Secretlab Plushcell Armrest Tops: Intriguing Titan Upgrade
Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 Series chairs come with ‘CloudSwap’ replaceable armrest tops. The included ones are PU-coated, semi-soft, and pretty comfortable. Now, Secretlab’s Plushcell Memory Foam Tops have arrived as a decadent $79 upgrade. Are Plushcell Armrest tops worth it? Based on my weeklong test, they’re definitely worth it for some people — but totally not for others!
A stock 2022 Series chair comes with a magnetic headrest and a set of PU-coated armrest caps. In my opinion, every first-timer should start their experience with a stock Titan 2022 Series chair.
For example, over the past six months, I’ve been using a pair of 2022 Series chairs. My Softweave Cookies and Cream and Ash Leatherette have been a delight. I’ve had no complaints with the stock armrest caps. In fact, I’ve barely ever noticed them!
But after six months of using standard Titan chairs, Secretlab offered to send over a set of its new Plushcell Arm tops. I was skeptical: what effect would an upgrade have on my already great sitting experience?
This review covers my initial Plushcell user impressions after a week of use.
Prices vary by region: USA $79; Canada C$99; UK £65; EU €79; Singapore S$89.
Plushcell Armrest Top Review
Plushcell Armrest tops are compatible with Titan Evo 2022 CloudSwap armrests. This technology has magnetic tops that are very easy to attach or remove.
Tops come in a choice of black, silver, or pink. Each comes with three layers. There’s a support plate, Plushcell memory foam, and a colored velour fabric cover.
The unit ships in a sleek package the size of a thick photo album. The box has a solid feel, like that of an unsealed Macbook. Wrapped up in festive paper, gifting this to a Titan 2022 owner is a guaranteed hit.
This gift will show the recipient that you care about their passions (their beloved chair) and well-being. It will also give them an intriguing toy to play with — that will make their chair feel like it’s brand new!
Early Usability Impressions
Compared to the included PU armrests, Plushcell ones are a few millimeters taller. A thicker layer of memory foam versus the stock semi-soft PU version delivers softer forearm cushioning.
Personally, I found the stock PU armrest tops soft enough. But those with sensitive forearms who want the softest cushioning possible now have a great option to consider.
Installation is a breeze. Simply grip the unit on both sides, place it over the armrest base, then lower it until the magnets snap it into place. To remove, grip both sides and gently pull up.
Once the armrests are locked in, use your chair as you normally would. These days, I’m focused on using my Titan with a 0° neck tilt. To help with that, I usually press my forearms into the armrests with firm-to-moderate force.
That provides extra bracing to hold the spine upright. As a result, I was able to put the Plushcell armrests to the test right away.
After a week of testing, I noticed a few things:
- Soft yet rugged feel: the soft foam and stiff base give the unit a sturdy feel. This invites you to press down with your forearms as hard as you can!
- Good heat dissipation: pressing down hard into one spot for long periods doesn’t cause any heat buildup.
- Fun to move: grinding my elbows into the plush fabric feels really nice. That helps to keep my body moving while sitting.
Prices vary by region: USA $79; Canada C$99; UK £65; EU €79; Singapore S$89.
Aesthetic Impact
It took me a few days of use to get a sense of the Plushcell top usability benefits. I still find those quite subtle, compared to the standard ones.
In contrast, the aesthetic differences pop right away. Here are the effects noticed on both of my 2022 Series chairs:
Cookies And Cream SoftWeave
Silver Plushcells on my fabric Cookies and Cream chair add a playful element. On one hand, it blends perfectly with the chair’s colors. On the other hand, it confuses my brain (which is so used to seeing black arms).
As a result, it catches my eye with every glance. When I first bought this chair, I spent hours staring at its beauty. With these new Plushcell tops, I find myself doing the same thing — as if my chair was brand new!
Titan 2022 Cookies & Cream Review
Ash Leatherette
When chilling out, I prefer the breathable, cozy experience of Secretlab Softweave chairs. On the flip side, for serious work, the sleek, professional feel of my Ash leatherette chair gets me pumped.
Ash leatherette is a pure white tempered with a hint of steel gray. Adding Silver Plushcell arm tops makes those qualities even more profound. It’s a crisp, clean, elegant look that makes my entire workspace feel posh.
How To Keep Plushcells Clean
The human body secretes sweat and sebum (an oily substance that moistens). Over time, this will absorb and discolor fabrics.
I scuffed my Plushcells with a spot of garden dirt to test staining. That came out easily with a microfiber cloth and a bit of bottled water.
For deeper cleanings, I imagine using the same techniques as you would when cleaning a fabric gaming chair.
That requires baking soda to deodorize, spot remover for tough stains, and direct sunlight for final deodorization.
Pros and Cons
After a week of use, I’ve found positives and negatives about Plushcell arm tops.
Negatives: Not Worth It For New Titan Owners
I have two quibbles about Plushcell arm tops. The first is the high $79 price. The second is the minor tangible differences you get by upgrading: a slightly cooler and softer experience with a unique color scheme.
In my opinion, these aren’t worth it for new Titan owners. A 2022 Series Titan Evo costs between $519-$694. With Plushcells, that goes up to $598-$773!
As well, if you’ve never owned a Titan before, it’s worth immersing in the stock experience — without upgrades — for at least six months.
Positives: Thrilling Upgrade For Existing Titan Owners
Buying a new Titan 2022 chair is thrilling. Besides learning how to use it, you’ll be blown away by the design. I’ve owned five Titan chairs. With each new addition, I’ve lost hours staring at its beauty from all angles.
But after a while, the aesthetic thrills wear off. Then, even the most vibrant chair will fade into the background with the rest of the furniture.
Adding Silver Plushcells made my Titan chairs look and feel brand new!
Indeed, after six delightful months with my two chairs, the aesthetic thrills had long worn off. Adding a set of Silver Plushcell armrests changed that. All of a sudden, both feel brand new again!
The silver tops gave each chair a striking new look. As well, the subtle armrest extras (heat dissipation, style, softness) give me new sensory experiences to digest.
As a result, I’m enjoying the thrill of a ‘new chair’ experience all over again. For just $79, it feels like a bargain!
Final Plushcell Armrest Verdict
The entire gaming chair industry is plagued with rising materials and shipping costs. Most brands have been affected. For instance, compared to this time last year, Secretlab Titan chairs are around $100 more expensive.
With an array of sweet accessories to consider, first-time Titan buyers might feel pressure to load up on everything right away.
Instead, I suggest investing in a Titan chair without accessories to start with. Enjoy the thrill of your new chair experience. Improve your posture, marvel at the design, and savor the warm feeling of falling in love.
Around 6-12 months later, expect that love to cool into normalcy. To rekindle those fires, add a set of Plushcell armrests.
That will upgrade the look and feel of your chair, making it feel as if it were brand new. As a result, you can enjoy the thrill of falling in love with your chair all over again. From this perspective, the USD $79 price tag is a bargain!
Prices vary by region: USA $79; Canada C$99; UK £65; EU €79; Singapore S$89.
