INTRODUCTION

   2014 proved to be extremely kind towards gamers since we witnessed the introduction of several innovative gaming peripherals from VR headsets, eye/motion sensors and 4k gaming screens up to high-end portable sound cards, gaming headsets, gaming chairs and of course gaming mice. However gaming keyboards seem to have received the most love by companies since not only did we watch the introduction of the very first mechanical switches capable of full RGB lighting (Razer, Corsair, Logitech, Tesoro and SteelSeries have such models currently) and the official announcement by Cherry MX regarding their plans for the immediate future but several of the leading manufacturers like Razer (Green) and SteelSeries (QS1) also unveiled their plans to start production of their very own mechanical switches (obviously to cut down costs and to have control over availability). Today with us we have the RGB version of the very highly regarded BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Gaming Keyboard called the BlackWidow Chroma which wears the brand new Green switches by Razer.

  Razer™ is a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers. Razer is transforming the way people play games, engage with other gamers and identify with the gamer lifestyle. Having won the coveted “Best of CES” award consecutively for four years, the company’s leadership in product innovation continues to create new categories for the gaming community that is estimated to have over 1 billion gamers worldwide. Razer’s award-winning design and technology include an array of user interface and systems devices, voice-over IP for gamers and a cloud platform for customizing and enhancing gaming devices. Founded in 2005, Razer is backed by IDG-Accel and Heliconia Capital Management (Heliconia), a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore investment company Temasek.

   Compared to the Blackwidow Ultimate mechanical gaming keyboard which we had with us a long time ago the new Blackwidow Chroma has two very noticeable differences which I’m sure many gamers have been looking forward to. First it features full RGB (16.8m colors) individual key illumination and uses the brand new Green mechanical switches manufactured by Razer themselves. Now i realize that we all respect Cherry MX since they are the first and leading manufacturer when it comes to mechanical switches but Razer has done a great job producing their own alternative since their Green switches are not only just as durable (60 million keystrokes) but they require similar actuation force (50g) as the Cherry MX switches (identical to the Cherry MX Blue switches actually) but with shorter actuation points (faster typing). However although on paper everything looks great that might not be the case so let's see what Razer has been up to lately.