Don't have to use chrome if prefer black sockets. Chrome convenience to stop rust. Quality manufacturers offer black finish sockets same hardness/thin dimensions as chrome ones for applications where chrome flaking could cause contamination problems (precision machines, aircraft, etc). Or as numerous people have said, you can just use standard impact sockets, they fit and work, although my experience is they round over bolts slightly easier than chrome ones do. I prefer use tool most likely to work rather than cheapest one. I have both, use chrome in preference to impact. Another point; for me 12 point much preferable to 6 point; impact are 6 point. Although also have sets of 6 point chrome for times when prefer that. Other guys here prefer 6 point; so impact have an advantage over 12 point chrome for them.
It a Garage Journal thing try save money only use impact sockets, they cheaper and internet talk reinforce for those that talk internet more than work. I see professional millwrights and mechanics use impact sockets a lot; on impact guns. However, if they have choice, they seem prefer use chrome with hand tools. That preference says it all to me; the guys with most experience to learn from go out of their way to use chrome sockets except where impact resistance needed. And, many use chrome sockets for impact, even when have black steel ones. This could be $$$ decision also; the chrome might hold up better long term or damage fewer bolts, or they get warranty service easier.
And, if one piece bit sockets are your thing, have at it. I prefer the replaceable ones, as hex and screwdriver bits break and wear out, and I get them replaced fairly routinely. Have 2 in truck console at moment waiting see tool truck. The black bits rust, the chrome part doesn't. Sometimes one piece fits tight space better and have to use. One piece break also though. More a preference than an advantage; both can be warrantied out if you have the time. I have both kinds; use the chrome ones mostly.
Long time ago I used think I could analyze and figure out better way do things everybody else do. That good; need some people come up new ideas and break old myths. But, fastest way to get to most efficient way of doing thing is watch people that do it for living and have done for long time. By sheer persistence, they usually figure out best way. And high quality manufacturers support that, because they sell the stuff that professional users buy at high prices, and don't sell stuff that they don't use except at lower prices to people that shop more by price, not by ultimate usefulness.
Bottom line I think using impact sockets hand tools is $ decision, or save space decision. If usability primary concern, not $, have sets of both kinds and use where most appropriate.
