I have tested my fair share of gaming chairs over the years, with most feeling relatively similar, save for a few standout features. However, the Kraken from Canadian manufacturer Blacklyte managed to impress me far more than I expected. This is the company’s latest foray into the premium segment, aiming to challenge industry giants like Secretlab. While it didn’t quite meet those levels, it came within striking range of my current favourite, the Titan Evo. Priced at $519, the Kraken positions itself as a high-end option for discerning gamers and professionals alike, and with features that set it apart, it’s not hard to see this becoming a new favourite for many gamers.
Unboxing and assembling the Blacklyte Kraken was straightforward for the most part. The instructions made the process painless, and I managed to get everything ready to go within about 30 minutes, give or take. I must say, I’m impressed with the attention to detail and the small touches on the Kraken that set it apart from competitors like Anda Seat and other brands in the $500 range. The fit and finish felt fantastic throughout the build process. Everything fit together perfectly, and even the instructions demonstrated a level of care, making the chair incredibly straightforward to assemble and prepare for use.
Once everything was assembled, I must say I love the look of the chair. The Blacklyte Kraken strikes a solid balance between professional and gamer aesthetics, making it suitable for either environment. Its silhouette resembles the Secretlab Titan Evo but incorporates distinctive elements that set it apart, giving it a unique and impressive appeal.
The chair features a wide seat base wrapped in PU leather (leatherette) and dense memory foam padding, designed to provide long-term comfort. Blacklyte has added enough small touches to make the Kraken stand out in a crowded market. Personally, I’m a fan of the black with white accents, which add a splash of style without leaning into the typical “gamer” look, making it fit seamlessly into both my home and office setups. Of course, there is a range of colours to choose from. I received the white and black version, but other options include green, blue, grey, black, wine red, red, and yellow, all featuring a two-tone design that I personally love.
“The Blacklyte Kraken strikes a solid balance between professional and gamer aesthetics, making it suitable for either environment.”
Actually using the Blacklyte Kraken is where the chair really stands out, and why I instantly fell in love with it once I got to using it at my desk. The Kraken is designed for users between 165 and 195 cm (5’4 – 6’3) in height and can support up to 150 kg (330lbs). The seat offers a gradual incline at the sides, that feels much more comfortable compared to the pure racing seat design found in many of the competition. The chair also offers great back support and has little touches that make adjusting the full setup easy and incredibly comfortable.
Much like the Secretlab Titan Evo, the Kraken features a magnetic head pillow attachment system. While that is something we are starting to see on more gaming chairs, it is fantastic to have included. It allows much easier placement to help with neck alignment, and makes the process less tedious when you want to get everything setup and ready for use. The armrest pads are also magnetically attached, something I also love to see, though the lack of alternative pad options somewhat diminishes this feature’s utility. Although, hopefully Blacklyte sees to release new options soon, since it is another thing Secretlab has done, and easily made the Titan Evo the chair to beat when it comes to high-end options.
I alluded to it earlier, but, similar to the original Razer Iskur, the Blacklyte Kraken features a spring-loaded lumbar support system activated by a lever mechanism. It is easy to use and relatively comfortable, but I can see how some people, depending on their size, might find it more problematic than a simple pillow.
While innovative in concept, the implementation may not suit all body types, as the support panel can sometimes push users too far forward in the seat. The newer concept of the lumbar dial, as seen on the Titan Evo and Razer Iskur V2, allows for adjustments in height and depth, offering more flexibility and, in my opinion, works better. That said, the Kraken’s lumbar system is functional and feels good for someone of my height (6’2). However, it may be worth trying the chair before purchase to ensure it suits your body type.
Our reviewer Joe Findlay loved the Athena chair from Blacklyte for its quality and comfort, and after using the Blacklyte Kraken for a few weeks, I can see why. The company has paid attention to small details and overall feel, making the Kraken one of the more comfortable and striking options in the CGMagazine offices, and that is saying a lot. It looks good, features quality components like the quiet PA casters, and boasts an overall build quality that makes it easy to recommend. While it does fall short of surpassing my favourite chairs of the last few years, it comes very close and is a chair I enjoy using daily.
That said, at $519, the Kraken enters a highly competitive market segment where expectations for quality and features are substantial. While it offers several premium features, the price point places it directly against established competitors with proven track records. Provided you don’t mind the lumbar system Blacklyte implemented for the chair, and you like the Kraken’s look and feel, there is a lot to appreciate. While it may not dethrone the big players in the market just yet, there is enough to love for anyone making this their primary gaming chair.
For those seeking a unique alternative to mainstream gaming chairs and willing to work through potential adjustment periods, the Kraken offers a distinct option in the premium segment. While it may not unseat current market leaders, it represents a promising direction for Blacklyte’s future offerings in gaming furniture. I can’t wait to see how their chair range evolves in the coming years, but from what I’ve seen so far, consider me impressed.