Mesh vs Leather Chair for Gaming: Which one to Choose?
No gaming setup is complete without a comfy, stylish place to seat yourself. While you might think that throwing a pillow on an old office chair will do the trick, it’s clear that dedicated gaming chairs are the way to go when it comes to comfort, style, and variety.
Don’t get us wrong - you can easily make do with a simple swivel chair; that is, if you’re willing to put up with the inevitable back pain that comes with it. Depending on the player, a gaming session can last anywhere from one hour to eight. When you’re spending that much time hunched over a keyboard and mouse, staring intently at a bright, flashing monitor, you’re definitely going to want something that will keep your back supported and comfortable.
Now that you know the many benefits a gaming chair can offer, it’s time to pick one out, but as we’ve said already, gaming chairs come in an immense variety of styles, materials, colors, shapes, and sizes.
Don’t worry about feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of chairs available - it’s a good thing to consider every feasible option. That being said, we’re here to help you along in making the right choice. By the end of this article, you’ll know just which gaming chair will suit you - and which one is arguably better overall. For now, get as comfortable as you can as we explore the issue of mesh versus leather gaming chairs.
Our Criteria
With a topic as divisive as this - with several arguments to be made for both leather and mesh chairs - it’s easier to understand the issue by breaking it down. For our discussion, we’ve come up with a few important bits of criteria that we feel are most important in determining which is the better option between mesh and leather gaming chairs.
Our criteria are:
- Comfort
- Durability
- Maintenance
The rest of this discussion will explore each of these criteria individually.
Comfort
Comfort is a huge factor to consider when it comes to picking out a gaming chair. It’s more than likely that you’ll be spending several hours at a time seated in your chosen chair, so you’ll definitely want to be able to stay comfortable for as long as possible.
Leather
Leather isn’t necessarily associated with comfort. Most leather chairs are designed to be very stylish and good-looking but not exactly comfortable to sit in for hours at a time. That being said, many modern leather gaming chairs actually have several great features that help keep you comfortable for as long as possible.
One example is the thick padding that is built into the back and lumbar regions of leather chairs. It provides plenty of ergonomic support, which is very important for spending a long time seated in the same place.
Additionally, some leather chairs also incorporate the use of memory foam, which molds to the shape of your back, providing an even greater level of comfort in a way that no other type of chair can.
Unfortunately, one major drawback of leather chairs is their lack of breathability. This becomes even more of an issue during the hot months of the year, when players are prone to sweating (physically, of course). The sweat gathers on the chair, making it seriously uncomfortable to sit in. Luckily, this can generally be wiped off quite easily - but no one wants to do that every five minutes.
Mesh
NOUHAUS Ergo3D mesh gaming chair
Mesh chairs may seem uncomfortable at first glance, and most of them certainly aren’t as pretty as any standard leather chair. However, looks can be deceiving, and this is exactly the case with mesh chairs.
Most mesh chairs are designed with ergonomic value in mind. This means adjustable backrests that are shaped to accommodate the curvature of the back, adjustable armrests, and seat pans that relieve pressure.
Most vital, however, is the breathability of mesh chairs. They are designed to be porous and thus help ventilate and keep the body cool, even after hours of play and use. They are usually also less likely to cause chafing.
Overall, mesh chairs are definitely far more comfortable than their leather cousins.
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider. You’ll want a chair that will last for a long time. After all, no one wants to go shopping for an expensive gaming chair every other month.
Leather
Leather chairs, in general, are built to last. A tough hide ensures that your leather chair will still look pristine even after years of use, provided enough care is given to it. Despite their tendency to gather sweat, leather chairs have an easily wipeable surface, which makes cleaning them and maintaining their condition a breeze.
Mesh
On the other hand, mesh chairs are far more prone to wear and tear than their leather cousins. Their exposed plastic can get nicked and damaged easily when bumped, and their fabric can tear easily. Additionally, the fabric can also lose elasticity, leading to the chair looking far worse for wear even after only a few months of use.
Leather chairs win this round.
Maintenance
Lastly, while you will need to give whatever chair you buy a good clean and checkup every so often, you don’t want to be constantly trying to keep it up to scrap.
Leather
Leather chairs can definitely last you a good long while - that is, if you’re willing to give them constant care and attention. Unfortunately, those good looks require a lot of maintenance.
Leather lacks elasticity, so once it begins to sag, it will never regain its shape. Additionally, it is prone to scratches, which will only widen over time if not properly dealt with immediately.
Treating leather can be a pain, making the whole process something that can quickly ruin your fun time.
Mesh
Mesh chairs, thanks to their lightweight frame and design, are far easier to maintain than their leather cousins. They are easily overturned, which makes it easier to clean their bottoms, and all they need to be cleaned is a good soaking in some warm, soapy water. Your only struggle will be the crumbs and little bits of dirt that can become embedded in the material, but even they aren’t impossible to deal with.
Mesh chairs win this last and final round.
Final Verdict
While you may still choose a leather chair thanks to their cosmetic appeal alone, it seems clear to us that mesh chairs are the better of the two thanks to their ergonomic value and ease of maintenance. They’re also generally a lot cheaper than leather chairs, making them a worthy pick for anyone looking to buy their first gaming chair.