Skip to content
Home » Best Office Chairs » Staples Hyken Technical Mesh Chair Review

Staples Hyken Technical Mesh Chair Review

Often times, the high-end office chairs are well worth the money, but lower-end chairs like this Staples Hyken Technical Mesh Chair totally deserve a second look. And for only $221.38, this is a steal! One of the reasons why we love the Staples Hyken is because of its versatility as it can be used both as an office and gaming chair. It comes with many luxurious features that you’ll come to love, especially if you’re on a budget.

Gamers seem to love this chair and for good reasons. First of all, it’s made of ultra-breathable full mesh upholstery that doesn’t let you sweat during intense gaming session. It also includes a strong synchronous-tilt functionality feature that you can customize to your liking.

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8189i6pt7aL._AC_SL1500_.jpg As you can see, this is clearly an ergonomic office chair. The Staples Hyken is designed to keep you sitting in a healthy upright posture and that’s the biggest reasons to invest in a chair like this one. After all, nothing beats comfort!

Speaking of comfort, the chair includes a 0-degree tilt and a 25-45-degrees lower back curve which allows you to maintain proper posture.

On the other side, you should also consider your priorities. Do you value physiological or psychological comfort more? In that case, if you avoid psychological temptations, you can get a lot more from the Hyken than just an upright sitting position.

As always, we try to provide you with honest reviews and this chair is no exception. In this article, we included its main features of the Hyken, the pros and cons, some customer reviews, and some comparisons with other office chairs.

Construction and Design

As mentioned, the Hyken features breathable mesh upholstery, along with a 3-inch thick cushioning that offers head and lumbar support. We especially love the red color and silver accents which add a subtle modern touch to your office, without trying too hard.

The chair is specifically designed to be functional and supportive at the same time. The mesh upholstery allows air to circulate, while the headrest provides sufficient support for your neck.

Staples Hyken Technical Task Chair Main Features

Let’s take a look at the main features of the Hyken office chair. The adjustable armrests can be used to change your height based on your personal preference, so it’s ideal for both tall and short people.

In terms of dimensions, the chair measures 27 inches in width and 46 inches in height, making it perfect for people with different bodies. The chair fits users from 5’3’’ to 5’10’’ just fine. But we have to give it to the height-adjustable lumbar support that provides some extra adjustability to help with those sizes.

Additionally, you can also customize the seating angle because the chair has an adjustable tilt tension and tilt lock that you can use to lock the chair at a desired angle. Like most Staples chairs, this model also features high-quality sturdy casters that are perfect for tile and carpet floors as they roll smoothly around without any creaking sound.

Comfort

If there’s one thing we can’t mention enough is that the Staples Hyken is ergonomically designed for people who spend majority of their day in front of a desk. Not only does the chair accommodate different body types, but it also helps to reduce physical stress and enhance your overall performance, making you more productive throughout the day.

To ensure maximum comfort, you can also move the chair at least four inches further, but of course, this depends on your preferences.

To take it one step further, the chair has synchronous tilt functionality that you can use to tilt and lock the backrest in four different positions from 100-140 degrees. As you start to recline, the sync-tilt positions at a 2:1 proportion.

For example, if you lean back at a 120-degree angle, the seat tilts up by 10-degrees and that’s enough to make you feel secure and comfortable. The whole point of sync-tilt is to keep your thighs parallel to the floor no matter the motion. Additionally, this helps to balance the lower back and neck through all ranges of motion.

Durability

The Staples Hyken is made of faux leather to ensure durability in the long run. The chair also features high-quality upholstery that’s stain-resistant and doesn’t tear over time. The durable and thick mesh definitely stands the test of time.

Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair Specifications

Although it may look like a small chair, the Hyken is designed to fit people of sizes 5’3’’ up to 5’10’’. If you’re outside of this range, perhaps the lumbar support might be too high or too low for you, but you can easily fix this by removing the headrest. Similarly, users shorter than 5’9’’ can also add a footrest for better support.

We mentioned physiological support earlier and that’s something you should always consider for the sake of your health. However, there are three factors that a chair needs in order to identify as an ‘ergonomic’ chair:

  • Adjustable lumbar support
  • Adjustable armrests
  • Reclining backrest

Lucky for you, the Hyken meets all these requirements, plus the sync-tilt functionality that adds an extra touch of ergonomics.

Backrest: is made of synthetic mesh upholstery; reclines and locks in four lock positions between 100-degrees to 140-degrees.

Headrest: is included but can be removable if it doesn’t fit your preferences or height

Lumbar support: is height-adjustable with four positions and a 3-inch range

Armrests: can go up and down with a 4-inch range (1D adjustable)

Seat: made of full mesh upholstery; also height-adjustable

Warranty: 3-year warranty extension for only $19.99; 30-day return policy

Staples Hyken Mesh Task Office Chair Pros

If you want to determine whether the Staples Hyken is the right chair for you, it would be wise for you to take a look at the pros first to get a better idea of what the chair is best used for. Although we think that the pros outweigh the cons with this model.

Adjustment Package

The first thing we loved about the Staples Hyken is the adjustment package because it includes a variety of useful features. For example, it comes with seat height adjustment, multiple-position tilt lock, tension control, height adjustable arms, two-way adjustable headrest, as well as an adjustable lumbar support. For a chair that’s considered to be budget-friendly, you’re getting a lot of adjustments.

Policies

Policies are often overlooked by some users, but considering the price range of the Staples Hyken, we can assert that it has great policies. First, you have a 30-day trial with your chair, which means you get to try it and see if it’s doing anything for you. After the trial, you can always get your money back, guaranteed.

Apart from this, the chair also comes with a seven-year warranty on all parts of the chair. Again, comparing the price point of this one with other chairs, it’s a fantastic warranty.

Effective Ergonomic Support

The Staples Hyken has already proven to be ergonomically supportive because it shows that a chair doesn’t need to be expensive in order to provide support for your body. With feet flat on the ground, users between 5’3’’ and 5’10’’ can easily adjust the lumbar if they want to add extra support on their lower back. It also comes with adjustable armrests that provide more support for the spine.

It’s worth noting that finding a decent chair with a headrest for a price like Hyken is very difficult. Even if you come across a low-budget office chair with a headrest, it won’t have many or any adjustable features. The Hyken on the other hand, offers you a proper adjustable headrest that you can detach whenever you want, but at a low price.

The Staples Hyken offers all the support you need to enjoy long office hours or gaming sessions. And here’s the best part – the Hyken promotes the same healthy postures as Herman Miller Aeron. So both chairs have the same features that allow for better support and healthy postures, but the Hyken costs a fraction of the price of the Herman Miller Aeron chair.

Apart from these features, the Hyken has 4.5 out of 5 stars. Based on the customer reviews, there are 8 features that make this chair stand out:

  • Build quality
  • Design
  • Comfort
  • Value for money
  • Convenience
  • Overall satisfaction
  • Size
  • Easy to assemble

Staples Hyken Technical Mesh Task Chair Cons

We did say we’re going to be honest in our review, didn’t we? That’s true. Based on our research and customer reviews, there are a few things that the Hyken can improve on.

Seat Comfort

Something that you should definitely consider before buying the Hyken is the seat comfort. Although the mesh on the backrest is very comfortable and breathable, this is not the case with the seat. Since the chair is not high-end, it makes sense that the mesh used is not the best quality, so it won’t hold the same softness and elasticity as high-end chairs. This means that when you sit down on the chair, the seat won’t have the same type of spring.

Additionally, something else that seemed to bother some users is the pronounced frame of the seat. We’ll agree that it doesn’t have a very large seat, but if you properly match the frame, then you’re good to go.

However, for people of other sizes, they can feel the frame on the front and sides (a common factor with mesh chairs), but because the size of the frame is smaller, it can be uncomfortable to move around while seated.

Lastly, the seat’s front pad design is another thing that we think you should look out for. It is true that most mesh chairs have a pad in front of the seat which gives users extra cushion and protects their legs from hitting the frame. However, this can lead to a crease between the mesh and the foam, which then causes discomfort and pain.

Not the Best Chair for Tall People

The chair is perfect for shorter people up to 5’10’’, but what about taller people? Well, not so much. If you’re 6 feet or taller, you might want to look for another chair. Although we have to argue that the seat and arm height will be fine since they’re adjustable, the headrest and seat depth can be uncomfortable for taller people.

Since the chair doesn’t have an adjustable seat depth, the seat may feel too short, and as a result, taller people may be uncomfortable. In terms of the headrest, the height adjustment either makes the headrest too low or too high, so it may cause discomfort in your neck and head.

Backrest Comfort

With most high-end mesh office chairs, you get a form-fitting feeling that contours your body. For lower-end chairs like the Hyken, the mesh might lack some elasticity. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it depends on your preferences, but it does make you feel like you’re resting on top of the mesh. The frame of this chair is a bit stiff, so it may stop you from stretching or moving freely without discomfort.

Additionally, the gap between the backrest and the seat is something that needs to be addressed. Again, this isn’t the case with every user, but because the chair itself is not height-adjustable, you can’t move the backrest down and this can make you feel like you’re lacking some support in your lower back.

Is it Worth It?

After looking at the list of pros and cons of the Staples Hyken, you’re probably thinking ‘Is this chair really worth it?’ The answer to that is YES, but it depends on your height, size, and personal preferences. When you consider the overall adjustable features of the chair and the policies, it’s kind of hard to argue against a $221 office chair. So if you don’t have any problems with the chair and you don’t break it down, you’re guaranteed a 7-year warranty. We’d say that’s a good deal!

Since this chair has medium to high-quality components, it’s safe to assume that you will have a great time sitting on it for a long time. However, don’t be afraid if something fails within the first two or four years. After all, this is a low-budget office chair.

Apart from its features, the Staples Hyken is a great option if you’re looking for a chair that won’t break your bank or spine. From a value standpoint, this chair is quite affordable, so it’s hard to argue that it’s not worth it.

What did the Reviewers Say about the Staples Hyken Technical Mesh Task Office Chair?

People who have used the Staples Hyken have left many reviews that can be helpful for you to decide whether you want this chair or not. Here are some of the best bits that we were able to find:

‘’Easy to assemble, took me 20 minutes total to unbox and assemble.’’

‘’ The chair is extremely comfortable for long periods of time. Bonus it breathes very well. Must state it is not the fluffy soft people associate with comfortable chairs.’’

‘’ It helps posture with lumbar support, adjustable headrest and adjustable arm support. Really helped with my back and neck pain.’’

‘’I just bought a chair at a store called Staples and I have to say, it is a very good chair, very easy to assemble, very comfortable, and great breathabilty, if you are someone who sweats against leather or fake leather surfaces.’’

‘’ Immediately this chair is a night and day difference. The butt cushion is just tension mesh, so your butt doesn’t bottom out and hit the plywood underneath. The adjustable lumbar support feels great. the height adjustable armrest is way better. My elbows are finally the same height as my desktop, making typing much easier and more comfortable.’’

‘’ Overall, the chair is great for someone my size – 5’3″ – and everything being so adjustable is amazing. The mesh seat and back keep me cool or even allow heat from my little space heater through to keep me warm.’’

‘’ The seat and back are made of mesh, which means there are no pressure points or places where you lose comfort, as you sit in a supported web rather than on a cushion.’’

‘’ The chair has a nice feel to it and it is heavy with metal as a main frame support, but it does not feel cheap in anyway.’’

Staples Hyken Mesh Task Office Chair Comparison

If you’re still unsure about the Staple Hyken, we’ll give you two other alternatives to compare and contrast.

Staples Hyken vs Space Seating 27 Series

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/912fgCpT1cL._AC_SL1500_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8189i6pt7aL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
The first alternative is the Space Seating 27 Series office chair that’s a mid-range affordable option. This chair costs $379.99, but it does have a lesser recline functionality. One thing that we will not argue with is the warranty terms as they beat the Staples Hyken’s.

The 27 Series’ upholstery is guaranteed for three years and that includes tearing or wearing over time. Not only that, but its parts are guaranteed for life, so you get a full-warranty. Although you may gain some durability with this chair, it’s important to note that it doesn’t have a backrest recline lock. Instead, you can only rock the back from 100-110-degrees, but you can’t lock it to your desired angle, something which the Hyken offers.

In terms of the material, both chairs are made of breathable mesh, so they have the same elasticity more or less. In other words, you get the same sitting experience with both chairs as they keep you upright all the time. But the question is, can you live without the recline functionality? If yes, then the 27 Series does come with a better long-term value.

Staples Hyken vs Office Star Mesh Back & Seat

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/8189i6pt7aL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71SvuA4YsoL._AC_SL1480_.jpg

Our second alternative to Staples Hyken is this Office Star Mesh Back & Seat Chair. This is another great choice for people who don’t want to spend a fortune on an office chair but still need proper functionality.

There are some similarities that both chairs share. For example, both are made of breathable mesh and they include a synchro-tilt function that allows you to tilt at a 2:1 ratio. Additionally, the Office Star chair has some other adjustable features such as the 2D armrests which are always convenient.

The Office Star chair is slightly more favorable because it’s BIFMA and ANSI approved, so it ensures durability and comfort. Not to mention that it’s Greenguard certified, meaning it’s a better alternative for indoors since it’s manufactured with less harsh chemicals.

We have to give it to Staples Hyken because although the chair has less adjustable features than the Office Star one, it still accommodates most body types as it includes ergonomic features.

So if you want to be more eco-friendly with your choices then the Office Star is a great alternative. Other than that, we think that the Staples Hyken is still a better option because of its adjustability and comfort.

The Bottom Line

In the end, the Staples Hyken Mesh Technical Task Chair is an attractive and modern office chair that looks great in any area, plus it comes with many useful features and benefits. It has a high weight capacity that supports heavy users and a breathable mesh material that circulates the air through the headrest and back. Additionally, the chair also aligns with your hip, arms, spine, and shoulders to balance everything and make you feel extra comfortable.

If you opt for this Hyken chair, you are guaranteed to improve your posture and office productivity. And if you think that the headrest is not doing you any good, just remove it and forget about it. It’s that easy.

Then again, this brand has fulfilled many customer demands as the reviews show. So by investing in this affordable office chair, we think you’re on the right track to getting a durable chair that will last you for a long time.