I replaced my old armchair with a DXRacer Craft I bought a black EPU leather one a few weeks ago. Since then, I've been using it daily, both for work and play.
And naturally, when you start putting €449 in a chairWe become a little more demanding. At this price, a nice embroidered logo on the backrest and a few extra adjustments aren't enough to make it palatable.
The Craft certainly doesn't lack adjustments: integrated lumbar support, magnetic headrest with memory foam, 4D armrests, and a rocking system. It remains to be seen which ones are actually useful on a daily basis.
After a few weeks, there are clearly two features I no longer want to lose: the headrest and the integrated lumbar support. However, there is one important thing to know before you give in to temptation: the seat is firmsignificantly more than I expected.
So that's what I've gathered after spending several weeks on it.
A simple design that fits easily into an office
When we talk about gaming chairs, we often still picture huge black and red armchairs with very aggressive shapes and a logo visible from ten meters away. The Craft, in its black version, is much more discreet.
This model is primarily black, with some contrasting stitching and fairly understated finishes. It retains the characteristic silhouette of gaming chairs, but without being over the top.
This is appreciated if the chair also needs to find its place in a somewhat serious office, or simply if you don't want a seat that attracts all the attention.
If you want a little more color, the armchair is available in 9 variations with more or less discreet shades.
What is the value of EPU leather?
The model tested here uses EPU leatherTo the touch, the coating is quite soft and pleasant, with a more convincing finish than some very plasticky imitation leathers.
Visually, the result is also quite successful. You really have to look closely at the covering to realize that it's not genuine leather.
In terms of warmth, it's obviously a leather-type covering. It will therefore be less breathable than a mesh backrest, especially on warmer days. However, I didn't find it particularly unpleasant during my use.
After several weeks, I also haven't noticed any particular signs of wear on the coating. Obviously, it will take much longer to judge its durability over several years, but for now, there's nothing to report.
Here again, DXRacer offers a woven fabric version available in black or grey.
A building that inspires confidence
The rest of the chair also gives a good impression of sturdiness.
The star-shaped base is stable, the chair doesn't make any unusual creaking noises when you move it, and the casters glide smoothly. I've used them on both hardwood floors and carpet without any problems or scratches.
Nothing spectacular then, but on a daily basis, it's exactly the kind of detail we appreciate.
Headrest, lumbar support and armrests: many adjustments
It is primarily in terms of ergonomics that this DXRacer Craft becomes interesting.
You simply need to take a few minutes at the start to properly adjust the chair to your position. Once the adjustments are made, you quickly realize that some people aren't just there to fill out the spec sheet.
A rather well-designed magnetic headrest
On paper, the "memory foam headrest with magnetic system" seems a bit like one marketing gimmick too many.
In practice, the system is quite convenient. Unlike the cushions held in place by a strap, which are found on many gaming chairs, the Craft's cushion attaches directly to the backrest using magnets. This allows for easy height adjustment and, most importantly, prevents it from sliding back down on its own.
It seems silly, but if you've ever spent your day pulling up a cushion that gradually slips behind your neck, you probably see the point.
The headrest also offers an adjustment range of ±12cmwhich leaves enough room to find a comfortable position.
La memory foam It fits snugly around the neck and, for my part, I found it comfortable even after several hours of use. Ultimately, that's one of the things I appreciate most about this Craft.
Lumbar support integrated directly into the backrest
Another good idea: lumbar support is not provided by an additional cushion.
He's directly integrated into the file and can be adjusted using a dial. By turning it, you can gradually modify the level of support felt in the lower back. The system is simple and, most importantly, prevents the cushion from shifting as soon as you change position.
During the first use, you need to experiment a bit to find the right setting. Once you find the correct position, however, you hardly need to touch it again.
I was used to independent lumbar cushions on my previous chairs and I much prefer this integrated solution.
It's not the most impressive thing at first glance, but in practice, it's really convenient. And above all, you quickly forget it's even there, which is a pretty good sign for this type of adjustment.
4D armrests that require a little adjustment
The DXRacer Craft also features4D armrestsIn practical terms, they can be adjusted in height, depth, width and rotation up to 50°.
When I first started using the chair, I simply adjusted the height. That was already adequate, but I was only using a small fraction of its capabilities. By then taking the time to adjust the depth and angle, I managed to find a more natural position for resting my arms without having to raise my shoulders.
Depending on your office and how you set yourself up, there are plenty of options to find a suitable position.
My advice would simply be to do not leave the armrests in their original positionTake a few minutes to try out different configurations. It's a bit tedious at first, but afterwards you hardly need to touch it.
And this is probably where we best understand the benefit of 4D: it's not spectacular, but it allows you to quietly refine your position until you find something really comfortable.
A really firm seat
This is probably the most important point to know before buying this chair:'The seat of the DXRacer Craft is firm.
And when I say firm, I don't just mean "a little less plush than a sofa." The difference honestly surprised me the first few days. So if you're coming from an armchair with very soft foam, you're likely to have the same reaction.
For me, it took about a week to really get used to it. Gradually, the firmness bothered me much less, and I ended up appreciating the support the seat provided. In short, the firmness doesn't bother me anymore, but it could definitely be a drawback for some.
If your definition of comfort is sinking into your armchair, The Craft might not be suitable for youIt offers a much firmer seat, designed to allow you to sit for several hours without the feeling of gradually sinking into the seat.
This is also why I would advise against drawing conclusions after only a few minutes of use. The first impression can be quite different from the one you get after a few days.
A sufficiently wide seat
The size L tested here has a seat of 56,5 cm widewith a 53cm backrest. So there is enough space to sit comfortably without feeling cramped between the sides of the chair.
The seat height can be adjusted between 47 and 54,5 cmwhich allows it to be adapted to the height and position of the desk.
DXRacer indicates that this L version is suitable up to 185 cm and 116 kgIf you are beyond that, an XL version is also available.
So remember to check the dimensions before ordering: with this type of chair, a few centimeters can quickly change the comfort.
The ±15° swing is more useful than expected
I thought I wouldn't use the balancing system much, but I end up using it regularly. The DXRacer Craft allows for balancing of 15 ° ±, with the possibility of locking the mechanism.
Personally, I mainly use it during short breaks or when I'm watching a video. You can slightly change position without having to get up from the chair.
I obviously wouldn't buy the Craft for that, but I would still be happy to find that setting on my next chair.
And after several hours sitting in the same position, being able to move around a little is rather pleasant.
In addition to rocking, the backrest can also recline from 90° to 135° to maintain a comfortable position.
Working and playing in the same chair
What's great about the Craft is that it doesn't force me to choose between a gaming chair and an office chair. For gaming, the numerous adjustments make it quite easy to find a comfortable position in front of the screen.
But I find it works just as well as an office chair, thanks in particular to the integrated lumbar support and its fairly discreet design. So, if you use your PC for both work during the day and gaming in the evening, this chair can easily fulfill both roles.
However, this is clearly not a chair designed for lounging in front of Netflix. The firm seat and overall support make you want to stay properly seated rather than turning the chair into a sofa.
Who is the DXRacer Craft aimed at?
After several weeks of use, I would especially recommend it to people who spend a lot of time in front of their computer. It's suitable for both remote work and gaming, and its relatively understated look makes it easy to integrate into a traditional office.
However, two things really need to be taken into account before buying: the firmness of the seat and the price.
If you're primarily looking for something very plush, this probably isn't the right model for you. The same goes if you only use your desk for a few hours a week: in that case, it's hard to justify an investment of several hundred euros.
€449: Is it worth it?
À 449 €, obviously we start talking about a real budget for a chair.
The DXRacer Craft sits above many mainstream office chairs, while remaining less expensive than some very high-end models. At €449, I expect more than just a long spec sheet. The adjustments really need to be useful, and on this point, the Craft performs well.
The magnetic headrest is not simply there to complete the product sheet, the integrated lumbar support is practical and the 4D armrests really allow you to fine-tune your position.
The price will obviously be easier to justify for someone who is passing by several hours a day sitting in front of his computer only for occasional use.
Personally, after several weeks, I don't regret the change. But at €449, it's still best to know what you're looking for, and above all, be comfortable with the idea of a fairly firm seat.
See the black DXRacer Craft on the official website
Technical specifications (size L — tested version)
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | EPU Leather |
| Backrest height | 78,5 cm |
| Backrest width | 53 cm |
| Seat width | 56,5 cm |
| Seat height | 47 – 54,5 cm (adjustable) |
| Weight of the armchair | 25.2 kg |
| Head support | Magnetic, shape memory, ±12 cm adjustment |
| Lumbar support | Integrated 2D, adjustment wheel |
| armrest | 4D (height / depth / width / 50° rotation) |
| Rocking | ±15°, lockable |
| Backrest tilt | 90 ° to 135 ° |
| Max weight. | 125 kg |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
| RRP | 449 € |
My review of the DXRacer Craft gaming chair
After several weeks, it's mostly integrated lumbar support, magnetic headrest and adjustment options that I remember.
The headrest is particularly well-designed: its magnetic system seems almost insignificant on the spec sheet, but it quickly becomes practical in everyday use. The same is true for the integrated lumbar support, which I much prefer to traditional cushions attached to the backrest. However, its very firm seat requires some getting used to and won't suit everyone. Its EPU upholstery will also be less breathable than a mesh chair in warm weather. Finally, €449 remains €449 : we are clearly beyond impulsive buying.
But if you're looking for a chair that can be used for both work and play, with plenty of adjustments and without being too flashy a gaming design, the DXRacer Craft is a rather convincing proposal.
You can find the DXRacer Craft on the DXRacer website or Amazon !
Good points
- Magnetic headrest, very practical for everyday use
- Integrated lumbar support, without a shifting cushion
- Numerous adjustments, including with the 4D armrests
- Good support once you get used to the firm seat
- Simple design for a gaming chair
- Pleasant EPU leather and high-quality finish
- Seat wide enough
Negative points
- Very firm seat which requires a few days to adapt to
- €449 is still a significant budget.
- EPU leather is less breathable than a mesh covering (but a woven fabric version exists).
- No footrest
- Not really suitable for those who like very soft armchairs
