Dexley vs Hyken – Which Staple Chair is a More Reasonable Buy

If you cannot tell the difference between these two Staple chairs apart, then you’re not alone. Most are often confused as they seem very identical. 

These are also the more affordable yet ergonomic office chairs on the block.  So there will be that question if they’re worth a reasonable buy. Or should you just save a bit more and get a more expensive one, just to be safe? We’ll answer that. But the jeez is how to tell these two chairs apart, so let’s start rolling,

Hyken is a more dainty version 

If you quickly scan the dimensions of these two identical office chairs, you can tell that one of them works better for short and petite users.

You can put it this way, the Hyken can be seen as the junior version of the Dexley. 

Hyken has a shorter and narrower backrest, it also has a smaller seat width, and shallower seat depth. 

If you are taller than 5’10”, you’ll feel a bit cramped once you sit on the Hyken. The backrest and the headrest will be short. So the headrest will not be able to go higher enough to support the necks of taller users. And even if the maximum seat height of the Hyken and the Dexley are almost the same, the overall dimensions of the Hyken are still too short.

The Hyken may also lack legroom and have a shallower seat depth. That’s why even those with average height but have longer legs can experience pain behind the knee, and with the knees going over the toes, you’re bound to have back pain too. This may 

The arms of these two Staple chairs also function the same, both are adjustable.  But Dexley has wider arms, they also feel softer and cushier on the elbows.  That of the Hyken seems to lack all of these desirable qualities. They can be adjusted, but they feel too rigid, they almost feel like being stuck. Also, these are not the softest and the most comfortable arms, they feel scratched and too hard on the skin. 

How about the lumbar support?

Is any of these two Staple chairs a considerable purchase and not a rip-off? Let’s take a look at the lumbar support to shed some light on this.

This is also perhaps the most obvious difference between Hyken and Dexley.  The Dexley has this Y-shaped lumbar support while the Hyken has a single bar that runs from one side of the chair to the other. 

Looking at how each was constructed, the Dexley seems to have a thicker and more supportive lumbar support. That of the Hyken, though adjustable, appears and feels flimsier. Also, it can’t go high enough if you’re taller than 5 ’10”, one of the more reasons taller people should look elsewhere. Even for those with average height, the lumbar support will just be enough for petite users.

Dexley then, will offer more back support for more people, even for average users.  But it can only give you the basics.  So if you are a sloucher, it will not be enough for you. You have to always press your back against the chair so that you can be fully supported. Once you lean forward even a bit, that support will be gone. It’s not flexible or intuitive and cannot follow your every move. You can still tell that it is made of standard plastic, nothing special. So you still have to be mindful of your posture, that’s why we don’t see this or the Hyken working for those who need more push or who require more aggressive lumbar support. 

Also, the  Hyken is better if you want a more upright back support that you can lock back. And the Dexley is more suitable if you want more back support than is suitable if you’re in a typing position. 

The seat can be a bit different too

Aside from how the lumbar support was designed, the Hyken and Dexley also have different seats, it’s just not that obvious.  But if you pay close attention to details, you will be able to spot them right away.

These two chairs are made from the same mesh material and they also have the same build. But the mesh of the seat of the Hyken feels and looks more fluid, it’s like mesh all over. As for the Dexley, you can see that the mesh is connected or stitched to a plastic material at the edge of the seat.  

Aesthetic-wise, that will make the Hyken more visually appealing. And it can also make a subtle difference in how the chair feels on your butt. The Hyken, with an all-around mesh on the seat, can be a softer base.

Those with wider hips might not find any of the two comfortable. The plastic rim on the Dexley might pinch chunkier hips. And if you sit longer on the chair, it can be very uncomfortable, not to mention, it can leave a mark on your skin.

Is the upgraded Dexley better?

As identical as these two chairs may seem, they cater to two separate groups of users.

The Hyken is suitable for shorter and petite folks.  And it has some advantages over Dexley.

The recline function of the Hyke can be locked, you will not be able to do this with the Dexley. The all-mesh seat of the Hyken also makes it look more seamless. But consider that the seat can run a bit narrow still despite the lack of a plastic rim. So those with wonder hips might feel that they need more space. 

Dexley can be used by more people. You may still find it comfortable if you are of average height. But despite being suitable for those who stand up to 6 feet, this is not a tall and big chair. The seat is roomier than the Hyken, but the plastic edge can be uncomfortable for those with blessed butt and hips. 

Are any of these two a reasonable buy?

Looking at what we have discovered above, there is no direct answer to this. We have established that the Hyken is better for shorter and petite users and the Dexley is for 5’10”-6 feet folks. But wait, they may also have different features that you may or may not find suitable.

The headrest of the Dexley is more customizable. You will have more liberty in finding the more ergonomic position for your neck and head, it is more adjustable. But you also have or make do with the lack of a tilt lock. You may be able to subtly rock the backrest, but you cannot recline it.

The Hyken offers a tilt lock. That’s why we see the Dexley better for those with typing jobs or when you need the chair to be more in an upright position.

And to answer the initial question if any of these two chairs is worth it, well, despite the shortcomings, it’s still a yes. For the very friendly cost, you can’t argue that it does do the basic things that it is supposed to. It can feel comfortable for several people, not sublimely comfortable, but decent enough. 

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