AKRасing Onуx Series

AKRacing Onyx Deluxe Test

Today I’m reviewing the first foray into the premium segment by gaming chair pioneer AKRacing: the Onyx Deluxe. In the test, I take a look at the genuine leather cover and compare it to my favorites, the EPIC and the new ICON Series from top dog noblechairs. Read on, don’t miss my test video and find out whether buying the Onyx Deluxe is really worth it.

akracing-onyx-deluxe-test

AKRacing

Onyx Deluxe

Steel frame, aluminum base, cold foam upholstery (55kg/m³), PU imitation leather or genuine leather cover, 65mm PU/nylon castors, PU armrests

3D armrests, lockable & adjustable 19° rocker function, backrest can be tilted up to 180°.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

What makes the Onyx Deluxe?

The special feature of the Onyx Deluxe is clearly the genuine leather cover – which, by the way, also sets it apart from its little brother, the simple Onyx. It should be said that the back of the Deluxe is covered with artificial leather. In my opinion, this makes sense, since the haptics or the climatic properties – breathability & Co. – are not important there and you save a few euros as a potential buyer.

 

The design also stands out from the rest of the manufacturer’s product range. This not only affects the look, but also has an impact on ergonomics – whether positive or negative, you’ll find out in a moment.

My impressions from the test

Since most readers now consider the build to be less than spectacular – and it is, especially with high-quality gaming chairs – I’ll skip this part and go straight to the practical test of the AKRacing Onyx.

onyx-deluxe-from-bottom-up-photographed

Design

Simple and elegant – that’s how I would briefly describe the look of the Onyx. The silhouette is quite classic at first glance, but the flatter side panels and the missing air vents catch the eye at second glance. Furthermore, the dark gray, almost black Onyx Deluxe impresses with the diamond pattern in the lumbar area, which is somewhat reminiscent of noblechairs.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Onyx Deluxe offer above-average space. The seat height can be adjusted between 46cm and 51cm, with the backrest effectively around 84cm high. You can find out whether the Onyx offers you enough or too much space in my size guide below.

measure-of-the-onxy

Ergonomics

As already mentioned, the side panels and the “wings” in the shoulder area are very flat and well padded. The fact that they do not constrict when sitting allows even heavier and wider gamers to sit comfortably and ergonomically. The neck cushion is a bit stiff – I would also say a bit “puny” – but does its job as a support. There is a slight curvature in the lumbar area, which means that the obligatory lumbar pillow can be partially dispensed with. Gamers who absolutely want to resort to the lumbar pillow might be disappointed by the fact that it does not offer a possibility to attach it.

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Well padded side bolsters on the sides and the pretty diamond pattern in the middle.

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The seat not only looks super comfortable, it is. The lateral support is decent, comfortably over-upholstered and offers a lot of free space.

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The cheeks in the shoulder area also hold back a bit, creating a chic, sporty silhouette.

Armrests

Compared to the 4D armrests of other models, the Onyx Deluxe lacks the “inside-out” direction. This does not bother me at all, and I was pleased to find that the armrests sit tighter than on other gaming chairs. The plastic surface yields slightly to pressure, so elbows are protected – the Onyx Deluxe does neither better nor worse than its competitors.

onyx-3d-armrests

Foot cross

The aluminum base is reinforced on the inside with several cross struts and a longitudinal strut and can support up to 150 kg in combination with the other components. Visually, the base has a very simple design, but its stainless steel look offers a nice contrast to the onyx-colored upholstery.

alu-foot-cross

Haptics: How does the Onyx Deluxe feel?

I expected a lot here – it is real leather after all. In any case, the surface with the typical leather structure feels pleasant and robust, but it is harder for me to distinguish it from high-quality PU leather than I thought. Noblechairs can do that better. All in all, you still get a cover that stands out from cheaper imitation leather chairs in terms of quality for the surcharge.

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If you look closely, you can spot small flaws here and there. I also know this from cheaper chairs – but I would not necessarily have expected it from the Onyx. Overall, however, only minimally disturbing.

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My conclusion to the practical test

The seat feeling is really great: plenty of space and yet sufficient racing feeling due to the pleasant lateral support. The real leather in the AKRacing Onyx Deluxe offers a noticeable comfort upgrade compared to the usual PU leather covers, even though I would prefer noblechairs in terms of leather quality in a direct comparison. A better seating climate is to be expected and the feel is also pleasing.

 

In terms of adjustability, you might miss the missing direction of the armrests (inside-outside) and maybe the “integrated” lumbar support is not enough for you – that doesn’t bother me. In return, you have tighter armrests and, if it fits, you can do without the lumbar cushion. Otherwise, the Onyx leaves nothing to be desired.

 

The Onyx Deluxe is an above-average, well-equipped and well-manufactured gaming chair. Sure, it has a few more wrinkles than the competition from noblechairs and the leather quality also falls a bit in comparison, but it is still worth a purchase. If you particularly like the design of the Onyx, it fits your stature and you can overlook the not optimal price-performance ratio, then grab it.

conclusion-test-of-onyx

Size advice: Does the Onyx fit you?

As already mentioned, the Onyx offers more space than the Prime or Nitro. This is less due to the slightly more generous dimensions than to its flatter silhouette. The lateral support on the seat and backrest is now ensured by flatter cheeks, which are additionally padded to a higher-than-average degree. Nothing presses. Nothing is pinched.

 

According to the manufacturer, the Onyx supports up to 150kg, although in practice I wouldn’t go much beyond 110kg – at least after that, optimal ergonomics are no longer guaranteed, I’d say. In terms of size advice, the Onyx is similar to noblechairs’ two models – the EPIC and especially the ICON – as these also offer more free space thanks to their design. In the case of the Onyx, the fact that the neck cushion can’t be pushed down too far limits the body height to about 1.70m at the bottom. Upwards, 2m is still just about possible.

 

Both the normal Onyx and the Deluxe are suitable for the average gamer, but also for the taller and wider among you.

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Offers: Where you should buy the Onyx

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I try to keep the Onyx buying guide up to date. Amazon is generally always a good choice – check out the offer there in any case, links can be found below.