A gaming set-up is not complete without a gaming chair. Facts. But there are so many factors to consider when buying your new throne. Today, we’re focussing on materials. Leather vs fabric (and more)!
Do you go fabric? Do you go mesh? Do you go leather? Heck, there are even different kinds of leather! We’re going to breakdown each type of material you commonly find on a gaming chair, detailing their benefits, what makes them ideal, and a few cons for balance. We’ll even suggest a model or two and some further reading – we got you!
Why Use a Gaming Chair?
First of all, we should establish why you need a gaming chair. It’s something we’d talked about at length on the Overclockers UK blog, so this will be a TL;DR, with some extra articles for you to check out as and when you need.
The crux of it all is gaming chairs provide outstanding comfort. They have been engineered with innovative ergonomic features, like self-adjusting lumbar support or lockable tilt rockers. Every facet of design, from padding to perks, has been crafted to support you. More to the point, they’re made to support you over long periods of time, so you can game on without worrying about aches or pains.
If you’re new to gaming chairs or need a refresher before you upgrade, we’ve got three great articles here that go into the nitty, gritty detail of ergonomics and comfort.
Your guide to gaming chairs covers everything you could possibly need to know about them. There’s even a brand fact file.
A big point on why gaming chairs are so good is because they provide outstanding support for your back. Keeping your back in good health is paramount. This article goes into full detail why keeping your back happy is a must.
Work from home? Or even looking to upgrade your office set up? Did you know you can use a gaming chair in your professional life? All those features that keep you comfy during long gaming sessions will do just the same on your 9-5.
Material Showdown
Now, this is what you came here for! We’ve taken five popular materials used on gaming chairs and are putting them under the microscope. Sort of. Not really, but you get what I mean. We’ll be inspecting them closer, weighing up their pros and cons. All in the name of comfort and good gaming.
PU Leather
First, we have PU leather, or faux leather. This 100% vegan leather alternative is a popular choice on gaming chairs, frequently used by the likes of noblechairs and Nitro Concepts. It’s breathable, durable, and looks heckin’ great with vibrant colours! Better yet, it is at a more accessible price point than genuine leather, so you can achieve the look without making your bank balance cry.
Pros:
- Accessible price point
- 100% vegan
- Easy to clean
- Relatively sustainable to produce – uses fewer resources
- Resists wear and tear
Cons:
- Look is not as natural as genuine leather
- Plastic smell
- Can be suspectable to rips and cracks
PU leather is commonly used on gaming chairs, so you are definitely not short on choice. Our favourite at the moment has to be the Nitro Concepts X1000 Transformers Autobots Edition.
Nitro Concepts X1000 Gaming Chair – Transformers Autobots Edition
- Officially licenced Transformers design
- PU leather upholstery
- 3D armrests
- Adjustable ergonomics
- Detailed stitching
High-Tech Vinyl
High-tech vinyl is another faux leather, but this is a specially formulated material engineered by noblechairs. The leather style material has been treated to form microfine pores on the surface, enhancing breathability and making it permeable to water vapour. The result? It’s super comfy, breathable, and incredibly durable.
Pros:
- Highly breathable thanks to microfine pores
- Water permeable
- Incredibly durable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Exclusive to noblechairs – comes at a premium
- Limited choice
There is a selection of noblechairs series that use high-tech vinyl leather. We love the classic noblechairs EPIC Java Edition.
noblechairs EPIC Gaming Chair – Java Edition
- Stunning coffee-coloured gaming chair
- High-tech vinyl upholstery
- Stainless steel frame
- Lockable tilt rocking mechanism
- DIN EN 1335 office certified
Real Leather
Moving onto the more bougie leathers, we have real or genuine leather. This is the ultimate premium, and it has the price tag to match. But sometimes you just can’t beat genuine leather. It’s durable, breathable, stylish, and has that distinct smell which some people just can’t get enough of. If luxury is a priority, then you can’t go wrong with real leather.
Pros:
- Super stylish
- Durable
- Breathable
- Genuine leather smell
Cons:
- Premium material, premium cost
- Needs to be properly maintained
- Can crack
At Overclockers UK, we only have genuine leather gaming chairs from noblechairs – peak gaming luxury. Our favourite is the noblechairs ICON Midnight Blue/Graphite.
noblechairs ICON Top Grain Leather Gaming Chair – Midnight Blue/Graphite
- Stylish dark blue and black gaming chair
- Top grain leather upholstery
- Adjustable ergonomics
- XL casters optimised for soft and hard flooring
- Reclines to 135-degrees
Mesh
If breathability is your number one priority, then a mesh gaming chair should be high on your list. The springy high-tensile material will keep you well supported, whilst the open weave will let the air flow freely.
Pros:
- Highly breathable
- Generally lighter and easier to move around
- Great for smaller spaces
- Low maintenance – cleaning is simple
Cons:
- Harder to repair the fabric
- Lower quality mesh fabrics will warp with use
- Limited variety
Mesh gaming chairs may not sport the more traditional aesthetic, but we think the Aerocool Guardian Champion Red is a stunner.
Aerocool Guardian Gaming Chair – Champion Red
- Iconic red gaming chair
- Mesh and leatherette upholstery
- Armour-like padding
- Class 4 hydraulic gas lift
- Adjustable
Fabric
Our final material is fabric. Whilst there will be subtle differences from chair to chair, brand to brand, each fabric gaming chair is upholstered in a breathable material. What’s more, they will often be reinforced to enhance durability and promote better longevity.
Pros:
- Wide range available – covering different designs and price points
- Highly breathable
- Relatively cheaper than other materials
- Variety of material feels – pick the one that suits you!
- Durable and won’t crack
Cons:
- Harder to clean
- Can retain odours if not properly maintained
There are many great fabric gaming chairs to choose from, but we’re still blown away by the ThunderX3 CORE Loft, with its SYNC6 mechanism, adjustable ergonomics, and snack pocket.
ThunderX3 CORE Loft Gaming Chair Grey
- Light grey gaming chair
- Fabric upholstery
- SYNC6 six-way adjustable mechanism
- Self-adjusting lumbar support
- Includes a 3-in-1 footrest
And The Winner Is…
Frankly, there are no wrong answers here, it’s all about which material you vibe with best. Like the sound of a smooth PU leather? Can’t wait to feel how soft the fabric is? Perhaps you’re a traditionalist and only genuine leather will do. Seriously, no wrong answers.
Which one you pick will need to tick your boxes. From this list, there will be a material that hits your budget, texture preferences, aesthetic, and any other parameters that are important to you. We’re just here to show them all off.
Further Reading
Need more info on gaming chairs before you commit? We’ve got plenty of content for you to read up on first!
Buying on a budget? We have a fab selection of gaming chairs for under £250. Get inspired by this tasty cross-section of gaming chairs.
Got a bit more stored away in your gaming chair kitty? This round-up is of some great chairs under £500.
More savvy spending, we have another round up of gaming chairs that are great for making upgrades on a budget.
Marvel fans, did you know we have gaming chairs featuring officially licenced superhero designs? Well, now you do!
Fallout fans, this selection is for you. We have a number of gaming chairs featuring iconic designs inspired by the Fallout universe. There are even pillow sets to match.
Vibing to noblechairs? We have a dedicated guide to help you decide which model will fit you best. Are you an ICON, HERO, EPIC, or a LEGEND?
Perhaps you’re eyeing up a ThunderX3 gaming chair? We have a full breakdown of their esports-focused range, including the latest CORE and EAZE Series.
If the aesthetics are going to play a big part in the decision-making process, why not check out our small office lifestyle inspiration articles? These pair a gorgeous gaming chair with a full office set up that will make your eyes turn into cartoon hearts.
Leather Vs Fabric
Which gaming chair material does your throne use? Drop a comment below with your favourite material.
- 8 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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