subject: Razer Razer Anansi Gaming Keyboard Review [print this page] This review looks at the Razer Anansi gaming keyboard and sets out what you can expect from this relatively new addition to the makers range. First and foremost the whole premise behind the design of this model is that it has been specifically designed for massive multi-player online gaming (MMO) and to this end it is equipped with some extra buttons that allow you to program a good amount of macros and game profiles.
There are an additional row of seven buttons below the spacebar, these are designated T1 through to T7. Pressing one of these buttons will allow the user to immediately change the current function of the keyboard's top row of number keys one to zero as well as the hyphen and equal sign keys, (twelve total) and the result is that a player carry out operations that would normally the require the use of the Ctrl, Alt, and Shift modifier keys to be used, and once committed to memory this is obviously going to improve a player's speed and skills considerably.
It is also worth mentioning the Anansi works seamlessly with Razers Naga gaming mouse, thats the one that looks like a cellphone, and allows for function switching of the Nagas button array from the keyboard itself, this can be a useful feature in some gaming situations.
The Anansi is able to record macros in a game in progress more commonly known as on-the-fly switching, this can further increase playing speed.
Also featured on this keyboard is the all-important Windows menu lock to stop the desktop menu popping up at a critical moment which been the demise of many gamers in the past. The standard array of media keys are also conveniently placed.
It is possible using the Razer software to configure all the keys on the Anansi for macros thus providing more than will probably be needed, in addition to this possibility there are five dedicated macro buttons on the left side of the keyboard, these would most likely be programmed to execute the five most used key combinations.
One further advantage of the Razer Anansi is the ability to store and switch between up to twenty game profiles, for playing several different games or characters this facility will save an enormous amount of time in remapping keys.
This model has back-lighting and can be customized from a palette of millions of colors, the downside to doing this though is that it will require the use of two USB ports, if no spare ports are available then you are not going to be able to use this feature.
Main Features
7 separate key modifier buttons
All keys Programmable
20 Profile storage with simple switching
5 stand alone Macro keys
Gaming mode key
Media keys
Keyboard size in mm: 515 mm x 190 mm x 22 mm
System Requirements
PC with USB port
Windows 7,Vista,XP Mac OS X 10.5 or better
Internet connection for drivers
At least 35MB of hard disk space
The Good
Great for mmo gaming
More macros than you will ever need
Nice key spacing especially for small hands
Multi color backlighting
The thumb buttons below the spacebar are awesome
Matt finish for less fingermarks
Excellent driver software, simple to use
Comfortable keys and nice to type on
The Not So Good
Fairly light weight, maybe a bit flimsy
Height adjustment is not that good
Quite pricey
No manual included just a start guide
Still a few quality control problems
No onboard sockets for headphone and mic
No passthrough USB
Backlighting ok but not that bright
Check out the current price and read some more user reviews here
Razer Anansi Summary
To sum up then, the majority of buyers seem quite happy with their purchase of this keyboard, and the way it performs, those extra modifier buttons for the thumb below the spacebar are loved by all, and for once the software for the programming is both intuitive and simple to use. There have been some issues on early examples with keys getting stuck, but this appears to be a quality control issue, and one which the makers are working to correct. The backlit array is colorful but it could be a little brighter.
If you have this kind of money to spend, and are not sure you want or need those buttons offered by the Anansi, you may want to check out what else you can get for your dollars at this level, so here are a few suggestions to help you, a big favorite in this price bracket is the Logitech G510, this is a tried and trusted keyboard with that oh-so-cool LCD screen, a boatload of macros, all the ports and sockets you need and excellent back-lighting.
For a few dollars more there is the Razer Blackwidow Ultimate, this is a great all-round keyboard which uses mechanical keys.
For around the same cost there is the, Steelseries Shift which allows for the use of game-specific keysets that can be bought separately and the Merc Stealth which is still selling reasonably well. Finally there is the Thermaltake Tt eSports MEKA G1, a relative newcomer that also is equipped with mechanical keys.
