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I'm not usually one for raving over chairs, but I reckon Corsair's new TC80 is worth looking out for. That's because the company is stressing two things that are music to my ears: a move away from "gaming chair style", and affordability. The company says:
"Coming in at an accessible price, we've integrated all the most important features from our other gaming chairs, and distilled them down into a more affordable product."
Corsair also says that, "following our popular TC500 Luxe, we have continued the move away from traditional gaming chair style. The TC80 has more subtle branding, a muted color pallet, and a more professional vibe overall."
I reviewed the TC500 Luxe a couple of years ago and liked it, for the most part. The main thing I didn't like was its armrests, which are too far away from the chair. It doesn't look like that will be a problem here, though, as the arms are connected to the chair.
The other Corsair chair to consider when looking at the TC80 is the TC100 Relaxed. This was our favourite budget chair for a very long time, until it was pipped by the ThunderX3 Solo 360. The biggest difference to my eyes, going off the specs, is that you can recline much further with a TC100 Relaxed. But, if you don't lie back fully in your chair—post-game naps, maybe?—then 115 degrees should be more than enough for most people.
The armrests on the TC80 are also "linkage" ones, meaning they should stay nicely aligned with your forearms however much you recline in it.
The back rest is a little shorter and slimmer compared to the TC100 Relaxed, but from the photos it still looks plenty spacious, and the back itself seems to jut out far enough that hopefully none of the padding around the sides will dig in. Corsair describes it as a "firmer, more supportive central section for enhanced lumbar support." There's a detachable neck pillow, too, if that's your jam.
It's personal preference, of course, but I also like the look of the "flatter wider base", and agree with Corsair that flat seats are "ideal for longer workdays that turn into even longer gaming nights." Under the fabric, there are high-density foams that Corsair claims "won’t collapse after a few years of use leading to an uncomfortable chair."
Apparently the TC80 has gone through BIFMA and EN1335 testing, too, which basically means it's been twisted and turned to no end with heavy weight testing: "They really do abuse these chairs to make sure they're safe and long-lasting." Good stuff.
In all, with the fabric-first, wide-and-flat approach combined with supposed affordability, the TC80 is one chair I'm genuinely excited to see more of. Hopefully it delivers on its promises—including when it comes to price.
1. Best overall: Secretlab Titan Evo
2. Best budget: ThunderX3 Solo 360
3. Best luxury: LiberNovo Omni
4. Best support: ThunderX3 Core
5. Best big boi: AndaSeat Kaiser 4 XL
6. Best office: ThunderX3 Flex Pro
7. Best budget office: Ikea Matchspel
