Unleashing Comfort: A Deep Dive into the Blacklyte Kraken Gaming Chair

Over the years, I have tested numerous gaming chairs, most of which felt fairly similar, aside from a few notable distinctions. Nevertheless, the Kraken from Canadian brand Blacklyte exceeded my expectations to a degree I didn’t anticipate. This is the company’s most recent venture into the premium segment, aiming to rival industry leaders like Secretlab. While it didn’t entirely reach those heights, it came impressively close to my current favorite, the Titan Evo. With a price tag of $519, the Kraken presents itself as a top-tier option for discerning gamers and professionals alike, and with features that differentiate it, it’s easy to envision it becoming a new favorite among many gamers.

Unboxing and setting up the Blacklyte Kraken was largely uncomplicated. The guidelines streamlined the process, and I was able to prepare everything within approximately 30 minutes, plus or minus. I must admit, I’m impressed by the meticulousness and the finer details on the Kraken that distinguish it from competitors like Anda Seat and other brands within the $500 price range. The fit and finish were superb throughout the assembly process. Every component aligned perfectly, and even the instructions displayed a level of attention, making the chair remarkably easy to put together and ready for use.

After assembling everything, I can say I admire the chair’s appearance. The Blacklyte Kraken achieves an excellent equilibrium between a professional and gaming aesthetic, making it appropriate for either setting. Its shape is reminiscent of the Secretlab Titan Evo but includes distinctive features that make it unique and visually striking.

The chair boasts a broad seat base covered in PU leather (leatherette) and thick memory foam cushioning, designed for lasting comfort. Blacklyte has incorporated enough thoughtful details to make the Kraken shine in a saturated market. Personally, I appreciate the black with white accents, which add a touch of elegance without diving into the stereotypical “gamer” look, seamlessly integrating into both my home and office spaces. Naturally, a spectrum of colors is available. I received the white and black variant, but additional choices include green, blue, grey, black, wine red, red, and yellow, all featuring a two-tone design that I find particularly appealing.

“The Blacklyte Kraken achieves an excellent equilibrium between a professional and gaming aesthetic, making it appropriate for either setting.”

Actually utilizing the Blacklyte Kraken is where the chair truly excels, and it’s why I quickly fell for it as soon as I began using it at my desk. The Kraken is tailored for users between 165 and 195 cm (5’4 – 6’3) in height and can support a weight of up to 150 kg (330lbs). The seat has a gradual incline at the sides, which feels significantly more comfortable compared to the typical racing seat design common in many competing models. The chair also provides excellent back support and features subtle enhancements that make adjusting the entire setup straightforward and remarkably comfortable.

Similar to the Secretlab Titan Evo, the Kraken incorporates a magnetic head pillow attachment mechanism. While this is becoming increasingly common in gaming chairs, it is a great feature to have included. It facilitates easier placement for neck alignment and reduces the hassle involved in setting everything up for use. The armrest pads also attach magnetically, which is another feature I appreciate, although the lack of alternate pad options slightly reduces its utility. I hope Blacklyte will offer new options soon, as this is something Secretlab has done, making the Titan Evo the standard to beat in the premium market.

I mentioned it briefly before, but like the original Razer Iskur, the Blacklyte Kraken has a spring-loaded lumbar support system activated by a lever mechanism. This system is user-friendly and fairly comfortable, yet I can envision how some individuals, depending on their size, might find it more challenging than a traditional pillow.

While the concept is innovative, the actual execution might not accommodate all body types, as the support panel can occasionally push users too far forward in the chair. The newer lumbar dial concept, featured on the Titan Evo and Razer Iskur V2, allows adjustments in both height and depth, providing greater adaptability and, in my opinion, is more effective. Nevertheless, the Kraken’s lumbar system is functional and feels good for someone of my stature (6’2). However, it may be wise to test the chair before purchasing to verify it aligns with your body type.

Our reviewer Joe Findlay was very fond of the Athena chair by Blacklyte due to its craftsmanship and comfort, and after spending a few weeks with the Blacklyte Kraken, I understand the appeal. The brand has invested in meticulous details and an overall vibe, positioning the Kraken as one of the more plush and eye-catching selections in the CGMagazine workspace, which says quite a bit. It presents an appealing design, incorporates high-quality elements such as the silent PA wheels, and exhibits an overall construction quality that makes it easily recommendable. Although it doesn’t quite outperform my favorite chairs from recent years, it certainly comes very close and is a chair I delight in utilizing every day.

However, at a price of $519, the Kraken finds itself in a fiercely contested market space where standards for quality and features are considerably high. While it does present a number of high-end attributes, the pricing strategically positions it against well-established rivals with reliable reputations. As long as you’re okay with the lumbar system that Blacklyte has designed for the chair, and if you appreciate the Kraken’s appearance and tactile experience, there is much to admire. While it may not yet replace the top players in the industry, it offers enough charm for anyone choosing it as their primary gaming chair.

For individuals searching for an exceptional alternative to traditional gaming chairs and are prepared to navigate potential adaptation phases, the Kraken stands out as a unique proposition in the premium category. While it may not displace existing market frontrunners, it signifies a promising trajectory for Blacklyte’s future products in gaming seating. I’m eager to witness how their chair collection develops in the upcoming years, but based on my current impressions, I must say I am quite impressed.