The 10-key rollover anti-ghosting matrix on the BlackWidow X Chroma can handle up to 15 simultaneous keypresses without a hitch. It’s quite NKRO, but it didn’t bother us in the least.
Just like all the other keyboards in the BlackWidow line, the BlackWidow X Chroma still lacks some much-needed dedicated media controls and USB pass-throughs. Being one of Razer’s premium products, we wonder if these sacrifices are too much to bear.
Razer pairs all of its peripherals with its Razer Synapse software. Up to 10 profiles of macros can be programmed with the macro editor and stored on the PC. For gamers looking to bring the keyboard to LAN tournaments, Synapse can create a custom install of the driver with all of the settings saved. A slew of lighting patterns is available as well.
Despite the more traditional look, the Razer BlackWidow X Chroma still targets the gaming crowd, which is why we’re scratching our heads as to why Razer took away the dedicated macro column. While it does feature full-board programmability, it’s nowhere near as convenient. At the cost of a slightly larger footprint, it would have added much more value to the product.
The BlackWidow X Chroma is currently only being offered with Razer’s Orange or Green Switch, but Cherry MX variants are close in tow. Our review sample carries the clicky Razer Greens, which mimics the Cherry MX Blue switch in both feel and sound. When pressed, the Razer Green produces a loud “click” when it travels beyond a tactile bump point. It’s also a fairly heavy switch, requiring 50g of force to actuate. Actuation point has been reduced to 1.9mm from the Cherry’s 2.2mm for a faster response time.
Even by being long time users of Cherry MX switches, we had a hard time distinguishing between the Razer Greens and the Cherry MX Blues. Though if we really had to pick, we would still go with the Cherry MX Blues as the Razer Greens feel just a touch chalky at the tactile point. The reduced key travel didn’t feel too noticeable in use.