MSI MAG CH130 X gaming chair in review – what’s behind the racing look?

With the MAG CH130 X, MSI has recently presented another gaming chair that further fuels the growth of the market that can hardly be surveyed anymore. With a price of over 300 Euros, the new chair belongs to the mid-range – and should accordingly have a lot to offer. Whether this is actually the case or whether it is just another run-of-the-mill chair, you can find out in our test report.

Technical data

Design and workmanship

Delivered the gaming chair is similar to all other gaming chairs. The armrests are already pre-assembled, the rest must be screwed together and set. However, the assembly is done quickly and easily and can be done on your own.

Visually, the built-up gaming chair hardly differs from the standard available on the market: it has a dark sports seat look. The only noticeable details are those incorporated into the seat and the seat cushions, such as the logo that contrasts with the black background in white, the seams that are also white, or the logo incorporated into the lumbar pillow. In addition, a velvet-like material has been used on the top, which is supposed to give the chair a high-quality look. Otherwise, the chair is covered with faux leather. Overall, the materials are well-made. However, we noticed that the backrest and seat are very close to each other (other gaming chairs often have a gap there), so that the two surfaces rub against each other and you can unfortunately also hear this when you move on the chair. However, this should subside after a while, and otherwise you can simply grease the spot.

On the other hand, we noticed the steel reinforcement of the frame more positively, which makes the chair robust and stable. MSI seems to put more emphasis on a high durability here. The same can be said about the casters on which the chair stands: To all appearances, they are quite sturdy models. MSI speaks of extremely durable and reliable anti-scratch wheels – which also corresponds to our impression.

In terms of design and workmanship, the MAG CH130 X thus ultimately leaves an ambivalent impression: an interchangeable yet handsome design meets a less-than-clever choice of materials for the seat, while the frame and feet are impeccable.

Comfort and ergonomics

The gaming chair is designed for people who weigh a maximum of 150 kilograms and measure between 1.65 and 1.85 meters. For this target group, it then actually has something to offer: The backrest can be tilted back from 90 to 150 degrees, so it is possible to lie reasonably comfortably on the chair. The seat can also be tilted by 15 degrees. In the midst of long gaming sessions, this can be quite charming.

Likewise, the fact that the chair is structurally adapted to the S-shape of the human spine struck us positively in the test: Tension does not occur with appropriate posture, even after prolonged use of the chair. In addition, there is a cushion in the neck area that supports the head, as well as one in the lumbar area that also serves to stabilize it.

We were less taken with the armrests of the MAG CH130 X, however. They are only 2D and can hardly be adjusted. This is despite the fact that MSI had already installed 4D armrests in the MAG CH120 I. We don’t understand this cost-cutting measure. Also, we would have liked the armrests to be less rickety.

The upholstery is neither standout hard nor soft, but just right. It should be noted, however, that the chair’s bucket design makes it relatively narrow, so it can be constricting for wide-built people or those who like to sit with their legs wide apart.

Overall, however, the seat in the MAG CH130 X is comfortable and the ergonomic features stand out positively, but without standing out.

Conclusion

In our test, the MAG CH130 X could not fully convince. Instead, we were left with an ambivalent impression: the chair wants to present itself as a high-quality high-end product, and it manages to do so visually – but then it relies on plastic armrests that barely move and, because of the design focus, it partially forgets about practical use. All in all, the MAG CH130 X is a quite acceptable chair – also due to the ergonomic properties and the high-quality steel frame; however, it does not meet the highest demands, which it does not have to in its price range. In this respect, the fact that the MAG CH130 X follows the better-equipped CH120 I is largely incomprehensible.