If the price isn't putting you off, BlackWidow X Chroma is a tasty looking bit of kit.Д®ssentially a pared-down variant of the original BlackWidow, Razer's X Chroma eschews the protective plastic cover, putting the metal top plate on show and exposing, slightly, the mechanical key switches for broader illumination.

We remember being left dumbfounded when we first saw gaming keyboards sail past the ВЈ100 mark, but premium peripherals have since become common place and from our conversations with some of the big names in the industry, high prices don't appear to have dampened enthusiasm. BlackWidow X Chroma has arrived at retail carrying a lofty ВЈ140 price tag, and to further complicate matters, savvy consumers will find that the full-fat original is available for the same amount if you shop around. There is a bit of a catch, however, as Razer's definition of budget friendly may differ from that of the average gamer.

Designed as a 'budget friendly' addition to its range, the BlackWidow X Chroma is intended as a basic, minimalist version of the award-winning BlackWidow and attempts to bring mechanical keys and Chroma lighting effects to the masses. In an effort to spice up its catalogue, Razer has recently introduced the BlackWidow X Chroma. Mechanical gaming keyboards have been all the rage in recent years, but following an initial surge of exciting new products, manufacturers are now finding that there's only so much you can do to make one device stand out from another.

Blackwidow chroma lighting effects