Razer Iskur v2 is the gaming chair that’s not just for gamers
After four years since the launch of the original Iskur V1, Razer has finally made available a successor this year appropriately called the Iskur V2. This time, however, there is only one large size whereas the original Iskur was available in small or large. Users can still choose between synthetic leather or fabric depending on preference. The manufacturer has sent us the leather option for our honest impressions.
Setup and assembly are simple enough for one person to complete. The box includes a large print with clear instructions and even a pair of handy gloves. While the individual pieces feel solid, Razer does not sell replacements parts which is kind of a shame from a sustainability perspective. For example, it would have been fantastic to easily replace the seat portion or individual wheels should they tear or wear down over time to extend the life of the chair.
A quality check before assembly shows no broken or faulty parts with our package including the leatherette and stitching. There is, however, a small dent on one of the plastic pieces as shown by the picture below. It’s thankfully only cosmetic, but we recommend double-checking just in case especially considering the price you’d be paying.
With the chair fully assembled, we can mention the standout feature of the Iskur V2. Its adaptive lumbar support module with adjustable protrusion and height is the most notable upgrade over the original 2020 Iskur. The module can also sway left and right as you turn your back to better mold to your natural arch. It’s an interesting feeling as instead of you conforming to the chair, the chair conforms to you. The Razer solution is more elaborate and fine-tuned than the lumbar bar on our classic Aeron and it’s much more customizable as well to cater to different body types. Though marketed as a gaming chair, this feature makes the Iskur V2 appropriate for office spaces and other non-gaming setups.
Other notable differences from the Iskur V1 include the wider reclining angle, reduced side bolsters, revamped base, 4D armrest, and improved synthetic leather. The reduced side bolsters are most notable as they make the seat feel wider and easier to sit cross-legged especially when compared to most other gaming chairs where the side bolsters are far too tall. If you like to change sitting positions often or move around in your chair a lot like we do, then this feature alone is very welcomed.
While there’s nothing we particularly dislike about the Iskur V2, we'd still like to see numbered markings on the two knobs to help visualize the lumbar adjustments. When you’ve adjusted the lumbar to the perfect protrusion and height, for example, it can be annoying to readjust them every time if another person is also using the chair. Having the knobs marked with numbers so you can more easily “save and load” your personal lumbar settings would be a useful feature. A similar criticism can be made against the 3D armrests as well. In comparison, the armrests on the Herman Miller Aeron have markings at different height levels for easier adjustments.
Perhaps the cheapest parts of the chair are the two plastic covers along the sides one of which is slightly dented as noted earlier. They're perfectly serviceable, but they don't feel as luxurious as the rest of the chair including the all-metal base, soft-touch armrests, or leather seat and back. Lining the plastic covers with velvet or switching to aluminum would elevate the visual quality of the chair.
The last thing worth mentioning – and likely the one that is on everyone’s mind – is the price of the chair. At $650 USD retail, the Iskur V2 is clearly targeting higher-end gaming chairs like those from Secretlab. The wide and adjustable lumbar of the Iskur V2, however, means that you’re more likely to find the Razer chair more comfortable than the fixed lumbar designs of most competitors. Even so, we always recommend testing any chair before buying just like how you may want to try out different shoes before committing to a pair. Razer has a 14-day return window exactly for this reason if purchasing directly from the manufacturer. For us, we prefer the Iskur V2 over the Aeron for its wider seat base and adaptive lumbar that accommodate different sitting positions more comfortably than expected.
| Pros | Cons |
| + Adaptive lumbar accommodates different sitting positions very well + Reduced side bolsters make the seat wider and more spacious + Less "gamer" and more professional than the Iskur V1 + 3-year manufacturer warranty comes standard | - Replacing parts in the long run may be difficult - Readjusting the knobs between different users can be a chore - Plastic pieces don't feel as upscale as the rest of the chair - No Napa leather option |
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