The catch
Branch Ergonomic Chair
Pad pivot is not among the documented 3D arm movements.
Side by side
Branch Ergonomic Chair vs Haworth Soji: Soji brings arm pivot, original Branch has arms that come off
Quick verdict
Soji is the choice when you want the pads to pivot as your forearms change angle between typing and a handheld device. Soji adds arm-pad pivot to the height, width and depth movements it shares with the original Branch. Branch is the choice when its three-dimensional arms fit and being able to remove them helps with another activity. Seat depth and manual recline tension are adjustable on both. The linked Mist Soji does not establish the optional forward-tilt package.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
With a tablet, pad angle can matter more than extra width
The forearms do not have to sit at the same angle for typing and for holding a tablet. Pad height, width and depth can change on both chairs, and the selected Soji pivots the pads as well. That lets the support follow the second task without moving the whole chair. Branch may already be enough if your elbows stay in a similar position. Test the actual movement between tasks and ignore a generic four-versus-three adjustment count.
Where this comes from
Verified arm directions compared across two device positions. Nothing is assumed about an exact reach or comfort improvement.
The catch
Haworth Soji
Whether the linked Mist package has the optional forward tilt should not be assumed.
Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Why pick it
- Your typing position is already served by three-dimensional arm movement.
- Documented removable arms appeal to you for an occasional task that needs an open side.
- The catch
- Pad pivot is not among the documented 3D arm movements.
Haworth Soji
- Why pick it
- Keyboard and handheld-device work put your forearms at different angles.
- Pad pivot matters to you, as does keeping seat-depth and manual recline control.
- The catch
- Whether the linked Mist package has the optional forward tilt should not be assumed.
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What this page compares
Original Branch Ergonomic Chair and Haworth Soji compared for typing, tablets and a desk that serves several jobs, looking at arm movement and the selected packages.
Both are task chairs with a padded seat and a mesh back, aimed at the same home-office job. Seat-depth and manual tension control come on both already, so arm behavior is the better place to start.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Looking for arm pads that pivot between typing and tablet use
Pivot comes with the selected Soji.
- Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Caution
- Haworth Soji
- Better fit
Want removable arms that are documented
Removal is documented for Branch. For Soji it was not established.
- Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Better fit
- Haworth Soji
- Caution
Manual recline tension and seat depth are required
Both chairs come with them.
- Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Good
- Haworth Soji
- Good
Hope to get forward tilt without checking the package
Neither linked configuration should be assumed to have it.
- Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Caution
- Haworth Soji
- Caution
In practice
Differences you will notice
With a tablet, pad angle can matter more than extra width
The forearms do not have to sit at the same angle for typing and for holding a tablet. Pad height, width and depth can change on both chairs, and the selected Soji pivots the pads as well. That lets the support follow the second task without moving the whole chair. Branch may already be enough if your elbows stay in a similar position. Test the actual movement between tasks and ignore a generic four-versus-three adjustment count.
How we worked this out
Verified arm directions compared across two device positions. Nothing is assumed about an exact reach or comfort improvement.
Sometimes a desk with several uses needs the arm removed entirely
Say you type during the day and play an instrument at the same desk later. A movable pad can still leave the arm structure in the way. Branch documents removable arms, and you can check that option against the assembly instructions. This research does not establish the same removal arrangement for the selected Soji, but that does not mean Soji cannot be modified. Pick Branch for this requirement only once you accept that removal may be a deliberate setup change and not a quick daily action.
How we worked this out
Positive documentation of removability compared with a task the arms obstruct. How Soji removal works is unknown, and it is left unknown.
A false size winner should not come out of the published depth numbers
For seat depth, Soji publishes a range of 16.25 to 18.75 inches. Branch publishes an 18 to 22 inch figure, and the source reviewed here does not give a clear enough matching measurement basis. Subtracting those figures could make Branch look dramatically larger without proving usable sitting depth. Both have a slider, so try the shortest and longest usable positions with your back against the backrest. A clear unknown serves you better than a fit claim that looks precise but is unreliable.
How we worked this out
The conflict in measurement basis is noted explicitly. No depth calculation across brands is performed.
Option A
Branch, Original, Pebble / White, no headrest
Ergonomic Chair
Your typing position is already served by three-dimensional arm movement.
- Best for
- Your typing position is already served by three-dimensional arm movement.
Facts we checked
- Arm directions: Height, width and depth
- Open side for other tasks: Documented removable arms
- Recline: Manual tension and synchronized tilt
- Seat depth: Adjustable, published measurement basis unclear
Option B
Haworth, Mist
Soji
Keyboard and handheld-device work put your forearms at different angles.
- Best for
- Keyboard and handheld-device work put your forearms at different angles.
Facts we checked
- Arm directions: Height, width, depth and pivot in selected package
- Open side for other tasks: Arm removal is not established here
- Recline: Manual tension and upright lock
- Seat depth runs 16.25 to 18.75 inches
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Branch Ergonomic Chair | Haworth Soji | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arm directions | Height, width and depth | Height, width, depth and pivot in selected package | The pads can change angle through pivot, so the whole chair need not rotate. |
| Open side for other tasks | Documented removable arms | Arm removal is not established here | Lack of documentation does not prove something is impossible. For this requirement, Branch is the option that is verified. |
| Recline | Manual tension and synchronized tilt | Manual tension and upright lock | On both, the user controls resistance. |
| Seat depth | Adjustable, published measurement basis unclear | 16.25 to 18.75 inches | Try both, since the published measurements are unlike and cannot support a reliable depth subtraction. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Branch Ergonomic Chair
- Taking arms off changes the configuration. It is not promised as a quick switch during the workday.
With Haworth Soji
- Haworth’s direct-store policy is not the Amazon seller’s policy, so check the marketplace return and warranty coverage.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The adjustment that is missing is a change in forearm angle
Go with Haworth Soji. Soji brings pad pivot.
The configuration needs documented removable arms
Go with Branch Ergonomic Chair. Branch has that option, depending on its assembly procedure.
Decision guide
Before you buy
Arm support while typing is the aim, though the same desk may also need open space for a tablet, instrument or another close task.
What this page can’t tell you
- Missing removal documentation is not taken to mean removal is absent. No numerical seat-depth advantage is claimed, because the measurement definitions differ.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the office chairs we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch Ergonomic Chair |
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| |
| Haworth Soji |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Branch Ergonomic Chair
Your typing position is already served by three-dimensional arm movement.
Documented removable arms appeal to you for an occasional task that needs an open side.
See price & reviews on AmazonHaworth Soji
Keyboard and handheld-device work put your forearms at different angles.
Pad pivot matters to you, as does keeping seat-depth and manual recline control.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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