I discovered an impressive gaming chair with a floating backrest for under $500.

Floating backrests have become a hot trend in the gaming chair scene over the past few years, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Our bodies are notoriously bad at staying in one position for too long, which makes sitting a surprisingly taxing endeavor. We constantly shift around to avoid discomfort, whether it’s a numb backside, back pain, or other issues that arise from being stationary. Cross one leg under the other? Get ready to move again in 20 minutes when the circulation gets cut off.

Despite our best efforts, many gaming chairs, couches, and armchairs still struggle to accommodate multiple sitting positions. The goal of modern ergonomic gaming chairs is to offer as many adjustable positions as possible, and floating backrests are one of the latest solutions to this problem.

However, the novelty of a floating backrest that moves with you often comes with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, Eureka Ergonomic offers a great alternative that provides excellent value for money. Priced at $349.99 / £349, it’s a steal compared to other brands that charge anywhere from $699 to $1,000 for similar features.

The Eureka Ergonomic Python II sticks to the classic gaming chair design, featuring a traditional racer-style backrest with deep contours. What sets it apart is its more pronounced concave shape, especially in the upper half of the backrest.

This design choice raises some ergonomic concerns, as the sharper bend can encourage your shoulders to slouch forward, causing your upper body to cave in. This is counterproductive for a chair meant to support good posture, especially when compared to options like the Fractal Refine or the LiberNovo Omni.

One standout feature of the Python II is its surprisingly thick seat cushion, which addresses a common concern among gamers: the longevity of chair cushions. Once they start to wear down, it’s tough to restore their original comfort. I have confidence that this cushion will maintain its shape and comfort over time due to its substantial build.

The Python II comes in three color options. I opted for the Gray model, which has a nice light tone with blue accents that add a bit of flair. Its low-profile design makes it suitable for a home office without being too flashy. The Blue version is more of a dark grey with blue highlights, while the Red variant leans towards a grey/black with red stripes.

While the Python II is only available in fabric upholstery, I believe this is a wise choice. A PU leather version might not suit the chair’s design for reasons I’ll explain shortly.

In terms of features, you get 4D armrests along with the standard tilt, recline, and height adjustments you’d expect from a desk chair. The floating backrest is a major selling point, offering what Eureka claims is 4D adjustable lumbar support. However, I find this claim a bit misleading. Unlike some competitors, the Python II lacks side scroll wheels to customize the backrest’s shape, depth, and angle. Instead, the lumbar support is set to a standard depth and pivots to move with your body.

Assembly is straightforward, following a typical gaming chair setup process. Everything was neatly packaged, and the instructions were clear. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by excessive packaging compared to other products.

However, I did encounter a hiccup during assembly. One of the final steps involves inserting thin bolts through the side brackets into the chair’s fabric to cover the bolts securing the backrest. Unfortunately, these bolts didn’t reach far enough, and the plastic grooves in the brackets failed to hold them in place. This resulted in the bolts pushing through and falling out. The brackets also lacked a secure locking mechanism, which is disappointing given the otherwise solid build quality of the chair.

Overall, I appreciate the floating backrest on the Python II. While I wish it had more adjustability, it’s a solid option for those on a budget seeking a dynamic backrest. My lower back feels supported even without the adjustability, making me think that other brands might have missed an opportunity.

The Iskur V2 gained popularity for its adjustable floating backrest, but its more affordable counterpart, the Iskur V2 X, lacks this feature. A non-adjustable, pivoting backrest like the Python II could have been a better budget-friendly option that maintained the Iskur’s identity. In this regard, Eureka has outdone Razer.

There’s definitely something beneficial about backrests that pivot and move with you. Some models, like the AutoFull G7, may go overboard with spring-loaded lumbar support, but the Python II strikes a good balance. Its wide seat cushion allows for various sitting positions without sacrificing lumbar support. I can cross my legs, lean to one side, or even rotate a bit diagonally, and the backrest accommodates my movements.

While the backrest offers great mobility, it can sometimes create noise from the fabric components rubbing together. This is why I doubt a leather version would work well; the friction could lead to even more noise.

Despite my fondness for the lower half of the backrest, I’m not as impressed with the upper half. The shoulder curve is a bit too pronounced for my taste. After about a week of use, I noticed some tightness in my chest, which was alleviated by straightening my back and stretching more often. This design may encourage slouching, so I wouldn’t be surprised if others experience similar issues. I’d love to see a Python III with a less aggressive curve.

I also feel a bit let down by the upper backrest’s lack of cushioning. While the seat cushion is substantial, the upper backrest feels almost bare. When resting my head back, I miss having neck support. A magnetic headrest similar to the Corsair TC500 Luxe would have been a fantastic addition.

The armrests on the Python II offer decent adjustability for the price. While they don’t have the extensive 7D adjustments of pricier models, they do lock into place, which is a feature I appreciate. However, their shape is a bit odd. The front has a raised lip that complicates matching their height with your desk, and it can be uncomfortable depending on how you grip your mouse. The back is wider and flatter, which would have been better positioned at the front. This design choice might deter competitive players, even though marketing images show Esports athletes using the Python II.

Despite the upper backrest issues, I’m a big fan of the Python II. It offers excellent features for its price and demonstrates that traditional gaming chair designs can still evolve. Compared to other chairs, it provides fantastic value, especially when you consider the competition charging $699 and up.

I’d recommend this chair to anyone who frequently shifts their position or is concerned about cushion durability. After a month of testing, the Python II feels just as comfortable now as it did when I first unboxed it. Just be mindful of maintaining upper body support while sitting, as the design does encourage slouching.

I integrated the Python II into my gaming and remote work setup for a month before writing this review. During that time, I spent around 8+ hours daily in it, except during the Christmas break. I also tested the LiberNovo Omni, giving me a solid comparison of features and build quality.

For more on how we evaluate gaming chairs, check out the full-length hardware policy.