Fl·esports CMK99 vs Jamesdonkey R2 V2
Choose the Jamesdonkey R2 V2 for its aluminum case, gasket mount, and QMK support, or the Fl·esports CMK99 for its double silicone sound-dampening layers and programmable key.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Fl·esports CMK99
Sound dampening
Build quality in the bottom 15% of 96% boards under $200.
- Double silicone padded layers are described as softening keystroke sound and feel.
- A dedicated programmable key adds a distinct control option.
- Hot-swappable sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, according to the vendor listing.
Get the
Jamesdonkey R2 V2
QMK
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 96% boards under $200.
- The aluminum case, gasket mount, and FR4 plate give it a distinct construction from the CMK99.
- QMK support and the web-based driver offer key remapping functionality.
- The vendor lists a 1–2 ms response time and full-key conflict-free typing.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Pick the Jamesdonkey R2 V2 if QMK remapping, an aluminum case, and gasket-mounted construction are your priorities. Choose the Fl·esports CMK99 if you value its double silicone sound-dampening layers, programmable key, and explicitly stated 3-pin and 5-pin switch support. Both provide a 96% ANSI layout and three connection modes.
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.
Fl·esports CMK99
Jamesdonkey R2 V2
Case material
Metal, Plastic
Aluminum
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
Sound dampening
Yes
No
Screw-in stabilizers
Yes
No
Easier to tune than the plate-mount stabs you get prebuilt
Backlight
RGB
RGB, south-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Fl·esports CMK99
- Jamesdonkey R2 V2
- Performance
- 4964
- Build quality
- 4865
- Productivity
- 8763
- Customizability
- 6975
- Portability
- 5352
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The R2 V2 has the clearer edge for gaming and programming, with its stated response time, N-key rollover, and QMK support. The CMK99 is a more distinctive office option if its dedicated programmable key and double silicone padding suit your preferences. Travel and content creation are closer calls because both share the same broad layout and connection options, with different customization features. For switch changes, both are hot-swappable, but only the CMK99 listing specifies 3-pin and 5-pin support.
Pick the Jamesdonkey R2 V2
- The R2 V2 vendor listing describes lag-free input and a 1–2 ms response time.
- It includes N-key rollover and supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connections.
Fl·esports CMK99 vs Jamesdonkey R2 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 21 specs differ
Fl·esports CMK99
Jamesdonkey R2 V2
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Fl·esports CMK99 vs Jamesdonkey R2 V2: your questions
The CMK99 emphasizes double silicone padding and a dedicated programmable key. The R2 V2 has an aluminum case, gasket mount, FR4 plate, and QMK support.
Both are listed as 96% ANSI keyboards with normal ergonomics. Each also has PBT keycaps and RGB lighting.
The Jamesdonkey R2 V2 is listed with QMK support. Its vendor description says its web-based driver includes key-remapping functionality.
Yes, both are listed as hot-swappable. The CMK99 vendor description specifically says its sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Both support Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired connections. The CMK99 vendor description specifies USB Type-C for its wired connection.
The Jamesdonkey R2 V2 is listed with an aluminum case, and its vendor describes it as CNC-machined aluminum alloy. The CMK99 is listed with a plastic and metal case.
Yes. The CMK99 is listed with sound dampening, and its vendor describes double silicone padded layers, including a thicker foam layer between the PCB plate and bottom cover.
Its compatibility note says shine-through legends stay dark with the south-facing LEDs. It also warns that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The Jamesdonkey R2 V2 vendor description states a response time of 1–2 ms and describes the input as lag-free. The CMK99 vendor description discusses improved connectivity but does not give a response-time figure.
The R2 V2 is listed with a 4000mAh battery. The CMK99 vendor says it can run for up to 300 hours with lights off or up to 16 hours with backlighting on.
The R2 V2 is listed at 1950 g, but the CMK99’s metadata does not include a weight. The listed figures are not enough to make a direct weight comparison.
The Fl·esports CMK99 vendor listing identifies a unique programmable key. The Jamesdonkey R2 V2 instead highlights QMK support and key remapping through its web-based driver.
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