Razer's Soma Chroma gaming chair presents a bold proposition: a seating solution that doubles as a customizable RGB lighting fixture. While the chair is well-built and offers decent capacity, its primary draw – the integrated lighting – is aimed at a very specific audience, potentially leaving many users questioning its value for the $499/£499 price tag.
The Soma Chroma features RGB strips at the top of the headrest, designed to be visible to onlookers. The overall aesthetic is a standard racing-style seat with Razer's signature black and green color scheme. Included with the chair are thin gloves, referred to by Razer as 'building gauntlets,' presumably to protect the user's hands during assembly.
Assembly and Design
Assembly of the Soma Chroma is described as straightforward, involving typical steps like attaching casters, inserting the gas cylinder, and securing the backrest to the seat base. The seat itself has channels that might serve an airflow purpose but could also accumulate debris. Both the fabric and hard plastic components are noted as being relatively easy to clean.
In terms of adjustability, the chair offers a recline angle from 90 to 155 degrees, with height and swivel adjustments for the armrests. A built-in lumbar curve is present, but it is not adjustable, and the seat utilizes a butterfly tilt mechanism. The chair supports users up to 150kg (331lbs) and 200cm (6ft 6in) in height.
The RGB Experience
The chair's RGB lighting is powered via a short USB-C cable. Due to its length, it cannot be directly connected to a PC tower and requires an extension lead or, more conveniently, a portable battery pack. This power bank can be stored in a zip-up pouch on the back of the seat. The chair does include a 2.4GHz dongle for connectivity, along with Bluetooth, similar to many peripherals.
Control over the lighting is managed through the Razer Synapse app, allowing for customization of colors, effects, and even reactive lighting that syncs with games. While the Razer logo is prominently placed, it lacks integrated RGB, a missed opportunity according to the review. The reviewer suggests that more extensive RGB integration, such as along the armrests or seat grooves, could have made the chair feel more complete.
The limited visibility of the RGB lighting from the seated position leads to the conclusion that the Soma Chroma is primarily designed for streamers or individuals who record their gaming sessions, as the lights are most apparent to an external observer. This niche appeal is seen as a potential factor contributing to its high price.
Ultimately, while the Razer Soma Chroma is a comfortable and well-constructed chair, the added cost for its RGB features comes at the expense of broader adjustability. Users seeking enhanced lumbar support or a more feature-rich chair for the same price might find better value in alternatives without integrated lighting.