Difference between chains?
 

Just bought a replacement chain, and was surprised how much more a KMC x10 costs than x9. And given the identical stats in this graphic, what makes a 10s chain different than 9s? (and whatever that difference is, why wouldn't they include that in the chart?)

https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODAwWDgwM..._id=880000500F

Lighter parts almost always cost more.

I get that, but what's the smaller dimension that makes it lighter?

Same dimensions but the X10 is made of lighter more expensive material.
X9 color = silver/grey vs X10= silver/black

OHhhhh... It's Lighter... I get it...

after removung some links; I'd almost go with the x11el based on those specs.

If that's true, I should be able to use an X9 on a 10- or 11-speed drivetrain, which I'm pretty sure is not the case.

Looks like probably that chart is just somebody's copy/paste error. Here's "widths measured across the rivet" from ParkTool:

• 12 rear cogs — 5.3 mm
• 11 rear cogs — 5.5 mm
• 10 rear cogs — 6 mm
• 9 rear cogs — 6.5 to 7 mm
• 6, 7, and 8 rear cogs — 7 mm

The X10 has additional chamfering on the outer plates, which requires more machining time and is probably responsible for the lighter weight. Otherwise, its the same as all bicycle components, the newer stuff is higher priced, because people are willing to pay more for it.

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Isn't 10 speed chain thinner in the outer width (but not the inner width) to work with the tighter spacing of the 10 speed cassette vs. 9 speed - thinner plates but same inner and longitudinal dimensions? My understanding is that chains are compatible "downward" but not "upward", so a 10 speed chain would work with 9, 8, etc. but not the other way?

As for cost differences, my guess is that given the same "grade" of chain, the 10 speed is more expensive (1) "just because they can", (2) might be more expensive to manufacture and (3) could be finished blingier.

That's what I thought, which is why I was confused by the table I pasted in the OP.

My guess is also, in order to make a thinner chain just as strong, it has to be made of better materials.

Yes!

The chart is wrong.

I tried to run a 10sp chain on an 8 speed drive train - the chain gets stuck between the chain rings. The same 10 sp chain worked fine on my son's 9 sp drivetrain though. So there is enough slop factor for you to go one speed up or down but probably not more than that.

I don't think a 12spd chain would work efficiently on a 11spd system, but I have not tried it. Maybe someone can validate it with personal experience?