Other gaming chair brands should take note because what Fractal Design has achieved here is very impressive indeed.
Thebest gaming chairsare often pretty similar.
Its clear that Fractal has done its homework because all those non-negotiables are present here.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
The Fractal Refine is a very sexy gaming chair.
Its an almost Moebius-visual effect which I never get tired of seeing at my desk.
As nice as this is, function does suffer a bit.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
When youre sitting above them, they can be harder to find.
Like any office-style chair, it’s possible for you to also make the Refine go higher or lower.
The Armrests can move inward, up and down, and even change angles to best reflect your position.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
That often results in you switching positions and accidentally clicking them a few notches out of place.
The headrest cushion is an unexpected delight as well.
There are, however, some unexpected adjusting features that you wont find elsewhere.
Theres tilt tension adjustability, which increases or decreases the resistance you feel when leaning back.
I fiddled with this many times, but honestly never felt different tensions.
I found this ambiguity with Fractals PC case instructions too.
I did have to do a reassembly of the Refine following an event I wish I caught on camera.
Safe to say, double-check you bolt things down securely before you recline in the Refine.
One thing I genuinely cant get over is how brilliant the armrests are.
There isnt anything particularly special to these armrests in terms of comfort.
Theres a squish to them, but they maintain a wide shape that cradles your forearms.
Their wider shape is great though, particularly for bigger flicks of the mouse when gaming.
Should you buy the Fractal Refine?
I also cannot fault the Refines design, particularly its adjustability.
These are small details that Fractal has accounted for, and they make a big difference.
All that, and you still have a chair that looks more distinct than 90% of its rivals.
The thing it will come down to for most people, is that price tag.
I compared my time closely with other gaming chairs Ive put together.
In that time, Ive fiddled with the adjustment features of the seat and adopted many sitting positions.
For more onhow we test gaming chairs, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
