Early 2021 seems to be all about 60% form factor keyboards for me, which is why I wanted to cover the Anne Pro 2 now. The Vortex Poker 1 and even Poker 2 and 3 are not really feasible retail options these days, nor is the original Anne Pro. These keyboards, at least in my opinion, heralded the smaller form factor keyboards to many who in turn found their love for such keyboards over the go-to full-size or TKL keyboards from before. The Anne Pro 2 is not even a new keyboard, having launched a couple of years ago, so curiosity on how it holds up compared to all the recent 61-key, 60% keyboards from companies big and small alike was a factor here.

Turns out the Anne Pro 2 holds up very well in 2021 indeed since it has been a while since I have had an easier time using a 60% keyboard. This is while I am in the middle of a 60% keyboard marathon, too, which is especially handy for discerning differences. There are commonalities across pretty much all of them, including logical pre-programmed functions over an Fn layer, such as Fn keys for the number rows. Some keyboards opt to go with added legends on keycaps to make it easier for people to understand what does what, and others have prioritized software customization with profiles to allow for complete swaps after a profile change. Many have onboard customization, some fewer companies allow for wired or wireless connectivity options, and even fewer offer more than a couple of switches to choose from, let alone more than the usual black color scheme. Somehow, the Anne Pro 2 does it all, and at a price lower than the vast majority of the competition. Tap mode allowing for multiple functions goes such a long way in making this keyboard punch above its weight, as it makes for such items as the arrow keys easily being accessible.

Perhaps the biggest issue with the Anne Pro 2 besides many not wanting to go with a smaller keyboard is the lack of retail availability, and global market awareness. The original keyboard, as with most smaller Asian brands, relies on word of mouth in the West, with forums, subreddits, and other online communities the way to go. But the attention span of most in those spaces is that of a cat if the keyboard doesn't grab eyes and keep them open. The Anne Pro, and subsequently Anne Pro 2, is such a keyboard. With the advent of Asian retailers that are more accessible in the English-speaking world, as with Banggood here, the sales of these keyboards has also never been easier. After-sales customer support is still a question mark in general, but the Anne Pro 2 is built so well and has such a strong, supportive community online that I dare say this is THE 60% keyboard to consider, if not get. Just be sure the form factor works for you since it can still be a big challenge if coming from a full-size keyboard.