Has Razer got another gaming hit on their hands with the new BlackWidow X Chroma which features all Razer Green Mechanical switches, Chroma LED back lighting with 16.8 million colors, and is a slightly cut down model of the BlackWidow Chroma? The BlackWidow Chroma comes with USB and audio pass through as well as dedicated macro key capabilities, while the new BlackWidow X Chroma didn't get the audio and USB pass through and no dedicated macro keys; those three features are the main differences between the BlackWidow Chroma and BlackWidow X Chroma.

Being a slightly stripped down model of the BlackWidow Chroma allows Razer to introduce the BlackWidow X Chroma at a slightly lower price point and appeal to a wider consumer base. We?ve used BlackWidow keyboards since their inception and never used the audio pass through (except in testing) but found the USB pass through handy, but used it rarely because front USB is prominent on most computer chassis. It's really a matter of personal preference; save a few bucks and get the BlackWidow X Chroma or grab the BlackWidow Chroma.

The BlackWidow X we received has the Razer Green switch mechanical keys with an activation point of 50g, which is a bit high and the continual key pounding of gaming might produce some hand and finger fatigue. While on the key subject, the click response of the BlackWidow X is quite loud and probably won't be received well in rooms with other people around or while trying to watch TV. We recorded clicking sounds as high as 60dBA setting at a desktop with the sound recorder at ear level (18 inches). Gaming can get loud but using headphones in a communal space in a home with the BlackWidow X clicking away your spouse might usher you to another room. The activation point of the BlackWidow X is 1.9mm compared to a Cherry switch which is 2.2mm, but in actual use we couldn't really tell any difference in activation distance or time. The larger keys on a keyboard usually need a stabilizer mechanism and in this case Costar stabilizers are installed under the larger keys which we found to be extremely stable, but again a little loud.