When choosing a new swivel chair – whether it’s a professional office model or a dynamic gaming chair – most customers focus on the upholstery, armrests or design. However, the key to true, long-lasting ergonomics lies deep beneath the seat, in the control mechanism. It is this mechanism that determines the range of movement, the relaxation options and, most importantly, the proper support for the spine during sessions lasting many hours.
In the swivel chairs we offer – whether you choose models designed for gamers (Huzaro) or those focused on maximum comfort whilst working (Mark Adler) – our engineers prioritise the quality of these hidden components. There are two main mechanical systems on the market that you need to be familiar with before making your final decision: TILT (and its variants) and SYNCHRO. They differ fundamentally, and the choice between them should be dictated by your working style and the amount of time you spend in the chair.
The TILT mechanism is the classic and most commonly used system in swivel chairs, particularly in sporty-style models and standard office chairs. The way it works is simple and extremely effective: when you tilt the backrest backwards, the seat moves with it as a single, integrated unit. This means that the angle between the seat and the backrest remains constant. Swivel chair It therefore tilts, supported by a pivot point located just below the seat. This design is reliable, requires less complex maintenance and ensures stability.
TILT’s simplicity does not mean it lacks features. On the contrary – within its class, it offers exactly what is needed for comfortable use:
The MULTIBLOCK mechanism was developed in response to the need for greater control and a wider range of relaxation options. It is an advanced version of the TILT mechanism. It retains the same tried-and-tested principle of simultaneously tilting the seat and backrest, but introduces one key modification which significantly enhances user comfort.
MULTIBLOCK allows the seat recline to be locked in several (or many) selected positions, rather than just along a single vertical axis, as is the case with the standard TILT. This means that once you’ve reclined the chair into a comfortable semi-reclined position (ideal, for example, for watching films, playing on a console or simply relaxing more deeply), you can lock the chair in place and enjoy stable back support.
These mechanisms are ideal for:
The SYNCHRO mechanism represents a new level of sophistication in office chair engineering. Its defining feature is the synchronous movement of the backrest and seat, but in a coordinated ratio (usually 2:1 or 3:1). This means that the backrest reclines faster and to a greater angle than the seat.
The aim of this system is to maintain dynamic contact with the spine throughout the entire reclining movement, whilst minimising pressure on the thighs. The seat gently rises and tilts, preventing the user from slipping and losing contact between their feet and the floor. It is the healthiest system for long-term, uninterrupted work, as it encourages the body to sit dynamically, which is recommended by physiotherapists.
The SYNCHRO mechanism offers a range of features that significantly improve the quality of work:
The choice between TILT/Multiblock and SYNCHRO should depend solely on your working habits and the intensity of your work. The table below and our recommendations will help you make an informed decision.
| Feature | TILT/Multiblock | SYNCHRO (e.g. the SL variant) |
|---|---|---|
| Main traffic | Backrest and seat combined | Synchronous movement (backrests move faster, seats move more slowly) |
| Lock | Vertical (TILT) or multi-position (Multiblock) | Multi-position lock |
| Seat depth | Possible lack of regulation | Common (SL/SFL variant) |
| Anti-Shock | None | Occurs (safety) |
| Recommended operating mode | Short/medium sessions, relaxation, gaming | Full-day, intensive office work (more than 8 hours) |
| Armchair category | Gaming, popular office use | Expert, advanced office software |
As a manufacturer of swivel chairs, we know that there is no single, one-size-fits-all mechanism. Your decision should be based on your priorities:
The comfort of an armchair is not just down to the mechanism itself. Equally important is a sturdy base, which ensures stability, durability and smooth movement.
A gas spring (pneumatic lift) is the component responsible for the smooth and rapid adjustment of the seat height. In the industry, their strength is categorised into classes. In our chairs, we often use Class 3 or 4 (the highest) components, which guarantee not only height stability but also safety and the ability to support heavy loads. Bear in mind that the gas spring also acts as the axis around which the chair rotates freely.
The cross-base, i.e. the five-spoke base of the armchair, is the component that bears the entire load. As a manufacturer, we prioritise high-strength materials:
Smooth movement and floor protection depend on the right castors:
Choosing the right mechanism and base is an investment in your health and comfort, whether you’re working or gaming. You already know that TILT/Multiblock offers the ideal features for gaming and relaxation, whilst SYNCHRO is indispensable for long hours of intensive office work.
In our online shop, we offer a wide range of models featuring various mechanisms, allowing you to choose precisely the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Discover the full range office chairs with TILT mechanisms or browse our gaming chairs with the advanced MULTIBLOCK system today!
