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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 12, 2026

Dot Works Layer75 vs Jamesdonkey R2

Get the Dot Works Layer75 for qmk and via. Get the Jamesdonkey R2 for knob.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Dot Works Layer75

QMK

Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $200.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.

Get the

Jamesdonkey R2

Knob

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.

Dot Works Layer75

Jamesdonkey R2

  • Layout size

    75%

    100%

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

  • Weight

    2,000 g

    2,205 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Dot Works Layer75
  • Jamesdonkey R2
Performance
51
57
Build quality
87
65
Productivity
73
88
Customizability
89
82
Portability
60
65

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Full specs

Dot Works Layer75 vs Jamesdonkey R2 specs

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

12 of 25 specs differ

Dot Works Layer75

Jamesdonkey R2

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Clicky

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
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
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum, FR4
FR4

Keycaps

—
PBT

Weight

2,000 g
2,205 g

Dimensions

—
45 x 401 x 146 mm

Typing angle

7°
—

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

VIAL

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
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.

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