Gaming chairs are now a dime a dozen. This applies not only to the inexpensive entry-level models, but also to the higher-priced luxury models. In today’s Corsair TC500 Luxe test, we want to take a look at a chair that doesn’t just have the word “luxury” in its name. The manufacturer has also opted for high-quality materials, high adaptability and a chic design.
Technical data
| Model name | Corsair TC500 Luxe |
| Maximum load capacity | 120 kg |
| Maximum body height | 188 cm |
| Colors | Shadow, Sherwood, Frost |
| Backrest dimensions | – Height: 800 mm – Width: 550 mm |
| Seat dimensions | – Width: 590 mm – Depth: 500 mm |
| Seat height | 420 to 520 mm |
| Material | – Fabric: Removable fabric cover (reminiscent of artificial leather) – Frame: Steel – Base: steel – Upholstery: PU foam – Neck cushion: Memory foam |
| Adjustment options | – Seat height (10 cm leeway) – Armrests – Lumbar support – Tilt (90° to 160°) |
| Price | € 549.90 * |
Corsair TC500 Luxe review: Quick setup
Unsurprisingly for a gaming chair, the Corsair TC500 Luxe also comes in a fairly large box. This has the decisive advantage that Corsair has enough space to provide the components with protective covers.
This is the best way to prevent scratches or other ugly damage during transportation or unpacking. At first I was negatively surprised because the chair did not come with any assembly instructions. However, Corsair has taken a paper-saving approach and printed a QR code on the packaging.
This means you can easily use the digital instructions for assembly. Once you have unwrapped the individual components from the foil and other packaging material, you will notice the high quality. The actual assembly is then quite quick and easy.
This is not least due to the fact that Corsair assembles the armrests on the seat at the factory, for example. It took less than half an hour to fully assemble the chair. Corsair also includes a suitable Allen key with a practical handle for this purpose. So your toolbox can stay closed.
Corsair TC500 Luxe review: Wide seat and backrest
Since gaming chairs are at the center of the home office and/or gaming setup, looks naturally play a major role. The Corsair TC500 Luxe is available in a total of three different colors – Frost (combination of black and white), Shadow (grey) and Sherwood (green). Our test model came in the color Shadow. A closer look reveals that Corsair has done a few things differently here.
Firstly, the seat is quite flat and wide. The manufacturer has opted for significantly flatter side bolsters than is the case with the Corsair T3 Rush (Review), for example. In practice, this is not intended to provide less support, but rather more comfort. After all, you can now easily adopt wider sitting positions such as a cross-legged position.
However, the smaller side bolsters also have a positive effect on the backrest. After all, it is less shell-shaped and more flat. This means that, unlike the T3 Rush and many other gaming chairs, the TC500 Luxe does not have a classic racing seat design. The TC500 Luxe offers an integrated 4-way lumbar adjustment as a replacement for the side shell.
Corsair TC500 Luxe review: Great workmanship
Corsair’s focus on longevity is evident both in the choice of materials and the high quality of workmanship. The manufacturer relies on a breathable fabric that should ensure a comfortable fit even in hot temperatures. At first glance, this is quite surprising, as the look of the fabric is reminiscent of classic suede.
But of course, Corsair has opted for an animal and environmentally friendly fabric that is also easy to clean. The diamond pattern on the seat and backrest is not only intended to look good, but also serves a deeper purpose. The special shape ensures that both areas are much more resistant to stretching and wear and tear.
The skeleton of the gaming chair ensures stability and durability. The TC500 Luxe is based on a steel frame construction. The metal frame stands on a stable swivel base, which is also made of very sturdy steel.
The castors are quite hard, which sometimes makes it a little slow to roll across the floor. In my opinion, however, this is not really a problem.
Corsair TC500 Luxe review: Ergonomics
Of course, flexibility and adjustability also play an important role in a gaming chair. After all, back pain after long periods of sitting can only be prevented if there is a healthy sitting position for every back shape. To make this possible, the TC500 Luxe offers various adjustment options.
Adjustable lumbar support
Firstly, there is the adjustable lumbar support. This can be adjusted to four different levels. There are buttons on the left and right for individual adjustment. These are very easy to reach and score points for their ease of movement.
They allow you to change the alignment of the lumbar vertebra plate. You can easily move it not only inwards and outwards. It can also be adjusted upwards and downwards. In practice, this is pleasantly uncomplicated.
Omniflex armrests
The armrests of the gaming chair can also be adjusted. However, Corsair goes one step further than many other manufacturers with its TC500 Luxe. You can not only adjust the armrests up and down. The position can also be adjusted forwards and backwards.
You can also move it inwards and outwards. There are screws under the seat for this purpose. The impressive rotation options of the armrests should also be emphasized. They can be rotated up to 215 degrees. This allows you to choose whether the short or long end of the armrest should point forwards.
If you use a mouse and keyboard, it is best to choose the long end. Gamers who hold a controller in their hand are usually better off with the short end. The gaming chair with the short end of the armrest should also be able to be pushed closer to the desk.
Neck cushion with memory foam
So that it’s not just your back that enjoys comfort, Corsair also includes a practical soft neck cushion filled with memory foam.
Whether or not to attach this is a matter of taste. The exact position of the soft fabric-covered cushion can be set as required.
Adjustment of tilt and seat height
Of course, the tilt of the gaming chair can also be adjusted. To do this, use the lever on the right-hand side of the chair. Angles between 90 and 160° are possible. You can also adjust the resistance when tilting. The rotary knob under the seat is used for this. There is another lever on the left-hand side that can be used to lock or unlock the tilt.
The lever on the right-hand side is used to adjust the seat height. Pressing the lever raises the entire chair. When the lever is pulled, however, the gas pressure spring ensures that the seat height is lowered again. The lift offers a total play of 10 cm. The height of the armrests can also be adjusted accordingly. There is a suitable lever for this under the armrest.
Corsair TC500 Luxe review: seating comfort
After a few days of working on the TC500 Luxe, it’s time for a verdict on the seating comfort. How comfortable is it to sit on the stylish gaming chair? I would like to make a particularly positive mention of the chair’s really great upholstery. It is the right choice at any temperature. If it is warm in the gaming setup or at the workplace, the cover, which is reminiscent of artificial leather, cools you down. At low temperatures, on the other hand, it provides a pleasantly soft feeling against the skin. Corsair has achieved a really great compromise here.
The ergonomics of the seat are also really good. This is mainly due to the many adjustment options. This allows the TC500 Luxe to be adapted to individual preferences and body shapes. This is where the new Corsair model is ahead of many other chairs in the gaming sector. The upholstery is best described as a matter of taste. The PU foam is quite hard. People with a preference for a soft seat should keep this in mind.
What bothered me a little in practice were the armrests. I’m not talking about the great workmanship or the many adjustment options for the armrest. Instead, the position is a little questionable, as I discovered when sitting down. Corsair leaves quite a lot of space between the two armrests, which doesn’t exactly make it comfortable to put your arms down. They also sit quite far forward. As a result, they tend to bump against the desk top.
Conclusion
The Corsair TC500 Luxe is an impressive gaming chair that scores with its simple construction, high-quality material and modern design. The wide, flat seat and ergonomic backrest offer a high level of comfort. Particularly noteworthy are the numerous customization options such as the 4-way lumbar support and versatile adjustable armrests.
The temperature-regulating cover ensures comfortable sitting at any temperature. The only point of criticism is the widely spaced armrests, which are less comfortable when sitting and occasionally bump into the desk top. Overall, however, the TC500 Luxe impressed us in the test, which is why we are happy to recommend it for purchase.
Corsair TC500 Luxury
Design and workmanship
Equipment
Ergonomics
Seating comfort
Value for money
90/100
The Corsair T500 Luxe scores with great workmanship, great ergonomics and a high level of seating comfort, which is only slightly dampened by the questionable position of the armrests.
