How Do You Tilt a Gaming Chair

If you have been shopping around for the best gaming chair, then you are likely to have encountered the term “tilt” in regard to one of the adjustability options typically available. This option is one of the main reasons you should get a gaming chair. You want adjustability for maximum comfort while you game. And, it’s a plus if you get a gaming chair with a headrest.

What is the Tilt Function?

A gaming chair’s tilt function allows users to adjust the overall angle of the seat, allowing it to tilt back at an incline or, in some cases, tilt forward to bring you closer to the computer or workstation. To know more about gaming chair repairs and maintenance, read this article.

A Helpful Guide to Adjusting Tilt Functions

Gaming chairs come in various shapes, sizes, and types, so there is no universal tilt mechanism with every single model. There are, however, some commonalities in how these tilt mechanisms operate.

Adjusting the Seat Angle

The primary function of a gaming chair’s tilt mechanism is to adjust the seat angle. This can be part of the adjustment process for new users as they go about finding the best settings for their spine and body. Adjusting a chair’s seat angle is not just for finding an ergonomic match to your spine, though, as many seat angles can be fully reclined. In other words, you can tilt the chair all the way back until you are lying down. Some chairs also allow for tilting forward several degrees, allowing users to get closer to the workstation or keyword. We recommend purchasing a chair with a robust seat angle adjustment mechanism. If you notice a slight wobble after reclining for a while, something may have come loose or bent; use our guide on how to fix a wobbly gaming chair to get your chair working properly again.

Tilt Lock

Most gaming chairs not only allow you to adjust the seat angle via the chair’s tilt mechanism but also allow you to lock it in place. A tilt lock feature is a must-have. Otherwise, the chair will not offer enough spinal support during daily use. Look for a chair with an easy-to-use tilt lock mechanism, which can be activated via a simple button press or the turn of a rotary knob. Some chairs allow users to lock the tilt anywhere on the angle spectrum, while some only allow the tilt to lock at certain pre-determined angles. We recommend a gaming chair with a tilt lock mechanism that can activate anywhere the chair can tilt, even in a full recline.

Tilt Tension Adjustment

Many gaming chairs let users adjust the tilt tension. Simply put, this adjustment dictates how much physical force is necessary to activate the tilt mechanism. Setting the tilt tension adjustment can act as a stopgap between instantaneous tilting and a tilt lock. Tilt tension can typically be adjusted via a rotary knob or a simple lever. You can learn more about the gaming chair ergonomic like the armrests in this article.

If you’d like more adjustment guides for your gaming chair, check out our guides to office chair seat height calculations. And, if you want to know which is better for sitting, read our comparison of office chairs vs exercise balls.

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