Anne Pro 2 vs Keychron K2
This time, we have two portable mechanical keyboards suitable for productivity on-the-go and light gaming, Anne Pro 2 vs Keychron K2. Both keyboards can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or wired via USB Type-C. However, they offer different features. So, which one is better?
Below, we will discuss how Anne Pro 2 vs Keychron K2 compare against each other, including:
- The dimensions and build quality of Anne Pro 2 and Keychron K2
- The connectivity and features of Anne Pro 2 and Keychron K2
- How Anne Pro 2 can be incredibly efficient and versatile
- Why some people prefer to stick with Keychron K2
- Whether you should get Anne Pro 2 or Keychron K2
Anne Pro 2 vs Keychron K2: Dimensions
First of all, both keyboards here are designed with portability in mind. Anne Pro 2 and Keychron K2 are ideal choices if you are looking for a keyboard that can be easily brought along when traveling, while still having mechanical switches and the ability to use wireless and wired connection as needed. Read also: Steelseries Apex Pro vs Corsair K100.
Anne Pro 2 is the smallest of the two. It boasts a minimalistic 60% layout, which not only makes the keyboard extremely compact but also greatly minimizes hand movement during use. The keyboard measures 11.5 x 4.0 x 1.7 inches and weighs 1.41 lbs. It is very space-friendly and practical. It fits easily into your backpack, and it is very easy to use while on the go.
Anne Pro 2 also has excellent build quality. It comes right away with PBT keycaps that feel solid, durable, and wonderful. It also has an RGB backlight that illuminates the keycaps’ labels so that you can use the keyboard easily in a dark environment.
Keychron K2 is slightly bigger due to having a 75% layout. It measures 12.4 x 5.0 x .1.7 inches and weighs 1.74 lbs. So, it is not as good as Anne Pro 2 in terms of portability and saving space. On the positive side, Keychron K2 has more buttons, including dedicated buttons for arrows, Home, Page Up, Page Down, and End. It has a white backlight.
Keychron K2 has pretty good build quality, but it has some minor issues. Firstly, the keys have slightly different heights; the F1 – F12 keys are shorter than the number keys. Secondly, it uses a non-standard order by separating the Page Up and Page Down keys from the Home and End keys. Thirdly, the ABS keycaps are tough, but not very comfortable.
| Anne Pro 2 | Keychron K2 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 11.18 x 3.82 x 1.57 inches | 12.32 x 4.84 x 1.52 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.4 pounds | 1.93 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
Anne Pro 2 vs Keychron K2: Connectivity
These two keyboards are similar that they can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth and wired via USB. However, their capabilities differ slightly.
Anne Pro 2 uses Bluetooth 4.0, which is fine. It has decent data transmission speed, and it can be paired to 4 devices. The built-in 1900mAh battery can last between 8 hours and 4 weeks, depending on the RGB configuration. One charge should be enough for use through one day. For wired connection, it uses USB Type-C.
The first generation of Keychron K2 uses an older Bluetooth version, but the second generation now uses Bluetooth 5.1. It has the ability to connect to 3 devices simultaneously so that you can switch between them quickly. The 4000mAh battery is impressive, able to last for up to 72 hours. It also uses USB Type-C for wired connection.
Anne Pro 2 vs Keychron K2: Features
If you don’t need dedicated buttons for Home, Page Up, Page Down, and End keys, you will find Anne Pro 2 to be incredibly efficient and versatile. It has FN1 and FN2 buttons, and the Caps Lock button also doubles as a Magic FN button that activates alternative keys’ tap functions.
You can customize Anne Pro 2 via its software. There are 16 macro keys where you can record commands, and you can assign different functions to the FN Layers and tap functions. This can be handy for some games and work applications. Of course, you can also change the RGB backlight via the software or shut it down completely to save battery life.
The only downside of Anne Pro 2 is that it has some learning curve to use. You need some time to get the grasp of the FN1, FN2, and Magic FN buttons in order to use them intuitively. You also need to remember their assigned functions if you want to replace the keycaps.
Keychron K2 does not have any software, so it is not as customizable or programmable. However, as mentioned above, it has more buttons. The dedicated buttons for arrow functions and navigation are very useful for people who don’t want to use complicated key combinations.
Anne Pro 2 vs Keychron K2: Performance
Anne Pro 2 performs really well. It takes some time to get used to, but after that the keyboard is really convenient to use. Thanks to the reduced size and alternative key functions, you won’t need to move your hands around. This results in faster overall performance. When used in the wired mode, it has anti-ghosting with N-Key Rollover for maximum accuracy.
Another important factor is the PBT keycaps, which feel really nice and comfortable to use. You can get Anne Pro 2 with either Gateron (Blue, Brown, Red) or Kailh Box (Brown, Red, White) mechanical switches. Blue switches are very clicky and loud, suitable for use in a private environment. Brown switches provide a tactile bump while being quieter, and are great if you want a tactile feel without being noisy. Red switches provide a linear feel and are the most silent.
The Kaihl Box switches provide enhanced protection against dust and moisture by having IP56 covers to shield the mechanical parts. The Brown and Red versions are similar to their Gateron counterparts. The White version is clicky, comparable to the Gateron Blue switch.
Keychron K2, on the other hand, is only available with Gateron Blue, Brown, or Red mechanical switches. Keychron K2 also has good performance, but it does not feel as nice as Anne Pro 2. The main disadvantage of Keychron K2 is that its ABS keycaps do not feel as comfy as the PBT keycaps. In addition, you can notice that the build quality does not feel as robust.
Still, Keychron K2 is noticeably better than membrane keyboards. It also has anti-ghosting with N-Key Rollover. Not to mention that Keychron K2 is potentially better if you want direct access to the arrow and navigation keys. There is no acrobat necessary to access the said functions.
Anne Pro 2 vs Keychron K2
Conclusion
In general, Anne Pro 2 is better and more recommended. It is significantly more compact, thanks to the 60% layout. Anne Pro 2 has a better build quality and comes with an RGB backlight. It also has a robust software, which will allow you to assign macros and custom functions.