The Secretlab Titan Evo debuted a 4-way integrated lumbar and magnetic headrest pillow. As of 2023, many imitator brands have emerged with their own Titan clones. But nothing on the market beats the original. Beyond its groundbreaking features are next-level aesthetics, a 5-year warranty, and many extras. I’ve been using Titan Evo chairs for almost 2 years of full-time work. This Secretlab Titan review explores the various advantages of the world’s most popular gaming chair.
The comfort of a chair is partially subjective. Beyond physical support factors, psychological appeal and user habits also impact the perceived comfort of a chair.
On the psychological front, the Titan comes in 50+ jaw-dropping designs. But the appeal of flashy chair skins is temporary. In contrast, the quality of back support can make or break one’s sitting experience.
On that front, the Titan 2022 pairs a height x depth adjustable integrated lumbar with a (strapless) magnetic headrest pillow. This combo — potentially — delivers a similar level of support as a high-end Herman Miller chair.
But success isn’t guaranteed. Ultimately, how you use a Titan 2022 will determine its comfort level.
Titan User, Physical & Psych Comfort
This Titan Evo 2022 Series review breaks down the chair’s comfort factors from the perspective of user habits, physical support, and psychological comfort factors:
- Physical (ergonomic) support: summary of the Titan’s ergonomic functions.
- Physical (sizing) support: dimensions of small, medium, and XL Titan chairs.
- User-powered: tuck your hips; maintain semi-neutral postures.
- Psychological comfort: Softweave vs Neo Hybrid Leatherette; color psychology of 50+ styles.
Physical: Ergonomic Functionality
The Titan Evo 2022 Series has better adjustability than any other full-back gaming chair on the market.
Here are the functional highlights:
In all types of chairs, light pressure applied to the lower back is the key to sitting up straight. This system lets you set the perfect depth and height to support your lumbar spine sweet spot.
Beyond full adjustability, the unit also has a matrix made of 63 adaptive hinges. These flex left or right as you move.
The pillow itself has a more aggressive upper curve than the old version. That provides more support for the base of the head while sitting in a neutral position.
It also holds in place with magnets instead of straps. These provide a massive 11″ adjustment range.
A waterfall seat lip reduces pressure on the thighs and knees. That gives users more freedom to position their feet under the chair.
As well, gently sloping side wings help guide the user toward the middle of the seat. That provides supportive comfort without the restriction of bladed seat edges.
Summary of Features
- Functionality: 4D armrests; multifunction tilt-lock; pebble seat base with waterfall edge.
- Back support: integrated 4-way adjustable lumbar support; magnetic headrest pillow; recline from 85-165°
- Sizing: small 4’11” to 5’6″; medium 5’7″ to 6’2″; XL 5’11” to 6’9″.
- Warranty: five years.
| Hybrid Leatherette 2022 | Softweave Plus 2022 | 2020 Series | |
| Small | $549 | $569 | Omega $449 |
| Medium | $549 | $569 | Titan $499 |
| XL | $599 | $619 | Titan XL $579 |
New! Titan 2022 chairs on Amazon: Leatherette $589.00 | Softweave Fabric $609.00
Physical: Small, Medium, XL Sizes
The Titan 2022 Series comes in small, medium, and large sizes. Our Titan seat width measurements cover the total inner width. That measures the total amount of space between the soft edges that’s available for use.
The above photo also shows the flat inner seat width for all three sizes. That inner zone guides the legs to stay within the flat inner width. Even so, the legs still enjoy room to move past the total inner width.
Titan Sizing Specifications
| Specification | Titan 2022 Small | Medium | XL |
| Seat (total inner width) | 17.7″ (W) x 18.9″ (D) | 18.5″ (W) x 19.3″ (D) | 19.3″ (W) x 19.7″ (D) |
| Backrest | 20″ (W) x 32.3″ (H) | 21″ (W) x 33.5″ (H) | 22″ (W) x 35″ (H) |
| Seat height | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 17.7″ to 20.5″ | 18.1″ to 21.9″ |
| Size rating | 4’11” to 5’6″; 285 pounds | 5’7″ to 6’2″; 285 pounds | 5’11” to 6’9″; 395 pounds |
It’s possible to up-size beyond Secretlab’s suggested size ratings. For instance, I stand 5’9″ and fit perfectly in a medium-sized Softweave Titan. I also have an XL leatherette Ash edition that’s barely usable for my size.
Look closely to see the Titan XL’s seat depth is a bit too close to the back of my knees. Fortunately, there are several methods available to address this issue. See this guide for details:
User: Tucked Hips, Neutral Postures
Before buying a Secretlab Titan, you should make sure you’re comfortable with its posture-supporting concepts. In sum:
- Tucked hips: for best results, always sit with your hips tucked deeply into the seat.
- Semi-neutral Postures: tucked hips + planted feet + a supported lumbar curve supports healthy sitting postures.
- Take frequent breaks: you don’t need to maintain perfect postures. Instead, relieve musculoskeletal stress by taking frequent movement breaks.
Tuck Your Hips Deep Into The Seat
Old-school gaming chairs have adjustable lumbar pillows attached to the backrest with straps. These push the spine — and hips — away from the backrest.
Even so, sitting with hips curled forward in an AKRacing Master Pro maintains a supported lumbar curve. While not posture-perfect, it’s deliciously comfortable.
In contrast, the Titan’s integrated lumbar only extends out by a few inches. To ensure proper contact, users must sit with their hips tucked deeply into the seat.
In fact, tucking the hips applies to any chair with an integrated lumbar support system. For instance, sitting with hips curled forward in a Herman Miller Aeron will also negate its back support benefits.
Even so, users that prefer a classic gaming chair experience can opt for a Secretlab memory foam pillow. Then, if you insist on curling your hips forward, the external pillow will help to compensate.
Maintain Semi-Neutral Postures
Sitting with planted feet, supported arms and a supported lumbar curve supports neutral sitting postures. These reduce musculoskeletal stress by keeping the seated spine in a healthy alignment. But the effect is temporary.
As a result, most experts hype neutral postures + frequent movement as the ideal formula. For instance, Dr. Jordan Tsai does physical therapy work with Evil Geniuses. He’s also on Secretlab’s Ergonomics Advisory board. His take:
This is why Secretlab chairs support perfect sitting postures as an option. Beyond that, the Titan’s spacious seat pan encourages users to move as much as they wish.
That makes neutral sitting postures a good starting point. Make it a habit to plant your feet, tuck your hips, and prop yourself up using the armrests.
But instead of holding neutral postures rigidly, try mixing things up. Doing so will boost blood flow, switch up activated muscles, and give your mind a concentration boost.
Healthy Sitting Quickstart in ANY Ergonomic Chair
Related: Achieve A 0° Neck Posture In A Titan Chair (text neck remedy)
Take Frequent Movement Breaks
When you first sit down, aim for a crisp upright neutral posture. Every few minutes, mix things up by shifting your position. As a finisher, get up from your chair to move around every so often.
Ultradian performance rhythms are a popular benchmark. It suggests that performance peaks after around 90 minutes. Then, taking a recharge break will make another 90-minute sprint possible.
4 Computing Performance Pillars
These days, many top esports teams and chess pros have mastered strategies to ensure optimal computing performance.
Both use similar methods. These have been simplified as four performance pillars:
- Nutrition: eating low-carb, non-processed food to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Recovery: give the brain time to rest and recharge.
- Physical fitness: build a strong core to mitigate harm caused by sitting.
- Psychological fitness: maintain mental balance to avoid burnout.
Notably, Magnus Carlsen (world #1 in chess) and Team Liquid (top-earning esports team of all time) both use Secretlab Titan chairs. To get the most out of their chairs, both also do physical exercises to strengthen their core muscles.
A stronger core (and stronger back muscles) makes it easier to sit upright in a Titan chair. Stacked with nutrition, rest, and psychological wellness, peak computing performance is assured.
For general gamers and desk workers, it’s also possible to ‘hack’ your habits for peak performance. First, buy a Titan gaming chair. Then, master sitting in a neutral posture. After that, deploy a 4 pillar optimization strategy:
Performance Pillars From Top Esports & Chess Pros
Related: Desk Work Technostress Solutions: Boost Happiness And Focus
Psych: Softweave Vs Leatherette; 50+ Styles
The Titan comes clad in fabric and leatherette versions with 50+ jaw-dropping style variations. These cover all parts of the color spectrum.
I’ve logged full-time hours in several different Secretlab chairs over the years. In my experience, each style makes an impact — but only a fleeting one.
For example, the most striking design I spent time with was a Titan 2020 Cyberpunk edition. Its flaming red back and sharp yellow accents lit up my workspace. But it was only temporary.
As the weeks passed, my level of bliss began to wane. After around six weeks or so, my chair started bleeding in with the rest of my furniture.
Based on my experience, overthinking a Titan design isn’t worth it. Any style you choose will only thrill you temporarily. If you need help, check this Titan color psychology feature.
Instead of fussing over colors, your choice of fabric or leatherette will have a greater long-term comfort impact:
SoftWeave Plus Fabric
2022 Series SoftWeave is thicker, more breathable, and more visually complex. Here’s a closeup look at 2020 vs 2022 Series Triple Black fabric:
The new version uses a new type of technical knit. Interlacing loops of resilient yarn fibers allow more air to pass through, enhancing breathability.
The new process also delivers more complex multi-layered textiles with different color layers. You can see these effects most brilliantly on the 2022 Series Minecraft chair.
Up-close look at all styles: Titan SoftWeave 2022 Series Review.
2022 Titan SoftWeave Plus (medium) $519
Titan SoftWeave Plus (small) $519 | Titan SoftWeave Plus (XL) $569
NEO Hybrid Leatherette
The latest generation is 4 times more durable than the old one. It bonds a resin top laminate onto a base layer. A finishing process renders it into an ultra-smooth top hide. Here’s how it looks under a macro lens:
I was blown away by my Titan 2022 Ash leatherette chair. It’s buttery-soft and super smooth. Even so, it has a decent, non-slip grip when you sit.
The Ash chair is one of five standard leatherette designs. These come in conservative colors with muted embellishments. As such, they’re a great fit for corporate types and executives working from home.
There are also dozens of more vibrant ones. For instance, check out these eye-popping Warcraft gaming chairs:
Other designs pay tribute to League of Legends, Monster Hunter, Overwatch, and many other top games. Browsing them all is a head-spinning adventure!
Browse more styles: Titan 2022 Series Showroom Tour.
2022 Titan Neo Leatherette (medium) $569
Titan Neo Leatherette (small) $569 | Titan Neo Leatherette (XL) $619
SoftWeave vs Leatherette
I’ve used both types in tropical weather for long periods. My findings:
- Breathability: both stay cool over long sitting sessions. It’s hard to tell a breathability difference.
- Tactile sensation: SoftWeave has a soft, plush, textured feel. Leatherette has a bigger ‘wow’ factor. It feels ultra-smooth and buttery soft.
- Maintenance: leatherette is stain-resistant and easy to clean with a damp cloth. To keep SoftWeave fabric clean demands more work. You’ll need baking soda, a vacuum cleaner, and a fabric spot remover solution.
Leatherette wins out — on paper. It’s breathable, comfortable, attractive, and easy to maintain. But in practice, I always feel a bit happier when sitting in my SoftWeave chair.
Leatherette has a formal feel; SoftWeave feels cozier, like lounging around in your pajamas.
More About The Titan EVO 2022 Series
Beyond the Titan’s comfort factors are a few other factors to consider before deciding to buy or not.
Titan 2022 Series Accessories
There are three popular Titan accessories to consider stacking with your chair:
- Lumbar pillow: for those who prefer a classic gaming chair support style.
- Plushcell armrest caps: a decadent velour upgrade for those wanting to splash out.
- Magnus Pro Desk: supercharge movement while adding multi-device support to your arsenal.
External Lumbar Pillows
The Titan Evo 2022 Series comes with built-in fully-adjustable lumbar support. Despite this, Secretlab’s memory foam external lumbar pillows have developed a cult following.
These work fine with Titan chairs. In fact, if you find your seat too deep, a lumbar pillow provides an easy fix. The other attraction is the styling.
Pillows come in Harry Potter, League of Legends, Monster Hunter, and other flavors. Each costs $59 from the Secretlab accessories store.
I’ve got a plain one that came with my Omega 2020 chair. Although not necessary, it’s proven very useful over the years. Learn more:
Titan Lumbar Pillow Roundup Review
Plushcell Armrest Caps
Plushcell caps are filled with premium memory foam and covered with plush velour in three colors. I’ve been using a set of silver ones for around 2 months.
I’ve found them a delicious (although wholly unnecessary) luxury. The included arm caps are good enough in my opinion.
Even so, the decadent feel of the plush velour is delightful. What’s more, the white color adds classy aesthetic pop that made me fall in love with my chairs all over again!
Plushcell Armrests from Secretlab $79
Learn more: Hands-on Silver Plushcell Arm Caps Review
Magnus Pro Desk
Ergonomic winds recently shifted at the Institutional level. In late 2021, the Handbook of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) released a major 5th edition update.
It hypes multi-device support (PC and mobile) as the most pressing ergonomic problem of this era. But as people spend more time on multi-device computing, excessively sedentary habits are skyrocketing.
Adding a Magnus Pro sit-to-stand desk to your arsenal addresses both issues. First, it lets you customize the height from 25.6-49.2″ with three pre-sets.
That makes it easy to support desktop and mobile computing while sitting or standing. Second, every time you shift from sitting to standing (or vice versa), it replicates a squat.
On the downside, cheaper standing desks can do a similar job as the flashy Magnus Pro. The base model costs $799; the XL version is $949. However, with accessories, a fully-loaded kit can cost over $1500! Learn more:
Buy: Magnus Pro from Secretlab from $799 plus accessories.
Titan 2020 Vs 2022 Series
If you already own a Secretlab 2020 Series chair, upgrading to a 2022 Series is not worth it. The old upholsteries are a bit less flashy but pretty darned good.
As well, if you already enjoy a comfortable fit in your 2020 Series, you won’t gain anything by upgrading.
Finally, Secretlab Titan 2024 Series chairs will arrive in autumn 2023. Learn why 2020 Series chair owners should seriously wait until then for maximum value:
Secretlab 2020 vs 2020 Series Chairs Compared
Mega-compare: Best Secretlab gaming chairs available to buy in 2023.
Verdict: Versatile, User-Defined Comfort
The beauty of the Titan 2022 Series is its user-determined comfort factors. For example, while researching Text Neck Syndrome last year, it inspired me to master a perfect 0° neck posture over long sitting periods.
As it turns out, the Titan is specifically designed to support textbook neutral postures. A 100° recline, planted feet, and adjusted lumbar + headrest does the trick.
It’s good to know the Titan supports excellent sitting posture. But perfect sitting posture should only be your default posture — you needn’t sit that way all the time.
If you prefer a more casual style, pop your backrest recline back to 110-120°. If you prefer the meaty feel of an external lumbar, Secretlab offers several intriguing options.
Bottom line: In terms of styling, sizing, and the way you use it, the Titan can be any type of seat you want it to be.
| Hybrid Leatherette 2022 | Softweave Plus 2022 | 2020 Series | |
| Small | $549 | $569 | Omega $449 |
| Medium | $549 | $569 | Titan $499 |
| XL | $599 | $619 | Titan XL $579 |
New! Titan 2022 chairs now available on Amazon: Leatherette $589.00 | Softweave Fabric $609.00
