Short Version:

A keyboard designed for macro and shortcut fanatics. While possibly not the best option in the Razer line-up, it’s a keyboard that will definitely hold its own, opening up a massive amount of keystrokes with the use of only your thumb.

Features:

• Full keyboard and numpad, five macro keys and seven thumb modifier keys
• Customizable LED key color backlighting
• On-the-fly profile switching
• MSRP: $99.99

Pros:

• 5 Macro Keys
• 1 button access to all keystroke modifier combinations
• Full keyboard customization
• Heavier weight for less keyboard movement while playing

Cons:

• Slightly larger keyboard
• Requires 2 USB ports for backlighting
• No USB or headset HUB
• Chance of accidental activation of button modifiers
• Deeper key structure can be harder to clean

Long Version:

The primary purpose of the new Anansi keyboard is to make those macro heavy and crowded keyboards more natural and require less awkward hand movement. At first glance, there aren’t a lot of features that set this keyboard apart from other gaming keyboards; however, it does bring a few new key elements.

The biggest feature to take note of is the seven thumb modifier buttons at the base of the keyboard beneath the Space Bar. These buttons will instantly allow gamers a one button shortcut to all the variations you once got from Shift, Alt and Ctrl. It’s something that I, a hardcore MMO player, appreciate, as it gives me a more natural way to increase the amount of easy key binds without drastically changing the positioning of my hand.

The Anansi is brought to the next level when paired with Razer’s Naga, which allows you to assign the keyboard modifiers to affect the 12 thumb buttons on the Naga. This means, if you wanted you to, you would never have to reach for the top row of your keyboard again. While I don’t expect you to take it to that extreme, once you’ve mastered it, it can be an incredibly powerful tool and you will wonder how you ever played without it.

With fully recordable on-the-fly macros, a Windows key lock button, and 5 additional macro keys this keyboard brings a lot of versatility to the table. However, it has its fair share of flaws to go with it.

For one, the keyboard requires 2 USB ports if you wish to have it illuminate for you. To add to this problem, the keyboard does not provide an additional USB headset hub in its design. Bottom line: this is just inconvenient when you consider other backlit keyboards on the market achieve the same result with just one port.

The final major gripe about the Anansi keyboard is that its bulky keys feel very chunky and heavy. This style of keys can be very cumbersome to clean and after becoming accustomed to smaller keyboards and lighter keys, this keyboard feels like very old technology by requiring more pressure than you might be used to.

Conclusion

This keyboard is definitely on the higher end of gaming keyboards out there and its design and perks might mean nothing to the less than hardcore MMO players. But those looking to push their MMO skill and key binds to the next level will have a special place in their hearts for this keyboard as it opens a world of keystroke possibilities in a natural fashion.