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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

KBDFans Cat vs Jamesdonkey R2

Get the Jamesdonkey R2 for hot-swappable and knob.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

KBDFans Cat

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Get the

Jamesdonkey R2

Hot-swappable

Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $150.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

KBDFans Cat

Jamesdonkey R2

  • Layout size

    60%

    100%

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

  • Sound dampening

    No

    Yes

  • Backlight

    None

    RGB

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KBDFans Cat
  • Jamesdonkey R2
Performance
43
57
Build quality
53
65
Productivity
41
88
Customizability
49
82
Portability
63
65
See every spec side by side

Full specs

KBDFans Cat vs Jamesdonkey R2 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

9 of 21 specs differ

KBDFans Cat

Jamesdonkey R2

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Clicky

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

—
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

60%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

No
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

No
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

—
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

—
6,000 mAh

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

—
Aluminum

Plate material

—
FR4

Keycaps

—
PBT

Weight

—
2,205 g

Dimensions

—
45 x 401 x 146 mm

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

KBDFans Cat2 stores

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