The Razer BlackWidow X Chroma got introduced in March 2016 and is a basic minimalist version of the Razer BlackWidow Chroma.
Razer BlackWidow X Chroma Features
As its predecessor, the Razer BlackWidow X Chroma is a mechanical gaming keyboard with full rgb backlighting. It therefore supports over 16 million color options, which can easily be adjusted for every single key. Furthermore, it provides many different lightening effects such as “wave”, “breathing” or “spectrum cycling”. The keyboard also features 10-Key Rollover, which is surely enough for all kind of games. And there is a gaming mode, which disables the windows key and the ‘”Alt + Tab” and “Alt + F4” combos. This prevents them from being accidentally pressed during gaming.
The Razer BlackWidow X Chroma features Razer Green Switches. These are exclusive switches from Razer, especially designed for gaming and produced in cooperation with the Chinese manufacturer Kailh. When buying a Razer BlackWidow Chroma, you can choose between Razer Green and Razer Orange Switches. The Razer BlackWidow X Chroma doesn’t offer this choice anymore.
BlackWidow X Chroma vs BlackWidow Chroma
So, what are, apart from the lack of Razer Orange Switches, the differences between those two models?
The probably most eye-catching difference is the new design of the BlackWidow X. The keyboard is missing its top cover, the keys are therefore exposed on the metal construction. Additionally, they changed the font on the keycaps, the new font is a bit smaller and less clunky. Furthermore, the BlackWidow X Chroma lacks dedicated macro keys. There is still the possibility to set up macros on any arbitrary key though. Moreover, owners of a BlackWidow X Chroma have to live without an USB / Audio passthrough but they get a little cable routing system. A palm rest is available for both keyboards, but has to be ordered separately.
In summary you can say, that the decision between the BlackWidow X Chroma and the BlackWidow Chroma is mostly a matter of personal preferences. You can like the new design or prefer the old one. Only if you want to have Razer Orange Switches or absolutely need an audio / USB passthrough or dedicated macro keys, you necessarily have to go with the BlackWidow Chroma.
Tech Specs for Razer BlackWidow X Chroma
Further Information on Amazon.com
(Read customer reviews)
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Mechanical Keyboard Score
The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.
Reviews
Computershopper
July 28, 2016
"Flashy RGB lighting, snappy Razer house-brand keys, and a rugged chassis set apart this mechanical keyboard. We'd just like to see some tweaks to the software scheme."
(Review not available online)
June 5, 2016
"Razer remix the BlackWidow formula into a sleeker, more mature aesthetic, yet still features the exceptional top quality Chroma lighting and per-key programmability."
May 25, 2016
"This expensive keyboard is a decent option for proper mechanical gaming, cheaper and more feature-packed options are available elsewhere."
May 2, 2016
"The stunning Razer BlackWidow X Chroma ditches the plastic casing for a more confident look, but has little else to justify its price."
April 25, 2016
"Well built, stylish and top notch performance."
April 13, 2016
"The BlackWidow X series is the perfect introduction to mechanical keyboards."
March 31, 2016
"The BlackWidow X Chroma does enough to give anyone who was thinking about buying the K70 RGB, if only for the looks, pause for thought"
March 29, 2016
"The Razer BlackWidow X Chroma has responsive mechanical switches, great software and solid performance, but its unique design can make typing a challenge."
Reviews in other languages
March 25, 2016
"Mit der Black Widow X Chroma präsentiert Razer keinesfalls eine Innovation auf dem Markt für mechanische Tastaturen, sondern ein weiteres Modell der Reihe, das sich mit der Chassis-Oberfläche aus Alu und den frei stehenden Schaltern vor allem optisch vom Vorgänger absetzt."
Would build rust over time, should have been aluminum but mehhhhhh…. A professional could cover with vynil wrap for about 150 which I think I’ll just buy a new keyboard..