Razer Enki gaming chair review: Oh-so comfy

You can get a basic gaming chair for less than $200, but if you want something that’s comfortable, supportive and will last you a good few years, you’ll have to fork out at least $400. The Razer Enki is definitely on the higher-end of things with a $674.95 price tag, making it about $125 cheaper than the company’s previous offering, the Razer Iskur. It’s available through Razer’s online store, Bing Lee and JB Hi-Fi.

The Razer Enki arrived at my doorstep in a big, heavy box. One of the first things you’re instructed to do when opening it is to enlist a mate to help assemble it - sage advice that I should have listened to.

Sheer heft aside, putting the Razer Enki together was nice and easy, with Razer even throwing in a pair of gloves and an Allen key that actually has a grip. Most of the screws are already pre-installed, so you know exactly where they need to go during setup, and there’s a gigantic single-page guide to take you through each step. All up, it took me about 15 minutes to get it up and running (or rolling).

If you’re familiar with gaming chairs, you’ll notice they all follow a certain aesthetic - high back, curves around the shoulder, bright colours, big armrests and, if you’re lucky, a pillow for neck or lumbar support. The Razer Enki ticks every one of those boxes, and it definitely leans into its gamer vibe.

If you’ve already got an RGB-packed gaming setup, it’ll look right at home. But as someone who prefers a more understated look, the Enki’s racing car seat look and neon green stitching isn’t quite up my alley. That said, it also comes in an all-black colour, which is much more subtle, and there’s also a quartz model (which is actually light pink and white) if you want to match your chair to your pastel setup.

Sitting in the Enki for the first time, it immediately feels comfortable and supportive. Razer has opted for an eco-friendly synthetic leather that feels soft yet durable, with a softer-touch padded diamond-stitched finish on the back and seat of the chair for greater comfort. The material also feels surprisingly breathable for a synthetic leather, and I didn’t run into any of the usual issues you might expect while using it on hot days. Razer recommends a maximum weight of 136kg, with a height range of 5’5” to 6’8” (166cm to 204cm).

As someone who is pretty prone to slouching, it’s the kind of chair that encourages you to sit up straight without feeling like it’s forcing you. The back cushion is firm and nicely contoured, while the seat cushion is a little softer on the ol’ backside. Plus, because the base is so wide, it even caters to those of us who raise a middle finger to ergonomics and prefer to sit cross-legged or in some other weird position.

Speaking of weird positions, if you’re someone who likes to tilt, recline or rock, the Enki has you pretty well covered. It’s got a reactive, weight-adjusted tilting mechanism as well as a 152-degree recline lever, allowing you to switch positions quickly and easily.

The included memory foam cushion is incredibly soft and comfortable, though getting it in the perfect position (whether you want to use it as a headrest or for extra lumbar support) can take a little trial and error.

The armrests are highly adjustable, allowing you to change their height, turn them inward or outward, slide them forward or back, and bring them closer to your body or push them further away. Again, perfect for when you want to adjust your sitting position.

Overall, the Enki is a joy to use, even for long periods working from home or during extended gaming sessions. Yes, it’s expensive, and the look won’t suit everyone, but for the quality, comfort and adjustability, I think it’s definitely worth the asking price. That’s especially true if you work from home or spend long periods of time at the computer - you’re never going to regret investing in your own comfort.

If you’re too put off that price, it’s also worth noting that Razer offers a budget version, called the Enki X. It’s essentially the same chair, but lacks reactive tilting and the memory foam cushion, while the armrests offer fewer adjustment options. Still, for $474.95, it’s a solid option for those looking to save some cash.