The Obinslab Anne Pro II Keyboard is a compact marvel that has caught the attention of both mechanical keyboard aficionados and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Boasting wired or wireless connectivity, customizable RGB backlighting, and an array of mechanical key switches to choose from, the Anne Pro II offers a versatile solution for those seeking a keyboard that can effortlessly adapt to work, play, and everything in between.
In this in-depth review, we'll explore the Anne Pro II, delving into its design and craftsmanship, as well as examining the typing and gaming experiences it brings to the table.
The Anne Pro II is a compact mechanical keyboard known for its wireless capabilities, customizable RGB backlighting, and ergonomic design. It's a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and gamers due to its versatility and aesthetics.
It was essentially the successor to the original Anne Pro keyboard, offering improvements in terms of wireless connectivity, RGB backlighting, and customization options.Â
The Anne Pro II keyboard is manufactured by a company called Obinslab, which is known for producing mechanical keyboards with a focus on customization and wireless capabilities. Obinslab is also recognized by keyboard enthusiasts for its innovative designs and features in the mechanical keyboard market.
It's all in the make! Here's the meat of the matter---the specifications and features of the Anne Pro II wired/wireless mechanical keyboard.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the Anne Pro II keyboard boasts a reliable 4.0 Bluetooth chip that can connect to four devices at the same time without missing a keystroke. You can freely switch between your laptop, smartphone, tablet, and another device while maintaining a seamless typing experience.
The keyboard uses Bluetooth 4.0 for a secure connection, reducing the chances of interference or data compromise. It's also energy-efficient, helping to conserve your keyboard's battery life. The Anne Pro II offers a wireless range of up to 10 meters, giving you plenty of room to move around.
It also has a USB-C port for wired connectivity along with a red USB-C cable.
Your Anne Pro II's RGB backlighting is both vibrant and customizable. With a plethora of colors and effects to choose from, you can truly make the keyboard your own.
It features a per-key RGB LED’s, allowing you to rifle through 16 million colors. There are multiple pre-programmed dynamic modes. However, you can also customize and configure per-key lighting via its accompanying app.
However, the software for customization isn't the most intuitive, so you'll need some patience and perhaps a little help from online tutorials.
Equipped with durable mechanical switches, the Anne Pro II not only delivers a satisfying typing experience but also offers longevity and reliability. These switches are the backbone of your keyboard, providing the clicky feedback and swift response you need when you're typing or gaming.
Here's a quick rundown of the key specifications and features:
| Switch Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Gateron | High tactile feedback, durability, smooth keystroke |
| Kailh | Quick actuation, less force required, good for gaming |
| Cherry MX | High durability, consistent performance, various options for feedback |
The Anne Pro II's tap arrow keys are a standout feature. They come with their own set of specifications and features. You'll find these keys nestled comfortably within the keyboard's compact design.
They're designed to be tapped lightly, eliminating the need for excessive pressure. This not only ensures your comfort while typing but also promotes the keyboard's longevity. The tap arrow keys also boast a high degree of responsiveness, reacting swiftly to your touch.
They're programmable as well, allowing you to customize their functions to suit your needs. This safety-oriented design feature is a testament to the keyboard's user-friendly nature, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize both comfort and functionality.
Moving on to the PBT keycaps, you'll notice their superior durability and feel. Because they're made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), they are resistant to wear, temperature, and chemicals. However, some users complained that some legends have poor kerning and positioning.
The keycaps have a slightly textured surface, preventing your fingers from slipping during intense gaming or typing sessions. Moreover, the double-shot molding process used ensures the legends on the keys won't fade, ensuring you won't lose your way around the keyboard.
When you buy a brand new Anne Pro 2 mechanical keyboard, you'll also get a keycap puller.
The Anne Pro 2 keyboard is known for its thoughtful design and build quality.
Compact and Minimalist: The Anne Pro 2 features a compact and minimalist design with a tenkeyless 60% layout. This compact design reduces the keyboard's footprint, making it space-efficient and more portable. However, it looks and feels crowded since the function keys are integrated into the main typing keypad.
Sturdy Construction: The Anne Pro 2 keyboard is praised for its solid build quality.
Sleek Aesthetics: The keyboard sports a sleek and modern aesthetic with clean lines and a simple color scheme. It's designed to look stylish on any desk.
Ergonomics: The keyboard is designed with ergonomics in mind, offering a comfortable typing experience for extended use. Four rubber legs prevent the keyboard from sliding while typing. In addition, the high-profile keys and walls make typing easier and more relaxing.
Let's shift our focus to the performance of the Anne Pro II Keyboard. Evaluate your typing experience and consider how this keyboard performs while gaming.
Let's check out how users feel about the Anne Pro II Keyboard as they type on it.
Pros
Cons
Switching to gaming, you'll find the Anne Pro II performs admirably, but it does have its quirks.
Pros
Mechanical Key Switches: Gamers favor the mechanical key switches on the Anne Pro 2 due to their tactile feedback, fast actuation, and reliability. Gamers can often choose from various switch options to suit their gaming style, whether it's clicky, linear, or tactile.
Cons
You're probably wondering how the Anne Pro II stacks up against its popular competitor, the Ducky One 2 Mini. Let's look at some key aspects: build quality, key feel, and customization options.
| Anne Pro II | Ducky One 2 Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Build Quality | Solid, compact design | Robust, high-quality build |
| Key Feel | Smooth, may need acclimatizing | Very tactile, user-friendly |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Less, but more user-friendly |
The Anne Pro II offers a sturdy design and vast customization, but you might need time to adjust to the keys. The Ducky One 2 Mini provides a superior key feel right out of the box, but with less customization. Both are good choices, but your preference will depend on what features you value more.
Let's turn our attention to what customers are saying about the Anne Pro II keyboard. We'll look at both the positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view.
This will give you a better sense of what you might expect if you decide to purchase this keyboard.
Positive
Users love its sleek, compact design and the fact that it's sturdy, ensuring it'll last for years.
The customization options are a hit, too, allowing you to make the keyboard truly your own.
The Bluetooth capability is another feature that has won over many customers, offering you the convenience of connecting up to four devices.
Users have also praised the keyboard's reliability, with no missed keystrokes.
Negative
Despite all its positive features, there's no denying that the Anne Pro II keyboard does have its share of complaints and problems, as noted by some dissatisfied customers.
For instance, some have reported a lighting issue where only half of the top row lights up, with the rest flickering. This could potentially disrupt your experience, especially if you're working in a dim environment.
Furthermore, the instructions provided can be confusing and hard to understand, which might lead to setup difficulties.
Another downside is the relatively short battery life, which is a bit disappointing for a compact keyboard. At only 8 hours, you may find yourself needing to recharge it more frequently than expected.
Lastly, some users have experienced the cursor skipping lines while typing, causing frustration and disruptions in workflow.
Is the Anne Pro 2 keyboard worth the hype? Absolutely.
Its compact, sleek design, quality build, and customizable options make it an excellent keyboard for general use.
The typing experience is pleasing, thanks to Gateron Reds, and the Bluetooth capabilities are impressive.
It's not perfect, but its minor issues are easily overshadowed by its strengths.
Whether you're a seasoned mechanical keyboard enthusiast or a newbie, the Anne Pro 2 wireless mechanical keyboard is worth considering.
