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Key Points

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Protect Your Spine

  • 2

    Aeron Chair: Breathability of mesh seat and 'Forward Tilt' function are strongest. Chair for engineers who write code leaning forward.

  • 3

    Embody Chair: 'Pixel Structure' that deforms according to curve of spine. For architects who think in backward posture (relax).

  • 4

    Warranty: Herman Miller has 12-year warranty. Even 200,000 yen chair is same as subscription of 1,300 yen per month if used for 12 years.

  • 5

    Gaming Chairs: PU leather gets stuffy and cushion wears out in few years. Unqualified as work tool.

Introduction: Chair is “Medical Expense”, not “Expense”

Back pain is the number one cause ending engineer careers. If you have budget to buy RTX 4090, buy a chair first. GPU becomes obsolete in 3 years, but Herman Miller lasts for 12 years.

1. The Icon: Aeron Chair (Remastered)

Permanent collection of MoMA. Both seat and back are composed of “Pellicle (Mesh)”, so it does not get stuffy even in summer.

Herman Miller Aeron Chair

Arrival point of ergonomics. Biggest feature is 'Forward Tilt'. When lever is tilted, seat tilts forward by 5 degrees. This maintains S-curve of spine even in posture facing keyboard, drastically reducing burden on lower back.

Magic of Forward Tilt

When writing code with concentration, humans unconsciously lean forward. With ordinary chair, back leaves backrest at this time, becoming stooped. Aeron Chair follows and supports back from chair side.

2. The Future: Embody Chair / Gaming

If you often recline deeply to read documents or indulge in thought, Embody Chair is suitable.

Herman Miller Embody Chair

'Pixel Support' on back moves according to fine movement of your spine. Feeling of 'Floating' rather than sitting. Collaboration model with Logicool G (Gaming) has cooling foam in seat, making it even more comfortable.

3. Comparison: Choose by Combat Style

項目 Aeron (Concentration) Embody (Relaxation)
Posture Forward - Upright Upright - Backward
Seat Material Mesh (Firmer) Fabric (Softer)
Adjustment Points Many (Size A/B/C available) Auto Adjust (Size Free)
Armrest Up/Down/Left/Right Up/Down/Left/Right Extended

4. Why not Gaming Chairs?

“Gaming Chairs” imitate bucket seats of racing cars. That is shape to withstand “Lateral G (Gravity)”, not shape for computer work.

Furthermore, PU leather (synthetic leather) used in many cheap gaming chairs hydrolyzes and falls apart in 3 years. Herman Miller’s 12-year warranty is manifestation of absolute confidence in product.

Conclusion: Partner for Life

Chair is place where you spend longest time in life. You spend longer time there than in bed or car.

Do not compromise. Because your lower back is a part that cannot be replaced.