I don’t put a lot of stock into different “gaming” chairs. In my experience, a chair is a chair is a chair, and the differences between them aren’t usually noticeable enough to matter. Or at least that’s what I thought until I sat down in the AndaSeat Kaiser 4. Not only is it far more comfortable than I expected, but its lumbar support isn’t just a marketing gimmick — it actually works.
What’s in the box?
My initial impressions of the Kaiser 4 weren’t the most flattering. The box was much heavier than I expected (somewhere north of 60 pounds), and the assembly instructions were 13 steps that would have benefited from being closer to 30. One particular part of the assembly left me stumped and frustrated, until I realized the part I was looking for was hidden deep within a seam in the backrest of the chair. It’s not the easiest chair to put together, but it’s also not the worst assembly experience I’ve ever had.
Design and durability
The Kaiser 4 has a thick seat cushion that is easy to sink down into, with extremely adjustable lumbar support that you can tweak to suit your personal preferences. It also offers 4D armrests that can be adjusted to multiple positions up, down, and side-to-side. The one glaring downside is that the armrests don’t lock, so even a slight bump is enough to move them out of position.
The lumbar support is not only excellent, but the backrest reclines up to 135 degrees, which makes this chair a fantastic place to nap — a functionality that might have been tested a couple of times during testing. In addition, the seat itself can raise as much as 6.5cm, allowing the Kaiser 4 to comfortably fit a height range of 4’11 to 6’11.
The chair has a sturdy, cantilevered design that gives it an impressive amount of stability. I leaned far back in the chair, even sitting cross-legged, and never once felt like it would tip off. The wheel casters roll over obstacles with ease, and even uneven spots in the floor don’t pose a difficulty. There’s also no catching and scratching; as someone with hardwood floors, I appreciate that.
As far as everyday use goes, this chair has passed with flying colors. Not only have I spent a great deal of time in it for both work and play, but the cats have claimed it, too. I had to clean off a respectable layer of cat hair before I could take pictures; all three of the four-legged members of the household have rotated through the chair. If I’m not sitting in it, one of them is.
Feedback
My biggest gripe with the Kaiser 4 is the assembly. I’m no stranger to assembling chairs and other items, but this thing was frustrating to get together. Beyond that, the inability to lock the armrests into a set position has proven irritating when moving around in the chair. I normally grab the chair by the arms to roll it across the room (if I’m not in it), and it’s heavy enough that doing so means I have to readjust the armrests once I get it in position.
Final verdict
I’ve sat in a lot of chairs over the years, and the Kaiser 4 is one of the most comfortable places I’ve plopped my bottom. It has made late-night gaming sessions infinitely more enjoyable, and it’s also proven to be a great boon in a house with a young kid. It moves without creaking, and I haven’t had to reach for the oil to try to salvage any loose joints. Assembly was a bit frustrating, but the end result has been well worth it.
If you’re someone who works at a desk, you should invest in a chair that will provide your back with the support it needs. The Kaiser 4 has been a huge boon in that respect, and it transitions seamlessly between work, play, and even the occasional afternoon nap — if you can get the cats to give up their spot, that is.
