I tested Razer's Iskur V2 gaming chair, and it's just too hard for comfort — but the lumbar support can't be beat

Razer’s influence extends far beyond high-end gaming laptops like the Razer Blade 16.

1. This brand is well-known for its widely appreciated office supplies and gaming gear, and even gaming chairs bear its unique logo and style.

2. Known for its popular office tools and gaming equipment, this brand’s signature markings and aesthetics extend as far as gaming chairs.

3. The office essentials and gaming accessories from this company are highly sought after, while its distinctive branding and design can be found even on gaming chairs.

4. This brand’s office supplies and gaming equipment are extremely popular, and you’ll find their unique branding and design on everything from keyboards to gaming chairs.

5. The brand’s office products and gaming gadgets have a wide following, and its recognizable style can be found on gaming chairs as well.

6. This company’s office equipment and gaming accessories are very popular, with their unique branding and design showing up even in gaming chair designs.

7. The office items and gaming peripherals from this firm are very popular, and their distinctive branding and design can be found on gaming chairs too.

8. This company’s office equipment and gaming accessories have a strong fanbase, with its signature style appearing on gaming chairs as well.

9. The office tools and gaming gear from this business are widely appreciated, and their exclusive branding and design can be found even in the design of gaming chairs.

10. This company’s office supplies and gaming accessories are highly popular, and their unique branding and style can be seen in everything from computer mice to gaming chair designs.

For a few weeks now, I’ve been using the Razer Iskur V2, which is an update to the original model reviewed by our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino in 2020, as my main chair at my desk. It’s been handling both my day-to-day work tasks and my nightly gaming sessions.

Although I appreciate its generous lower back support and advanced 4D armrests, it doesn’t seem to live up to the expectations (and high $650 cost) that the hype implies.

To make certain you have a clear understanding of your purchase, let me share with you some aspects that I adore about the Iskur V2 as well as areas that didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

Razer Iskur V2: Cheat sheet

What is it? A premium gaming chair with adaptive lumbar support, 4D armrests, and faux leather or fabric finish.
How much does it cost? Starts at $649.99.
Who is it for? Gamers, office workers who require extra back support.
What do I like? Superior lumbar support, fully-adjustable padded armrests, sturdy construction without creaking.
What don’t I like? Hard seat pan, cheap plastic casters, pillow headrest.

Razer Iskur V2: Pricing, specs, & availability

Razer’s Iskur V2 gaming chair was announced at CES 2024 and was available to buy not long after.

As a researcher, I’ve observed that the price of this product, which has been available for over a year now, remains unchanged from its initial launch price of $649.99.

You can purchase the Iskur V2 model directly from Razer, a place that offers the most extensive personalization possibilities.

The chair comes in two styles: One is black faux leather, featuring black or green threading; the other has a fabric finish and is dark gray in color.

You can also find the Iskur V2 for sale at $650 at Best Buy and $649 at Amazon.

Additionally, it’s noteworthy that Razer provides the Iskur V2 X chair in two color options: Light Gray and a blend of Black and Green fabrics.

This item is significantly cheaper, priced around $300, yet it doesn’t come with some premium features like adaptive lumbar support that are present in the Iskur V2.

Razer Iskur V2: What I like

After approximately two weeks (adding up to around 120 hours between gaming and work), I’ve gained a solid understanding of what is effective.

Here’s the stuff I really like about the Razer Iskur V2.

Lumbar support doesn’t get better

The big selling point for the Iskur V2 is its adjustable (and adaptive) lumbar support.

While most chairs feature a dial for adjusting lumbar depth hidden underneath the upholstery, Razer’s design separates a substantial part of the backrest from the main body of the chair to allow for easy lumbar depth modification.

Adjusting the lumbar support gives me a range of motion – up to 40mm for adjusting the depth, and up to 60mm for adjusting the height.

The lumbar support in this chair is managed by two large levers, positioned on each side. You can easily adjust them while seated, and it doesn’t take long at all – just a couple of seconds to get everything arranged.

While immersed in gaming or writing, I frequently fidget in my chair. However, the lumbar support on this seat rotates both left and right, ensuring it continuously touches my lower back. I can definitely sense it adjusting as I move.

I’m about 6’3″ tall, and the support hits me in the back right where it should.

Additionally, I should mention that the width of the backrest is sufficient to prevent it from pressing on my shoulder blades while I sit in it.

Premium build quality

Razer’s items are usually top-tier, and the Iskur V2 is no exception regarding durability.

The chair, even without the base attached, is quite heavy due to a steel frame inside.

The five-legged foundation made of aluminum and steel is robust, well-balanced, and substantial in weight. It doesn’t produce any annoying squeaks or bangs as I rise or take my seat, and the sewing appears neat and firm.

I have the synthetic EPU leather model with black cover and green stitching.

As a fan, I can assure you that this faux leather doesn’t have that plastic or low-quality vibe, but I must admit, I’m curious about its breathability come the hot summer days ahead.

The chair allows for adjustable and switchable recline, featuring a sizable knob at its base to control resistance, and its backrest can lean almost completely horizontal.

Everything works. How well it might hold up after a year or two, I can’t honestly comment on.

Fully-adjustable armrests

I’m quite fussy about armrests, but fortunately, Razer has done a great job with their 4D armrest design.

They move up and down, forward and back, in and out, and they even rotate.

The surface on top has a rough, rubber-like texture which protects my elbows from discomfort; it isn’t plush, yet it isn’t overly firm to cause tiredness.

Even with numerous components in motion, it’s rare not to find a chair without slight wobble when the armrests are secured. However, I haven’t had the chance to verify this with extensive testing or actual usage yet.

Razer Iskur V2: What I don’t like

After discussing the advantages, let me now share some drawbacks I encountered while using the Razer Iskur V2 for a fortnight.

For several years now, I’ve had the pleasure of utilizing an X-Chair X-Tech Executive office chair, and without a doubt, it is the most comfortable seat I’ve encountered in my life so far.

In my assessment of the Razer chair, I took into account the significant price gap – approximately tripled – compared to the Iskur V2 model.

Or, more concisely:

While evaluating the Razer chair, I factored in its roughly threefold price difference versus the Iskur V2.

Uncomfortable seat pan

Upon taking my seat in the Iskur V2 for the initial time, my first impression was: “Where is the ample seat cushioning?

Asking my partner to sit in the chair with no prompting, she came to the same conclusion.

On the V2 model, the seat width has been significantly expanded, which I find very comfortable as it prevents the sides from pressing against my thighs while seated.

Contrarily, Razer’s dual-density foam padding, intended to distribute weight evenly on your hips and thighs, offers minimal comfort instead.

As a chair enthusiast, I find myself yearning for a bit more customization, particularly when it comes to seat depth. Ideally, I’d like the seat to be slightly shallower than its default setting, but unfortunately, there seems to be no option to adjust it according to my preferences.

As a diligent analyst, I have observed that the foam should become progressively more comfortable over time. However, I find myself questioning whether I should already be experiencing some noticeable enhancements in comfort given the duration of usage so far.

So far, comfort on one of the most important parts of the chair is lacking.

Cheap casters

I appreciate the concern you’ve shown towards your hardwood-floored office. Since assembling the Iskur V2, I’ve been anxious about causing scratches. Luckily, my office mat has been a lifesaver!

It appears that the wheels (casters) are an area where Razer may have compromised on quality. These components are made of plastic, except for the base post which is metallic.

These wheeled devices seem to have trouble moving smoothly, especially on carpet, and I worry they might crack under pressure since I am significantly lighter than the recommended 299lbs limit.

Headrest is nothing special

Similar to numerous gaming chair manufacturers, Razer’s headrest design essentially involves a detachable cushion secured to the chair using an adjustable elastic band.

The inner foam of the pillow offers a soft, springy feel, while its external fabric exudes luxury – hard to argue with Razer’s quality.

The problem lies in the fact that when there’s no pillow, what you’re left with is a hard, padded-less part beneath the fake leather, mostly.

It appears somewhat economical considering its price over $600, yet I understand this is standard for gaming chairs.

On my upcoming flight, I’ll be bringing along the Razer pillow. Its flexible adjustable strap lets it secure to any airplane seat, and as previously stated, it offers great comfort.

Is it big enough?

Upon initially configuring the Iskur V2, I found myself questioning my actions, thinking perhaps I was making an error. However, upon further investigation, I realized that the limited adjustable height is merely a characteristic of this model, rather than any mistake on my part.

Standing at six feet three inches tall, the chair is adjusted to its highest point, and it’s almost too short for a comfortable seating position while working at my desk.

The 6’5″ maximum user height set by Razer is definitely right at the limit.

Razer classifies this chair as mid-sized, and I’m hoping for a large version down the line. It seems they have produced an Iskur V1 XL in the past, so there’s a chance we might see it again.

Razer Iskur V2 review: My final thoughts

✅ You should buy this if …

You value lumbar support over seat cushioning.
You don’t see the need for a real headrest.
You prefer 4D armrests with full range of motion.

❌ You should not buy this if …

You want high-quality casters that work well with any surface.
You want a seat with plenty of cushioning.
You’re taller than 6’3″.

In essence, the market for gaming chairs predominantly offers racer-themed designs, each with varying logos from various brands. The prices can fluctuate significantly, yet the premium options are generally controlled by companies such as Razer and Secretlab.

Among all chairs I’ve encountered, the adaptive lumbar support on the Iskur V2 offers the most comfortable experience for lower back support, surpassing even the adjustable lumbar support provided by the X-Chair X-Tech.

The chair consistently touches the curves of my back, offering ample support regardless of how I position myself while seated.

It’s too bad the seat doesn’t offer the same level of comfort.

After prolonged use for over 100 hours, despite the possibility of the multi-density cushioning becoming more pliable, it still retains the original firm sensation that it had when I initially assembled the chair.

For you, who finds prolonged sitting quite uncomfortable, especially those who play games or work in an office for extended hours, this chair may not provide much relief.

I’m considering going back to my X-Chair primarily because of its comfortable seat cushioning and durable casters that won’t damage my floor. However, I can’t help but ponder over the lumbar support it lacks.

2025-04-09 16:12

I tested Razer’s Iskur V2 gaming chair, and it’s just too hard for comfort — but the lumbar support can’t be beat