The Ducky One 2 Mini & Anne Pro 2 are two of the post popular 60% mechanical keyboards but how do you decide between the two?
In this direct Ducky One 2 Mini vs Anne Pro 2 comparison I am going to walk you through all the pros and cons of each board to help you decide which one is best for you.
Quick Answer Verdict
For those of you in a hurry my main recommendation goes to the Ducky One 2 Mini. I have used this board for over two years now for gaming and it has held up strong, even survived a coffee spill. I have owned numerous Ducky keyboards and keep coming back to them due to their reliability and build quality.
However, if you are on a budget the Anne Pro 2 is the best keyboard in its price range. It also has a few core features such as Bluetooth that the Ducky One 2 Mini doesn’t which should be considered. The range of switches the Anne Pro 2 offers too is a particular highlight.
Overall the Ducky One 2 Mini is my pick due to its build quality, feature set and great RGB. Read on for more details.
- Great typing experience
- Cherry MX Switches
- Full macro functionality
- Free Extra PBT Keycaps & Puller
- Full RGB Customisation
- Durable and high build quality
- Limited switch options
Budget Friendly And Feature Rich
- Great typing experience
- More switch options (Gateron/Kailh)
- Easy customisation through software
- Extra multi coloured keycaps & puller
- Bluetooth functionality
- Full RGB customisation
- Simple key re-assignment
- RGB isn't as bright as Ducky boards
Read This First!
One vital thing to keep in mind during keyboard selection is that a great deal of it is down to personal choice. The Ducky One 2 Mini and the Anne Pro 2 are both fantastic, so it’s likely something more subjective that will influence your choice.
One obvious example of this is aesthetics; many of you may want the best RGB or none at all. Another more consequential example of this is switches. It is these that give each keyboard a particular feel. A massive variety is available to have with both keyboards, and it’s possible that only one is perfect for you.
If you are unsure about what switches you want to choose I recommend checking out my Cherry MX switch guide (if you are interested in Cherry MX switches) or even better grabbing a switch tester, like this one, to get a feel for them.
A few more important questions to ask yourself is whether you want the ability to change key bindings? Or maybe the option to use your keyboard wirelessly? How important for you is the brightness of the RGB?
After you know the answers to these questions it makes it much easier to pick between the Ducky One 2 Mini vs Anne Pro 2.
Ducky One 2 Mini vs Anne Pro 2 Overview
In one word, the Anne Pro 2 says customisation. This keyboard, made by ObinsLab, should be considered a super high end 60% mechanical keyboard in its own right. It’s packed with lots of enticing features, making it a great choice of keyboard for anyone.
This includes dazzling RGB lights, bluetooth connectivity, a large array of switches to choose from, and dedicated software; all allowing awesome personalisation. Aside from this, it showcases practical quality too, boasting PBT keycaps and NKRO (meaning that any number of keys can be pressed simultaneously and registered by the computer).
The Anne Pro 2 can be picked up from around £100, perhaps qualifying it as a great value keyboard too.
Above anything else, the Ducky One 2 Mini screams quality and minimalism. Much like the Anne Pro 2, it is a 60% mechanical keyboard. It also sports RGB lights, a variety of switch choices (which I’ll explain further later), PBT keycaps, and NKRO.
It’s noticeably more expensive, too, starting at roughly £130, which some of you might instantly question, as on first impressions it does seem to offer less than the Anne Pro 2.
The answer, however, is build quality; something which should never be underestimated in a keyboard. Ducky is a name which holds a great deal of respect in the PC gaming community, and for good reason. With a Ducky keyboard, you can be sure that you have a quality item with outstanding durability.
Comparison Side By Side
Switches
The switches available across these two boards do vary, and this is something which will probably impact your choice. Switches are the most important aspect of any keyboard, so it is recommended to ensure you are selecting a switch you like. When buying the Ducky One 2 Mini, you will get to choose any Cherry MX switches, which is great.
However, when buying the Anne Pro 2, you get to choose between Gateron and kailh BOX switches, as well as any Cherry MX switch too. This massive selection is unequivocally great, and represents one way in which the Anne Pro 2 offers something that its competitor can’t. Unfortunately, if you are dead set on Cherry MX switches, this difference can’t aid your decision!
Build Quality
In terms of build quality, these two keyboards are neck and neck in a few different aspects. Most notably, they both showcase keycaps made from PBT, or if you prefer, Polybutylene terephthalate.
Compared to the other common keycap material, ABS, it possesses greater durability , thanks to it being a stiffer material. Similarly, the Ducky One 2 Mini and the Anne Pro 2 both have double shot keycaps, meaning that the symbols on each key are solid plastic. Unlike good old painted-on keys, they won’t wear off, and will retain the same feel over their lifespan.
The frame materials and structure are also similar, with them both concealing a steel plate within to achieve a truly stable typing platform. These similarities result in an initial impression that, at least on paper, they are inseparable.
However, if you take the time to trawl through various gaming websites, you’ll find that more often than not, people tend to side with the Ducky One 2 Mini in regard to reliability. This seems worth mentioning, as a good reputation doesn’t come easily in the world of PC gaming.
Design & Ergonomics
The Anne Pro 2 and Ducky One 2 Mini share a great deal in their design, too. They weigh the same, and have almost exactly the same dimensions. They also both use a detachable USB type C connector.
However, in a couple of ways, the Ducky One 2 Mini does edge ahead here. Firstly, it has extendable feet with two settings, allowing for a different incline on the board. This is seemingly quite a big oversight on the Anne Pro 2, which has none at all. As well as this, the RGB lights on the Ducky One 2 Mini are considerably brighter than the Anne Pro 2.
Extra Features:
As I hinted at earlier, the Anne Pro 2 has a couple of great features over the Ducky one 2 Mini, which for some of you could instantly settle the predicament.
Firstly, Bluetooth connectivity. If the option to type wirelessly is something you value, then the choice is suddenly easy: go for the Anne Pro 2! It can pair with up to 4 different devices, and has an impressive 1900mAh battery. Great if you are lazy like me and want to lay back and use the keyboard on your lap without the cable getting wrapped around your feet.
As well as this, the Anne Pro 2 comes with software, allowing for complete customisation of key bindings, adjustments to macros, and layers. This is arguably a lot easier to use than the on board functions of the Ducky One 2, and allows for a far higher level of customisation.
One feature, albeit small, which occurs on the Ducky but not the Anne is mouse emulation. Although most people will have no use for this, it’s definitely worth noting.
Alternative 60% Mechanical Keyboards
Two potential 60% RGB mechanical keyboard alternatives are the Vortex POK3R, and Matrix keyboards. The Vortex POK3R comes in at premium price though. The main advantage this results in is a full metal body; something which adds weight for a premium feel.
Aside from this, it mostly compares to the Ducky One 2: a broadly minimalistic design with no software or Bluetooth. It is worth noting that the POK3R RGB uses ABS keycaps compared to PBT of the other boards, which have a different texture to PBT & after long term use produce a ‘shine’ effect that some find unpleasant.
They do offer a distinctly different feel to PBT keycaps, and this may well be your thing. If so, the POK3R is a great option.
Matrix keyboards offer a wallet-friendly route to obtaining a mechanical 60% gaming keyboard. They start at about £80. Unfortunately this is reflected in the list of features. It does sport double shot PBT keycaps, Cherry MX switches, and a quality design, proving that it’s worth a thought.
However, it lacks any software, Bluetooth, key rebinding, layers, and has far less options for RGB customisation. So, while Matrix keyboards might not be quite as snazzy as others, they definitely fill an important spot in the market, and should be considered if you’re on a tighter budget.
Verdict
Budget Friendly And Feature Rich
With any luck, choosing between the Anne Pro 2 and the Ducky One 2 Mini should now be painless. While the two keyboards provide a stellar gaming experience, and top notch build quality, you should now have some factors to decide on.
If you’d like to type wirelessly, or you want to have the option to personalise your keybindings, then the Anne Pro 2 is definitely for you. Similarly, the Anne Pro 2 offers Gateron and kailh BOX switches, and its opponent does not; if these are your bag, then there’s no question either.
But if these things aren’t on your wishlist, and you’re willing to stretch a bit further for supreme build quality and reliability, then the Ducky One 2 Mini is the best option.
