Secretlab Skins Lite review: Breathing new life into your Titan Evo more affordably
The new Skins Lite accessory is more approachable compared to the original Skin.
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By HardwareZone Team -
Secretlab sent us the Jinx (Arcane collection) and the Goku (Dragon Ball Z collection) editions. Photo: HWZ
Secretlab’s Skins accessory range was a true game-changer when it launched in 2022 for its Titan Evo chairs. Arguably the world’s first premium slip-on chair sleeves, it not only helps owners protect their Secretlab chair but also allows them to refresh the look of their existing chair – without having to commit to just one design.
In my review, I touted the Skins as the best Secretlab accessory for all Titan Evo owners. It’s extremely easy to install, and the past couple of years have seen some truly wonderful designs woven out of Secretlab’s Softweave fabric (the Cyberpunk 2077 Edgerunners series remains one of the best-looking, in my opinion).
However, the premium Skins weren’t without flaws. For one, the thickness of the fabric used made the magnetic headrest unable to fully connect with the backrest's top. In my case, the magnetic hold was so weak that the headrest would simply drop at the slightest head movement. Then there are also the fasteners on both sides of the seat base cover that never quite do their job of holding the cover securely to the chair, leaving the sides flapping in the air – not a nice sight at all. Last but not least, it’s worth noting that these sleeves aren’t exactly cheap. Starting from S$239, they are not what I would call affordable accessories, despite the exceptional quality and range of designs.
At a glance, the designs on the new material really "pops". Photo: HWZ
Enter the new Skins Lite.
The Skins Lite, as the name suggests, allows Titan Evo 2022 owners to customise their chairs in the same way the original (and premium) Skins do, but at a more accessible price that starts from S$129. Secretlab sent me two designs – the Goku and Jinx editions – to test out over the past few weeks, and here are my thoughts about the new Skins sleeves.
Comfort level
The magnetic headrest works better with the Skins Lite than the Softweave premium Skins. Photo: HWZ
Unlike the premium Skins, which are made out of Softweave (the same material used in the Titan Evo 2022 chairs), the new materials used on the Skins Lite were developed in-house and are noticeably thinner and more stretchable. I found them to be a lot more breathable than Softweave, so that’s a plus point. If Softweave isn’t to your taste and you own a Titan Evo with the hybrid leatherette material, then the Skins Lite could be a good starting point to freshen up the look of your chair.
Fabric quality
The new material allows Secretlab to go wilder with their designs as they can now be printed rather than woven. Photo: HWZ
Unlike the Softweave used on the premium Skins, which can be too tight to fit properly onto the chair, Skins Lite is incredibly stretchable. They fit even more snugly, and I’m happy to report that both my Skins Lite do not suffer from loose or “flappy” fabric around the knob areas that some owners have experienced. I also like that it comes with new fasteners that hold the Skins Lite’s seat base more securely to the sides (note: Secretlab has said that they are rolling out this improved design to the premium Skins too). The material on Skins Lite is also a lot softer and smoother to the touch, but this also has the unintended effect of feeling more “slippery,” depending on the material of your shorts or trousers.
Designs
Despite minor pet peeves with the Softweave-made original Skins, I’ve always been a fan of some of the incredible texture and woven designs that Secretlab has launched – the Cyberpunk Edgerunner ones really “pop.”
The Goku edition grew very quickly onto me. Photo: HWZ
With Skins Lite, Secretlab has taken a wholly different approach with the new material. Unlike Softweave, where the nature of the material requires designs to be woven, Skins Lite’s designs are printed. This allows Secretlab’s designers to go wilder with special editions. Styles can be more precise, and motifs and colour gradients can now be used. Just look at the details on my Goku edition.
Final thoughts
Along with the two designs from the Arcane and Dragon Ball Z collections seen here, Secretlab is also launching a World of Warcraft collection. Photo: HWZ
Overall, Secretlab's Skins Lite offers an attractive and more affordable way for Titan Evo owners to customise their chairs without compromising on style or comfort. The new material is softer, more breathable, and easier to fit, solving some of the key issues I had with the premium Skins. The new fasteners are a welcome improvement, ensuring a more secure fit, and the thinner, printed material gives Secretlab the freedom to explore more intricate and vivid designs, which really shine in person.
While the Skins Lite are still a premium accessory, starting at S$129, they are significantly more approachable compared to the original Skins, making them an enticing choice for those looking to freshen up their setup. If you've ever been tempted by Secretlab’s customisation options but were put off by the price of the premium Skins or found Softweave too thick and cumbersome, Skins Lite is a fantastic alternative.
The new Skins Lite are now available at Secretlab's online store.
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