Comparison
Leap vs Think
Steelcase vs Steelcase — full spec comparison
Bottom line
Leap emphasizes manual LiveBack fine-tuning; Think emphasizes weight-activated simplicity and sustainability storytelling. Both are 400 lb Steelcase task chairs.
Comparing 2 chairs across key specs.
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Leap
Era produced
2001–Present (V2 from 2008)
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$1,359
Avg refurbished
$550
Avg used
$320
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
49 cm
Seat depth
48 cm
Backrest height
64 cm
Seat material
Fabric + Foam
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
Yes
Lumbar
Height-Adjustable Pad
Headrest
Factory
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic (~15.5"–20.5" seat height)
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer outer shell + steel mechanism
Tilt / lock
Upper-back force + lower-back firmness; variable backstop / upright lock
Arm adjustability
Height, width, depth, and pivot (4D standard on many specs)
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Think
Era produced
2004–Present (current gen refreshed)
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$1,100
Avg refurbished
$480
Avg used
$280
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
50 cm
Seat depth
46 cm
Backrest height
56 cm
Seat material
Full Mesh
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
No
Lumbar
Integrated
Headrest
None
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer + recycled-content emphasis
Tilt / lock
Weight-activated synchro with upright lock options
Arm adjustability
4D arms common; fixed/height options exist
| Spec | SteelcaseLeap | SteelcaseThink |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Steelcase | Steelcase |
| Model | Leap | Think |
| Era produced | 2001–Present (V2 from 2008) | 2004–Present (current gen refreshed) |
| Discontinued | No | No |
| MSRP (new) | $1,359 | $1,100 |
| Avg refurbished | $550 | $480 |
| Avg used | $320 | $280 |
| Height range | 152–193 cm | 152–193 cm |
| Weight capacity | 181 kg | 181 kg |
| Seat width | 49 cm | 50 cm |
| Seat depth | 48 cm | 46 cm |
| Backrest height | 64 cm | 56 cm |
| Seat material | Fabric + Foam | Full Mesh |
| Armrests | 4D Articulating | 4D Articulating |
| Forward tilt | Yes | No |
| Lumbar | Height-Adjustable Pad | Integrated |
| Headrest | Factory | None |
| Cylinder | Top-activated pneumatic (~15.5"–20.5" seat height) | Top-activated pneumatic |
| Caster stem | 11mm × 22mm standard | 11mm × 22mm standard |
| Frame | Polymer outer shell + steel mechanism | Polymer + recycled-content emphasis |
| Tilt / lock | Upper-back force + lower-back firmness; variable backstop / upright lock | Weight-activated synchro with upright lock options |
| Arm adjustability | Height, width, depth, and pivot (4D standard on many specs) | 4D arms common; fixed/height options exist |
| Buy |
FAQ
- Is Think simpler than Leap?
- Yes. Think leans on weight-activated recline and fewer fine-tune dials. Leap is the chair for people who want explicit LiveBack and lumbar control.
- Are Leap and Think both 400 lb chairs?
- Yes—both are 400 lb Steelcase task chairs in standard work-chair form. Confirm stool or specialty configs separately.
- Which should I buy refurbished?
- Leap if adjustability is the priority and budget allows. Think if you want a simpler Steelcase sit and often a lower ask on the secondary market.