The "Linkage" Difference: Deconstructing an Overlooked Ergonomic Feature
Update on Jan. 27, 2026, 5:16 p.m.
When shopping for a budget gaming chair, we’re trained to look for the obvious: a high back, a lumbar pillow, and a footrest. But one of the most critical ergonomic features is often hidden in plain sight, described by a single, modest term: “linkage armrests.”
This feature, found on the NEO CHAIR NEXUS (ASIN B0CLMHKRLW), is a key reason it punches so far above its $150 weight class. It’s a piece of engineering that separates a true ergonomic recliner from a simple task chair.
What Are “Ergonomic Linkage Armrests”?
On most standard chairs, the armrests are “static”—they are bolted directly and only to the seat base. On a “linkage” chair, the armrests are mechanically linked to both the seat and the backrest.
The result: When you recline the backrest, the armrests move with it, pivoting to maintain a supportive, parallel-to-the-floor angle.
The Ergonomic Failure of Static Arms
Why does this matter? Try leaning back in a standard office chair. As your back goes down, the static armrests stay put. This creates a gap, forcing you to either drop your elbows (losing all support) or shrug your shoulders to keep your arms up. This leads directly to neck and shoulder strain.
A linkage system ensures that whether you are sitting upright at 90 degrees or reclined at 130 degrees, your forearms remain fully supported. This is essential for anyone who reclines to watch movies, play with a controller, or simply relax.
The Ultimate Proof: When a 3-Star Reviewer Agrees
The most powerful testament to this feature’s success comes not from a 5-star fan, but from a 3-star critic.
Reviewer Roland D, who was deeply unhappy with the cushions and footrest of his NEXUS, made a point to praise this specific mechanism. He listed as a “Pro”: “the padded armrests that recline with the reclining back.”
When a feature is so well-executed that even a disappointed customer acknowledges its value, you know it’s a genuine engineering win.
Conclusion: A $500 Feature at a $150 Price
“Linkage armrests” are standard on luxury and high-end ergonomic chairs, which is why reviewer Benjamin Matthews likely found the NEXUS “comparable in quality to the $500 chairs” at his e-sports center.
Finding this mechanism on a chair at the $150 price point is a genuine anomaly. It signals a design philosophy focused on functional ergonomics, not just aesthetics. If you are a user who actually intends to use the recline feature, “linkage” should be a non-negotiable term on your checklist.
