Having first seen Karuza gaming chairs at IEM Sydney back in 2018, I decided to write this Karuza SZ-1216 review as I was completely stunned that a budget gaming chair was being used at a major eSports event.
Sometimes, I look at high-end gaming chairs such as the Razer Iskur and ask myself whether there is real value in spending over $500 on a seat. Especially when you can pickup an entry-level Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chairs for almost 4x cheaper.
However, testing both, there’s a world of difference between the two.
I would happily wait until I could afford a premium gaming chair instead of buying multiple cheaper gaming chairs over the course of a few years. That said, as an entry-point to gaming or when upgrading from a worn-out office chair, there’s still some value in going cheap!
While you shouldn’t expect high quality manufacturing, entry-level gaming chairs still provide fairly rich features. But, can a gaming chair for less than $130 actually withstand long gaming sessions whilst still remaining comfortable? Scroll down to read my full Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chair review or skip sections by using the links below:
- Design
- Karuza SZ-1216 Specifications
- Comfortability
- Build Quality & Assembly
- Price & Value
- Karuza SZ-1216 Review Verdict
Karuza Gaming Chair Design
Suitable for gamers between 5ft 7 inches and 6ft 2 inches, Karuza gaming chairs lack high-end premium aesthetics yet resemble an eSports chair nonetheless. In the case of the Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chair, there’s a black and red colour palette with a massive Karuza logo above the headset and 2 supporting cushions. It’s a bucket seat that attempts to wrap around you with a warm hug whilst making you feel like an eSports pro.
Whilst I quite enjoyed the colour scheme, the Karuza logo is pretty tacky. This is the same across the entire Karuza Gaming Chair Series. I can see why Karuza have opted to place a large logo above the headrest as that’s what all premium gaming chairs also do. However, for that to work, your logo actually has to be half decent.
Every time I look at the Karuza logo, I can’t help but wonder whether the design team experimented with stuffing Cleopatra and an Immortal from the action movie, 300, into a blender. Actually, Karuza quite possibly could be the Faze Clan of ancient Egypt.
… But at this price point, I highly doubt that.
Besides the logo, the Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chair is fairly study for anyone who weighs under 100kg. If you weigh more than this, you’ll quickly find that the chair doesn’t feel entirely secure or safe to use. There is no steel-reinforced frame and the base is made from Nylon with a plastic coating. This is not a great combination for holding weight.
Karuza SZ-1216 Specifications
For specifications, the Karuza SZ-1216 does well with it’s small manufacturing budget. As an entry-level gaming chair, the components that have been chosen are well selected. Here are the complete specifications of the Karuza SZ-1216:
- Framework: Metal
- Chair Base: Nylon Base (P.U. Castors)
- Adjustable Arm Rests: 3D Adjustable
- Gas Lift: Yes (Class 4)
- Cushioning: Foam Based
- Head Cushion: Included
- Height Adjustable: Yes
- Lumbar Support: Yes (Via Cushion)
- Chair Cover Colour: Black & Red
- Recliner Mechanism: Butterly
- Recliner Tilt: 135 Degree Recliner
- Maximum Weight: 125kg
Whilst I was fairly impressed with the specification sheet, the way in which the chairs components have been manufactured is somewhat questionable. For example, the Karuza SZ-1216 boasts lumber support. However, I am sure most chiropractors would disagree. It’s a cushion that you slap onto the chair within any position that feels right. It’s hardly a well-considered system that actually supports your lower back.
Comfortability & Customisation
When you first sit down on the Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chair, you will immediately notice that the bucket seat curves to give your body a little squeeze. Unlike ThunderX3 gaming chairs which typically are flatter spined, Karuza gaming chairs like a good cuddle. While not as prominent as other gaming chairs, there’s enough of a hug to make you relax. That said, there isn’t a sense that Karuza have completely maximised the surface area of the SZ-1216 and the seat might feel a little snug.
However, it’s fairly comfortable nonetheless.
There’s 3D armrests which assist with ergonomics, a soft cushion to support your neck and a lumber support cushion for you lower back. For long periods of play, the cushions are nowhere near as comfortable as a professional lumber support system. Yet, for shorter play times, they are good enough and will get the job done.
Because Karuza gaming chairs do not use premium leather, you will run into issues with breathability when playing within a warm room. I’m based out of Queensland and it can get very hot here which makes for a somewhat unpleasant experience. This is definitely where premium gaming chairs outpace budget options.
For customisation, there is very little choice besides the ability to swivel your armrests, adjust your height and tilt the chair by 135 degrees. For most, this will again be suffice, however, the Karuza SZ-1216 delivers a no thrills experience.
If you live within cooler climates or are okay with blasting air conditioning whilst gaming, the Karuza SZ-1216 is not all that uncomfortable. However, for any sunshine state residents like myself, you’ve been warned!
Build Quality & Assembly
For assembly, the Karuza SZ-1216 is best built with two people. After all, gaming chairs are heavy and while you could technically assemble with one person, the overall finish will be better when built with two people. Despite the size and components, the Karuza SZ-1216 is fairly simple to build and doesn’t use complex mechanics. The instructions are clear and general household tools will get the job done.
Overall, the assembly time of the Karuza SZ-1216 took around 40 minutes with a second person. This included the time it took to unbox the product, ethically dispose of recyclables and re-tighten some screws.
For build quality, there are some questions here.
While I appreciate that Karuza gaming chairs are entry-level products, I found quite quickly that some of the mechanics are not particularly well manufactured. After a few months worth of testing, the recliner mechanism started to become quite stiff and without being able to fully adjust the seat, the lumber support cushion was uncomfortable.
My recommendation would be to tighten each screw but leave a little give.
Karuza Gaming Chair Price & Value
For cost, the Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chair retails at $150 but can currently be purchased for $129 at Centrecom. Besides Centrecom and a few others, you won’t find Karuza gaming chairs at many other retailers within Australia.
At this price point, I have tried to not be too critical with my Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chair review. There are not many alternative gaming chairs that will deliver the same functionality for less than $130 and Karuza have definitely found a niche market here. For entry-level gamers, young children and anybody who simply wants to upgrade from a standard office chair, there is great value.
Comparatively to similarly priced gaming chairs, the Karuza SZ-1216 is just as good as the rest. If you can stretch you budget a little further, you will have a better time with a gaming chair from Onex. But again, for what you pay for the Karuza SZ-1216, the value is decent.
Just don’t go expecting luxury.
Are Karuza Gaming Chairs Good?
Karuza gaming chairs are good for casual gamers and short play times. Beyond that, you might find yourself a little uncomfortable; particularly within a humid climate. The truth about the build quality will be revealed over time and the overall comfortability does not lend itself to longer gaming sessions.
However, for an entry-level gaming chair, the Karuza SZ-1216 stands tall as one of the better options at this price point. If you can afford to splash out on a gaming chair, your entire body will thank you for doing so. Yet, when on a budget, Karuza gaming chairs in Australia will still get the job done.
Had Karuza spent a little more money on the specifications rather than focussing too much on the aesthetics of the chair, I may have graded this Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chair review a little higher. But, for it’s lack of breathability and some mechanics that simply just frustrated me after some time, I have graded the Karuza SZ-1216 a respectable 72%.
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Content Disclaimer: This Karuza SZ-1216 gaming chair review has been independently written. GamePro has not been commissioned by Karuza gear, nor have we received any royalties for this article. This includes financial reimbursement, free advertising, free gifts, advertising or e-vouchers.
Should you click on any link to Amazon and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. But that’s just how we keep this website alive and free to use! Please hit us up in the comments with any questions you may have about the Karuza SZ-1216 and we’ll endeavour to return fire as soon as possible!
