Razer Anansi Configurator Software
Jul 10, 2018 - Razer Anansi Configurator by Razer USA Ltd. Versions: 1.6, 1.5, 1.4 and 1.3. File name: RazerAnansiConfig.exe.
- Pros
Well-placed customizable keys. Backlighting. Media function buttons. Software has nice UI.
- Cons
Keys a little mushy.
- Bottom Line
The Razer Anansi keyboard has a perfect balance of buttons and features that come in a functional package.
Creating the perfect Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) keyboard is often a balancing act. If you have too many MMO and customizable keys, like SteelSeries' Shift MMO Keyset ($24.99 direct, 3 stars) it becomes a clutter of social quick keys, customizable macro buttons, and battle-ready action keys. On the other end you have the 'bare-bones' MMO keyboards that sport a minimalist design coupled with software to develop macros. In between the battle of the buttons stands the Razer Anansi ($99.99 direct), a smartly designed wired MMO keyboard that couples solid software features and well thought-out button placement.
- $148.00
- $69.99
- $89.99
- $24.99
Design
Gaming devices have never been known for their subtlety, and the Anansi is no different. Its glowing keys pulse with changing colors that will help illuminate your gaming experience when you're in a dimly lit environment. The .86 by 20.3 by 7.5-inch (HWD) frame has a soft rubberized finish that will help stave off fingerprint smudges. The full-size keyboard has a traditional style—as opposed to chiclet-style keyboard like the
The font used on the keys have a more futuristic look that has a bolder presence—perhaps to highlight the glow-effect. The keys have a similar soft rubberized feel as the frame. The typing experience felt a little mushier than I'd like. It would have been better to have something a little lighter and bouncier, like the mechanical, typewriter-like keys found in the Razer Black Widow Ultimate or even the Gigbyte K8100 (stay tuned for the full reviews). The 12 programmable quick-keys are well-placed and easy to reach. There are five keys that run along the left side of the keyboard and seven more underneath the space bar. When playing World of Warcraft, I found the keys under the space bar to be the most useful, as it was easier to go from moving with the WASD keys to targeting and, ultimately, attacking with the quick-keys below.
The function keys double as media buttons to adjust your sound or play/pause, stop, or skip while watching a movie or listening to music. Additional function buttons allow you set the keyboard to 'game mode,' which disables the Windows button; adjust the brightness level of the backlighting; and enable 'sleep mode,' which puts the computer to sleep.
Features
The Anansi has plug-and-play capabilities and the added option to download Razer's software with any Windows XP, Vista, or 7 OS0—sorry no Mac support. The Anansi's software is easy enough to navigate, having a full virtual layout on the keyboard in the user interface (UI). To change a key's preset function, you highlight the designated key on the virtual keyboard and select what function you'd like to assign to it. You may choose to have it launch a program, revert back to the keyboard's factory key setting, assign another key's function to it, switch profiles, or assign a macro.
The backlighting can be changed from the interface, from a 'Spectrum Cycling' or to a specific color of your choosing. You can also set how bright you want it on or if you want it on at all. This backlighting feature can also help you recognize or keep track of what profile you're in.
Managing and creating macros (customizing key functions) is easy: You can record a stream of keys with or without time delays, and then go into the recording and insert a revised delay, delete, or change the key. The Anansi software also gives you a selection of basic commands, like cut, copy, and close window that should be more useful for the spreadsheet enthusiast.
If you're between game sessions or raids, you won't always have the opportunity to open up the macro editing program. That's why the Anansi has an on-the-fly macro editor. After pressing the Fn + ALT you may begin creating your key combination that will make up your macro. It does record delays. When finished, pressing the Fn + ALT keys again allows you to assign your string of buttons to any key on the keyboard.
The Razer Anansi is a well-designed MMO keyboard, with a well thought-out selection of quick keys in all the right places. While the typing expierence isn't as 'springy' as I'd like, I consider it a minor nit in a great gaming keyboard, which is why it is our Editors' Choice for MMO keyboards.
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Razer Anansi
Bottom Line: The Razer Anansi keyboard has a perfect balance of buttons and features that come in a functional package.
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- 7 thumb modifier keys
- 100+ programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
- Five additional gaming macro keys
- One-button profile switching
- Razer Synapse 2.0
- Overview
- Specifications
- Warranty & Returns
- Reviews
Designed and engineered especially for the MMO gamer, the Razer Anansi is the world’s first keyboard that raises your level of gameplay by giving you the power to instantly use up to 7x more commands and abilities over the current ±12 ability keys you now have. Its seven thumb modifier keys located below the space bar allow you to actuate every possible combination of modifier key (shift, ctrl, alt) in total accuracy and comfort using a single key stroke, exponentially expanding the repertoire of spells, abilities and macros you have at your command.
From the casual MMO gamer to the serious hardcore raider, the Razer Anansi will take you to the head of the pack in both PVE and PVP action. Combine it with the Razer Naga MMOG mouse to use the Razer Anansi’s 7 thumb modifier keys seamlessly with the 12-button mouse keypad, giving you an unprecedented level of battle control while dual-wielding the world’s most phenomenal weapons for dragon slaying dominance.
- 7 thumb modifier keys Say goodbye to the days of fumbling with your awkward key binds in the middle of a hectic boss fight or PVP skirmish. Seven thumb-based modifier keys allow you to increase the number of commands you are able to execute from your current ±12 ability keys to 7x that number, allowing you to both instantly and effortlessly actuate every possible in-game spell or ability and still have room for dozens of your own custom macros.
- 100+ programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording The Razer Anansi’s fully-programmable keys allow you to further expand your repertoire of boss-killing macros, giving you total control with convenient and instantaneous command executions. In addition, you can switch between up to 20 profiles for each game or avatar at the press of a button.
- Five additional gaming macro keys Whether it’s vanquishing your adversaries or preparing for your next quest, the five additional gaming macro keys on the left side of the Razer Anansi let you easily access extra abilities and commands such as switching equipment presets and buffing your team mates.
Learn more about Anansi
- Warranty
- Limited Warranty period (parts): 1 year
- Limited Warranty period (labor): 1 year
- Manufacturer Contact Info
- Manufacturer Product Page
- Website: http://www.razerzone.com
- Support Phone: 1-888-697-2037
- Support Email: support-us@razersupport.com
- Support Website
- Return Policies
- This item is covered by Corn Electronics Return Policy.
Pros: Keys feel solid, and is able to take a certain amount of abuse. Some say it's large, but it fits my larger than average hands quite well. Mod Keys on the left are pretty easily configurable with the Synapse software, and drivers are kept up to date pretty easily. Mod Keys on the bottom are pretty accessible as well, but very sensitive. I've found myself hitting them on accident quite often, but may not bother others.
Cons: I'm typing this cons section without any useof the bckspacebutton. This should give you an idea of how often the missed keystroks are. Some say that drivers will fix the issue, but I have kept my drivers up to data nd am still seeing this issue. akes typing passwords VRY annoyingly hard. It almost seems as if the faster you type, the more often the missed keys will occur. Being consistent with the keys aslo is difficult because sometimes the keys end up showing up late. No support on this issue that I know f.
Other Thoughts: I think the Shift key changes the lighting to an alt key, but I think that might be where the missed keystroke problem originates from. I've had issues with other key combinations like Ctrl-Alt-Del or Windows+R. Not being able to guarantee that keystrokes will make it to the system kills realtime response uses such as gaming. Slows Programming and text editing to an abysmally annoying crawl. Almost better off using a typewriter.
Pros: I use mine mostly to play FPS games and have never had it remap or keys stick. Very good response time and remapping a breeze.
Cons: Paint on keys is starting to where off on some of the more used ones. Some of the lighting changes do not make much of a difference in a dark unlit room.
Other Thoughts: Great keyboard overall.
Pros: Thumb-activated mod keys, tough keyboard, works for three years and counting.
Cons: Rather large.
Razer Anansi Driver
Other Thoughts: The thumb keys are amazing both for gaming keybinds and for office work - I'm an English teacher, so I need to hit Ctrl+Alt+M a *lot* for commenting in MS Word, and this keyboard saves my left hand the trouble of making the Borg Claw (seriously - put your pinky on Ctrl and your thumb on Alt, then freeze your hand and turn it around to look at it) about three thousand times per semester.
More importantly, this keyboard has survived countless Gamer Tantrums and Windows Update Ambush Tantrums without so much as popping a key. Three years and going strong.
Cons: Never buy it. NEVER buy this useless thing. Really bad quality and unrealiable keys. I lost 5+ cs:go matches because of this keyboard.
Slippery keys. Hard to clean. Bad placement of extra keys.