Why Are There Holes In Gaming Chair? – My Chair Reviews

Have you seen or sat on a gaming chair? You may have observed there are numerous holes in it. So, why are there holes in gaming chairs?

The simplest answer for having those holes is ergonomics. They are meant to make your gaming experience much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Playing video games is widely accepted at this age. Gone are the days when it is just for kids. Now, anyone can play video games without concern of being judged by society. In fact, gaming has brought more variety to the entertainment needs of many people.

Furthermore, having gaming chairs contribute to the ongoing acceptance of playing video games. Do you know that they are derived from racing car chairs? It was inspired during the rise of Blizzard’s Starcraft in 1998. Koreans took it so seriously that most were having back pain.

It was in 2006 that the company DXRacer made the first gaming chair out of the designs of the racing car chair. The ergonomic features were seen as beneficial for those who play video games for longer hours. Today, many companies create them with amazing additional features.

Before tackling the different reasons for having holes in a gaming chair, we need to look back at its inspiration.

Influence of racing car chairs

As mentioned, gaming chairs were derived from the designs of racing car chairs or seats. If you didn’t know, drivers of racing cars have to sit for more than an hour and drive at the peak of their ability. Therefore, having a comfortable seat can eliminate worries and enhance focus.

Since racing cars are to be operated at extremely fast speeds, the car seats are designed to withstand such conditions, including accidents, so that the driver can remain safe. The numerous holes on racing car chairs are meant to aid that purpose.

With those holes, the harnesses can easily be installed and secured. Obviously, harnesses are very vital to the driver’s safety. However, when gaming chair companies started adopting the designs of racing car seats, the holes were retained even though gamers don’t need harnesses.

Purpose Why Holes Exist In Gaming Chair

Fortunately, designers found other purposes for the holes in the chair’s design.  These are the uses of the holes existing in a gaming chair:

1. Cushion Placement

One of the uses of the holes in the gaming chair is to secure the cushions. Even if you place a cushion on the seat, after many movements, it will eventually slide off. To eliminate the need for constant adjustment, the holes serve as security for the cushion’s placements.

Depending on the manufacturer, the gaming chair can either accommodate specific designs or any generic cushion. Some cushions that come with the gaming chair may have small attachments in order to be placed in the holes.

2. Compensation For Lack Of Chair Flexibility

The rigidity of the chair can be the main reason why a person sitting on it for many hours develops back pain. Since most of the weight of a human body resides on the upper portion, the legs cannot support when a person is sitting. The one doing that job is the back portion.

While sitting on a rigid chair, you have limited positions and adjustments of posture. One of the key designs of the gaming chair is reducing rigidity. However, not all gaming chairs are made the same. The level of flexibility can vary depending on the chair’s quality.

Good thing that the existence of the holes can compensate for some gaming chairs that lack flexibility. They ease up the chair’s rigidity and thus make the user comfortable.

3. Back Support

All the reasons mentioned previously are for back support. But how do these holes directly support a gamer’s back? It has something to do with the shape adjustment. Through these holes, the seat material can adjust its surface to the shape of the load, in this case, the gamer.

Since the gamer’s back, buttocks, and neck are always in contact with the chair, the material will also adapt to their contours. Of course, this is possible because the holes reduce the initial rigidity of the gaming chairs. Thus, body posture is reinforced while maintaining comfort.

4. Air Ventilation

The holes of the gaming chairs are located around the area where your upper back and neck will reside if you are sitting. While gaming seriously, it is only normal that a gamer will perspire due to the intensity. In that situation, only the gaming chairs can provide the needed ventilation.

The holes allow air to pass through the neck and upper body, which are the parts that are commonly and easily perspiring. As a gamer, this reduces the risk of respiratory ailments since the heat brought by gaming intensely is easily dissipated.

Rashes after long hours of immobility can also be avoided. Adding cushions may block the intended purpose for air ventilation. But it will be fine if you are playing in a room with a functioning air conditioning unit.

Related article: Best Gaming Chair for Under 150$

Why Are Gaming Chairs So Expensive

With the acceptance of playing video games either casually or professionally, gaming chairs have gained more popularity. You can rarely see video game streamers who are not using gaming chairs while they are broadcasting their gameplays and interacting with the viewers.

However, before buying impulsively, you must know that gaming chairs are really expensive. There are several valid reasons why they have such high prices. Here are a few of them:

1. Construction

Many Gaming chairs are expensive because they are constructed differently. They are designed to accommodate up to 500 pounds, depending on the materials. Since gamers like to change positions, there will be a lot of leaning and swaying. Its comfort is connected with durability. 

Gaming chairs with steel frames are durable enough for long usage. There is less risk of rust since they are coated with paint. Aside from the frame, other areas that need to be durable are the swivels, handles, pivots, and tollers.

2. Features

Ever seen science fiction films with a cockpit-style gaming setup? They already currently exist. These ultra-special gaming chairs are loaded with additional features. You have a set of monitors installed as part of the cockpit-style chair arrangement.

Aside from that, there are surround speakers also. Furthermore, the chair can be rotated and inclined extremely, as if you are stargazing at the park.

It wouldn’t be surprising anymore if there are gaming chairs with a mini fridge at the bottom. However, more features would then mean more expenses.

3. Design

Lastly, the gaming chair’s price tag is dependent on its design. Though most gaming chairs have similar designs, the materials used can be different. High-end gaming chairs may use leather fabrics as part of the seat covers.

If you are looking for a personalized gaming chair, the price tag can be a bit more expensive than normal. Additionally, if you incorporate more unusual materials for the chair design and select extravagant chair structures, it might cost you a fortune.

Related article: How to Clean a Gaming Chair

Ergonomics Of Gaming Chairs

Although all gaming chairs are expected to be ergonomic, features that add comfort might come along with additional expenses. However, it will depend on the user since there can be an instance wherein an affordable chair is more comfortable than the pricey one.

Conclusion

The holes of gaming chairs are inspired by the design of racing car seats. Because they were seen as beneficial for gamers, that aspect is retained. Furthermore, there are many gaming chairs that incorporate features that make the gamer more comfortable.

Frequantly Asked Questions