The Herman Miller Embody comes in office and gaming versions. Both share the same features; gaming versions add extra seat padding and cooling features. Gaming versions are $136-$610 cheaper — and now available in four styles. The original Embody gaming chair design has a black graphite frame with cyan accents. Next came a graphite model with a black back and white accents. Now comes two white-framed variants with fresh new skin colors. Here’s a look at the new Embody Amethyst and Galaxy gaming chairs.
The Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair first debuted in late 2020. Produced in collaboration with Logitech, it’s officially called the Herman Miller X Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair.
In late 2021, Herman Miller followed up with a black edition with white accents on the wheel hubs and armrest controls. In a report to shareholders, the company cited the release as part of a strategy to “respond quickly to player feedback.”
Now two years after that second release, a pair of white-framed models join the party.
Embody Amethyst Edition From Herman Miller $1695
Classic Office Vs Embody Gaming Chairs
The Embody comes in classic and gaming variants. Both share the same features; the Gaming version adds a multi-layered seat. It includes two spring layers, one mat layer, one foam layer, and then the fabric.
The seat also contains copper-fused cooling technology. This is designed to help the seat maintain a consistently comfortable temperature over long periods.
The new Amethyst and Galaxy editions add pastel-colored skins atop white frames. These are significantly cheaper than classic edition white-framed chairs.
The classic white + graphite version (with premium Sync fabric) currently costs $2090; the white + titanium with Sync is $2200. In contrast, both white gaming editions cost $1695 ($395 less than white + graphite; $505 less than white + titanium).
Classic Embody chairs are available from Herman Miller for $1830 to $2305.
Embody Amethyst & Galaxy Chairs
White-framed Amethyst and Galaxy Embody Gaming chairs are $395-$505 cheaper than white-framed Embody Office chairs. They have the same features as the pricer versions, plus high-tech seats that are enhanced for gamers.
Embody Amethyst Edition (Purple)
The Amethyst and Galaxy chairs are both upholstered in a 3-layer ‘Sync’ knit. Triple-layering keeps the material taught with clean, curve-hugging precision.
The Amethyst version has a mauve (light purple) Sync fabric cover and a mauve backrest. The frame, backrest, and Pixelated stabilizers are all in white.
Embody Galaxy Edition (Green)
Green exists in the middle of the color spectrum at around 550 nm. That brain perceives it as soon as its light energies hit the retina. Other colors need more processing time before recognition. That makes green easy on both the eyes and the brain.
You can see that soothing effect with the Embody Galaxy edition. Its mild green skin set against the white components yields a super-clean, calming effect.
Motia Standing Desk (White Edition)
Herman Miller’s gaming collection includes a choice of three chairs (Embody, Aeron, Sayle), a desk-mounted monitor arm, and a Motia sit-to-stand desk. To go with the new white gaming chairs, Herman Miller has also released a white Motia edition.
Both the black and white Motia desks share the same specs:
- Surface material: powder-coated steel with a soft-touch, anti-glare laminate tabletop.
- Tabletop dimensions: 60″ x 30″ surface and a built-in cable management tray.
- Cable Management: under-desk tray included.
- Height range: 27-46″ (fits sizes 5’7″ and up).
- Warranty: 12 years
This comparison of elite standing desks shows that the Motia and a fully-loaded Secretmalb Magnus Pro are roughly the same price.
In contrast, standing desks from long-time specialists like Uplift Desk and Flexispot sell for a few hundred less — with longer 15-year warranties!
Embody Gaming Chairs: Worth Buying?
Embody gaming chairs are $395 to $505 cheaper than office versions. At $1695, are gaming editions worth it? Here’s a summary of arguments for and against:
Pro: Better Back Support Than Other Chairs
In 2023, popular elite ergonomic chairs include the Herman Miller Aeron, Steelcase Gesture, and Haworth Fern. Each supports the back with a lumbar-supported style.
The Embody is the only high-end model with a unique back support approach. Instead of supporting the lower spine, it prioritizes support to the upper (thoracic) portion.
To deploy, tuck your hips deep into the seat, plant your fit, and sit ramrod straight. Then, toggle the Backfit system until it cups your upper back curve. That will hold your spine up against gravity, making perfect postures feel effortless.
Summary of Embody benefits vs other high-end ergonomic chairs:
- Better back support than others: the Backfit system prioritizes support to the upper spine. Once locked properly in place, sitting perfectly straight becomes effortless.
- Gorgeous styling: the flexible, Pixelated Backrest is a jaw-dropper. Only Haworth’s pricey Fern chair offers similarly stunning eye candy.
- Rock solid durability: Embody chairs have super-solid builds that are guaranteed for 12 years of 24/7 usage.
Versus classic Embody office chairs, Embody gaming versions also have advantages. First, they have more advanced multi-layered seats. Second, they’re several hundred dollars cheaper.
Review: Embody Vs Other Elite Chairs
Embody Gaming Chairs: $1695 from Herman Miller | Office Versions: $1830 to $2305Cons: Overpriced, Useless Lumbar
There are two significant reasons to consider not buying an Embody. First, you don’t need to spend big money to enjoy good back support. Plenty of fully-ergonomic office chairs priced under $350 can do what you need.
Second, despite its merits, the Embody isn’t perfect. My biggest gripe is its built-in, non-height-adjustable lumbar curve. For my 5’9″ (177 cm) size, it’s too low to be of any use.
Luckily, it is depth-adjustable. If the curve hits you too low, you can angle it out of the way. On top of that, the upper back support works well — enough without lumbar support.
However, after spending $1695 on a chair, having to suffer this obvious design flaw is annoying.
How To Clean Embody Fabrics
To maintain Amethyst and Galaxy chair fabrics, Herman Miller advises regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. But when you sit, the body excretes sweat and body oils. These will build up. Over 12 years, an unkempt Amethyst and Galaxy could get stank.
In my experience with fabric gaming chairs, it takes between 6-12 months of full-time use for stains to first emerge. Here are some manual scrubbing methods that work well using household ingredients.
However, if you’re prepared to splash out on an Embody Gaming chair, consider factoring in a Bissell Little Green. It’s a wet-dry vacuum that’s famous for cleaning chair fabrics effectively.
Conclusion
The Herman Miller Embody Gaming chair has the same features as classic office editions. However, gaming versions have more advanced seats. They’re also significantly cheaper.
Bottom line: every prospective Embody buyer should consider gaming editions before office ones. Fans of white-framed chairs will save the most ($395-$505) by choosing an Amethyst or Galaxy edition over a classic office variant.
Embody Gaming Chair From Herman Miller $1695
Learn more: Detailed Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair Review
