar support and four-dimensional adjustability are new standards of name-brand gaming chairs.
After all, the market is progressing with a 5.2% annual growth rate. North America holds the highest shares, whereas the Indo-Pacific region will turn the tables in the near future.
