Jamesdonkey R2 vs R2 Pro
Get the Jamesdonkey R2 for its FR4 plate and dedicated multimedia keys, or the R2 Pro for its customizable screen and choice of clicky, linear, or tactile switches.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey R2
Media keys
Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $150.
- FR4 positioning plate.
- Dedicated multimedia keys.
- 100% layout.
Get the
Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
- Customizable display screen.
- Clicky, linear, and tactile switch options.
- 95% layout.
Choose the Jamesdonkey R2 if you want a 100% layout, FR4 plate, and dedicated multimedia keys. Choose the R2 Pro if its customizable display, 95% layout, or listed linear and tactile switch options matter more to you.
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.
Jamesdonkey R2
Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
Layout size
100%
95%
Switch options
Clicky
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Display
None
Yes
A case display rather than a typing feature
Media keys
Yes
No
Released
2023
2024
- Jamesdonkey R2
- Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
- Performance
- 5652
- Build quality
- 6468
- Productivity
- 8874
- Customizability
- 8282
- Portability
- 6563
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 6,000 mAh
- Case material: Aluminum
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
The R2 Pro edges ahead for gaming and content creation on switch variety and its display, while the R2 suits office and programming setups that benefit from its fuller layout and dedicated media keys. Travel favors the R2 Pro's smaller listed layout, though both have wireless connectivity and the same listed battery capacity. Modding is a close call: both support hot-swapping and DIY kit options, with the R2 Pro listing more switch types and the R2 specifying an FR4 plate.
Pick the Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
- The R2 Pro lists clicky, linear, and tactile switch options, while the R2 metadata lists clicky switches.
- Both offer wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connectivity, plus RGB backlighting.
Jamesdonkey R2 vs R2 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 21 specs differ
Jamesdonkey R2
Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Jamesdonkey R2 vs R2 Pro: your questions
The R2 has a 100% layout, an FR4 plate, and dedicated multimedia keys. The R2 Pro has a 95% layout, a customizable display, and metadata listing clicky, linear, and tactile switches.
Yes. The R2 Pro is listed with a screen, and its vendor description calls it customizable. The Jamesdonkey R2 is listed without a screen.
The Jamesdonkey R2 has a 100% layout, while the R2 Pro has a 95% layout. Choose the R2 if you want the larger listed layout.
The R2 metadata lists clicky switches. The R2 Pro metadata lists clicky, linear, and tactile switch types.
Both are listed as hot-swappable. The R2 vendor description specifies support for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and the R2 Pro vendor description also specifies both 3-pin and 5-pin support.
Both list Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, as well as wired USB connectivity. The R2 Pro vendor description identifies its wired connection as USB.
Both keyboards list a 6000mAh battery. The vendor descriptions for both claim battery life of up to five weeks, with the R2 description noting that RGB settings affect battery life.
Yes. The R2 metadata lists an FR4 plate, and its vendor description calls it a customized FR4 positioning plate. An FR4 plate is not listed for the R2 Pro.
Both list knob support. The R2 vendor description says its multimedia knob defaults to volume adjustment, while the R2 Pro vendor description identifies a multifunction metallic knob.
The R2 is listed with multimedia keys. The R2 Pro feature list names a multifunction knob but does not list dedicated multimedia keys.
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