Steelcase Karman vs Generation by Knoll

Side by side from official specifications, sourced prices and User Insights. No written comparison exists for this pair yet.

Steelcase

Steelcase Karman

$1,199 – $1,543

Knoll

Generation by Knoll

$1,653 – $1,886

$454

lower starting price for Steelcase Karman than Generation by Knoll at the brand stores

Differences at a glance

Steelcase KarmanGeneration by Knoll

Price: $1,199 – $1,543$1,653 – $1,886
Seat height: 15.625–20 in (39.7–50.8 cm)16.5–21.75 in (Thin Seat Foam); 17.25–22.5 in (Ultra Seat Foam)
Seat depth: Fixed seat depth (no number given)15.75–18.75 in with arms, 15.75–18.25 in armless (Ultra); 15–18 in with arms, 15–17.5 in armless (Thin)
Load capacity: 350 lb (158.8 kg)300 lb (136.1 kg)
Recline: Comfort dial supports four recline positionsSeat-to-back angle 96°–111°; back tilt range 15°; synchronized recline ratio seat:back 1°:4.4°
Arms: 4D arms or armless; 4D ARM: raise up and down, pivot in and out, shift in all directionsArm height from seat 6.625–11.125 in (Thin) / 6.125–10.625 in (Ultra); High performance arm pads adjust 2 in width (1 per arm), 1.5 in depth and pivot 45°
Lumbar support: Optional lumbar supportFixed lumbar 9.25 in; optional adjustable lumbar 8.125–11.375 in
Warranty: Steelcase Limited Lifetime Warranty12-year warranty (terms and conditions apply)

From 7 Steelcase Karman and 2 Generation by Knoll user reviews, most mentioned first. Green is liked, orange is a caution.

Which is cheaper, the Steelcase Karman or the Generation by Knoll?

The Steelcase Karman is cheaper to start: $1,199 versus $1,653 for the Generation by Knoll at the brand stores (Sep 2026).

Which has a higher weight capacity?

The Steelcase Karman, rated for 350 lb versus 300 lb for the Generation by Knoll.

What do owners mention most?

Comfort for the Steelcase Karman, and comfort for the Generation by Knoll, based on review summaries.