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Mechanical keyboards are fast becoming a thing these days, and really, we can hardly blame the trend when those keyboards just seem to make a lot of things easier. The gamers especially aren’t complaining.
With a mechanical keyboard comes a less bulky set of keys to deal with and also the advantage of getting the board customized enough to suit one’s taste. Now, while some mechanical keyboard switches must be de-soldered to customize them, some only have to be swapped with the new switches with easy removal. Hence, this brings us to one of the most popular questions about AP2 keyboards: is the Anne pro 2 hot-swappable?
This article will provide answers, particularly to this question, while running you through the best way to get your Anne pro 2 keyboards customized. So, let’s dive in.
Does the Anne pro 2 have hot-swappable switches?
The clear-cut answer to this is “NO.” The Anne Pro 2 doesn’t have hot-swappable switches, but you can get its switches changed by de-soldering them and soldering them back in. That is, if you don’t count it as too much stress. Even though the AP2 doesn’t come with a hot-swappable feature, most of its other characteristics have won many’s hearts. So much that many individuals preferred it over even hot-swappable mechanical boards.
Frankly, if you have the right tools and expertise, changing the switches of your Anne pro 2 keyboard is fairly easy. You just have to be careful with the change and ensure not to get any dirt in when fixing it all up.
What Is a Hot-Swappable Keyboard: How to tell if a keyboard is hot-swappable?
A hot-swappable keyboard is a board that one can easily swap its switches to match one’s style and mood. Unlike most gaming laptops that have to be de-soldered from the PCB just to get their switches changed, you only have to pop the switches in and out while easily customizing it to the sound and feel you want. This, no doubt, is a huge edge for most hot-swappable boards and has subsequently made them one the most sought mechanical keyboards amongst most gamers.
There was a time when most gamers found joy in customizing their gaming PCs, but now, the deal is even sweeter because they can customize even their keyboards now. Just like there are different desktop components to choose from in the market to build the desired custom one, you can also find various switches in the market. Depending on your choice, you can get soundless, clicky, and smooth switches down to tactile ones. Aye, it can be a pretty exciting notion.
Now, since we are down to two distinct types of mechanical gaming keyboards, how does one tell if a keyboard is hot-swappable? Well, that’s easy. You just have to check the product page of the website you got it from. You don’t want to force the switches out just to determine if your board is hot-swappable. You could easily damage your keyboard in the process if it turns out not to be one. So, just go ahead and check it up.
Anne Pro 2 Gaming Keyboard: Is Anne Pro 2 Good?
Any gamer who has used an Anne Pro 2 board before will agree that it does make a great gaming keyboard. It has a well-built compact structure and typically comes with Gateron brown switches (agreeably, one of the most acceptable Cherry MX clone switches there are). The Anne Pro 2 board is quite popular, with its ease of use and how handy it gets being a smooth plus.
You should note that the AP2 is a favorite mechanical gaming keyboard for many because of its unique RGB 60% Dual Mode build and the other distinct peculiarities that seem to be packed into the compact wireless board. It has the magic FN keys (which keep a hold on the essential keys), a relatively large battery capacity of about 1,900mah, an easy means of connection through Bluetooth, and it’s generally compatible with different devices.
Chiefly, the Anne Pro 2 comes either in black or white, with white being the most common. The board gets exciting to look at because of its colorful, exciting backlights, which sweetly enough can be reprogrammed at will. You can also get to use wired or wireless based on your choice, just like many other mechanical gaming keyboards.
What Switches are Compatible with Anne Pro 2?
Are you planning on changing your AP2 board switches and aren’t so sure which will be the most compatible? Then, you should know many switches work fine with the Anne Pro 2 board. You will find a good match from the wide range of Cherry MX switches, Kailh, Outemu, down to many other cherry MX clones, generally, because they all share the same (keycap sizes and even PCB plate) with Gateron switches. Many other switches will work fine as well, in as much as they can fit in.
What is Better, Gateron or Cherry?
The Gateron and Cherry MX switches are easily two of the best switches there are out there. Now, since both have a good popularity rate, many people are left to wonder which is the best among the two. Naturally, both have cons and pros, but if you are looking to make a reasonable choice from both, you can consider judging them based on their ease of use & performance level, durability, noise level and, of course, price range.
If you are going for a durable switch that will last you for a while, a better option is the Cherry MX. However, if you are more concerned with how smooth the switches are for a satisfying gaming experience, then Gateron will be the smooth option. Also, the Gateron switch generally has a lower noise level than the Cherry MX and comes at a lower price. Thus, if you have a budget you are working with, a Gateron will be a good option. However, if you prefer a more reliable, long-lasting, expensive switch, the Cherry MX is your switch.
Both switches are good, but it’s also okay to sift through your options and choose the one that suits you best. It’s quite worthy of note that though most Gateron switches come in different varieties, they are often hard to find. Compared to the Gateron switches, the Cherry MX switches are fairly easy to find. On Amazon, you will find the Gateron KS-9 RGB Mechanical MX Type Key Switch for $25, while the CHERRY MX RGB RED KEY Switch will go for $11.89.
Final Thoughts
The Anne Pro 2 mechanical keyboard makes a good gaming or typing board for anyone willing to try it out. Its sleekness has drawn many to it over the years, but it would only have gotten better if the switches were hot-swappable.
Interestingly, even with its supposedly lacking feature, many don’t mind the soldering process. And just like the many others who find it disturbing and lack the soldering expertise have moved to pursue better options with hot-swappable boards. Nonetheless, both types of mechanical boards have claimed their distinct spots in the value chain and aren’t leaving the market soon.
