Kokuyo Ing Cloud vs Steelcase Gesture: Which Should You Buy?

Introduction

The Kokuyo ingCloud and Steelcase Gesture are both premium office chairs with different design approaches. The ingCloud centers on a frameless 3D Hammock Mesh back and Triple Gliding at the seat, backrest and armrests; the Gesture emphasizes 360 arms and a Core Equalizer back for multi-posture, multi-device work. This is a research-based comparison using manufacturer sources, not a hands-on test.

At a glance

Kokuyo Ing Cloud — strengths & weaknesses

Documented features: KOKUYO lists a 3D Hammock Mesh backrest without a separate lumbar adjustment, Triple Gliding at the seat, backrest and armrests (gliding range adjustable in 2 steps, no recline angle published), a Front Free Tilt seat front instead of seat-depth adjustment, and arms that adjust 80 mm in height and pivot inward. Owners describe an "enveloping sensation" from the mesh back.

Check before buying: Choose the type before ordering: the headrest comes only on the w/ Headrest type and cannot be retrofitted. KOKUYO lists a seat height of 425–495 mm (16.7–19.5 in), a 10-year structural-frame warranty and no user-weight rating. KOKUYO's Japanese store lists ¥246,180–¥268,510 (tax included); confirm delivery and service outside Japan.

Steelcase Gesture — strengths & weaknesses

Documented features: Steelcase lists 360 arms (height 7.25–11.5 in, width 10.25–22.5 in between arms, 15° pivot), a seat-to-back angle of 98°–125°, a seat depth of 15.75–18.5 in, the Core Equalizer with optional height-adjustable lumbar, and a 400 lb weight capacity. A headrest is optional.

Check before buying: Some owners report breakdowns after several years of use, while others do not; this comparison has not tested durability. Steelcase lists a Limited Lifetime warranty (12 years, multi-shift, 24/7 parts and labor), and the US Steelcase Store lists the Gesture at $1,599–$2,560 without a headrest.

How they differ

Despite their shared premium tier, these chairs take fundamentally different approaches. The Kokuyo Ing Cloud's signature feature is its triple gliding mechanism combined with a frameless mesh back that flexes and moves with your body—reviewers describe a cloud-like, enveloping sensation. The Steelcase Gesture prioritizes armrest versatility and spine-mimicking support to accommodate shifting between keyboard, tablet, and phone throughout the workday.

Arms and lumbar differ too: ingCloud's arms adjust 80 mm in height and pivot inward, and its lumbar support comes from the lower part of the mesh back with no adjustment. The Gesture's 360 arms also move in width, depth and pivot, and optional lumbar support adjusts in height.

Price: the US Steelcase Store lists the Gesture at $1,599–$2,560 without a headrest. ingCloud is sold in Japan at ¥246,180–¥268,510 (tax included) on KOKUYO's store; compare delivered quotes for matching configurations.

Who should buy which

Consider the Kokuyo ingCloud if: you want a frameless mesh back and a gliding mechanism that moves with you, you can try the chair before ordering, and you can confirm delivery and service outside Japan. Decide on the headrest type up front, because it cannot be added later.

Consider the Steelcase Gesture if: your workday involves switching between devices and you want 360 arms, adjustable seat depth, an optional headrest and a 400 lb weight capacity, bought from a US manufacturer store with listed prices.

Bottom line

Neither chair is a universal winner. ingCloud offers a gliding mechanism and a frameless mesh back with few manual controls; the Gesture offers 360 arms, adjustable seat depth and optional lumbar and headrest. Compare the configurations you would actually buy.