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Compare Jamesdonkey R2 vs R2 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Jamesdonkey's two high-spec aluminum gasket mount keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a core feature set: triple-mode connectivity, a 6000mAh battery, hot-swappable sockets, and a multi-layered internal silencing structure. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a complete 100% layout or a 95% layout with the novelty of a customizable screen.

77
JAMESDONKEY R2 Aluiminum Wireless DIY Kit
73
JAMESDONKEY R2Pro Aluminium Gasket Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Includes a No display
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Sized at 45 x 401 x 146 mm
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Available in a 95% layout
  • Includes a Yes display
Scores
  • Performance: 57.4
  • Build Quality: 65.1
  • Productivity: 88.5
  • Customizability: 82.7
  • Portability: 65
Scores
  • Performance: 53.3
  • Build Quality: 69.1
  • Productivity: 74.1
  • Customizability: 83.2
  • Portability: 63.6
Name
Jamesdonkey R2
Name
Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%, 96%
Layout Size
95%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
6000 mAh
Battery capacity
6000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
45 x 401 x 146 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
2205g
Weight
2205g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad and dedicated media keys for office work or content creation, the Jamesdonkey R2 is the logical pick. If you prefer a slightly more compact layout and value the novelty or potential utility of an integrated display, the R2 Pro is the alternative, provided you can find it in stock. For all other uses, the experience will be nearly identical.

Jamesdonkey R2

  • +Full 100% layout with a dedicated numpad for data entry.
  • +Explicitly listed multi-media keys for quick audio and playback control.
  • +Includes a customized FR4 positioning plate according to its specifications.
  • +Comes with a 2.4G receiver and cable in the kit, as listed in its contents.
  • −Larger 100% footprint may be less desk-space efficient.
  • −No integrated display screen for system information or customization.
  • −Switch options are listed only as 'Clicky' in the core specs.

Jamesdonkey R2 Pro

  • +95% layout offers a slightly more compact design than a full-size board.
  • +Features a customizable display screen for showing system info or graphics.
  • +Switch options include Clicky, Linear, and Tactile in the core specifications.
  • +Available in both kit and fully-assembled versions for different buyer preferences.
  • −Lacks the explicit mention of dedicated multi-media keys found on the R2.
  • −The screen may add complexity without a defined productivity benefit for all users.
  • −Vendor listings showed it as sold out at the time of comparison.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The R2 holds a clear advantage for office and content creation due to its full-size layout with dedicated media keys. For travel, the R2 Pro's 95% form factor is slightly more portable. In gaming, programming, and modding, the keyboards are essentially tied, sharing their core aluminum gasket-mount construction, hot-swap capability, and extensive internal sound-dampening features.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer the same triple-mode connectivity for low-latency options.
  • •Both feature the same gasket mount design and multi-layered internal padding for acoustics.
  • •Both have full-key hot-swappable sockets for switch customization.
OfficeJamesdonkey R2
  • •The R2's 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
  • •The R2's product listing explicitly mentions multi-media keys for quick controls.
  • •Both share the same long 6000mAh battery life for extended wireless use.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards use PBT keycaps for durability.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows operating systems.
  • •Both offer a knob that can be customized for various functions, potentially for scrolling.
TravelJamesdonkey R2 Pro
  • •The R2 Pro uses a 95% layout, which is slightly more compact than the R2's 100% layout.
  • •Both share the same heavy 2205g weight, but the R2 Pro's smaller footprint may fit better in some bags.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are available as DIY kits or fully assembled.
  • •Both have full-key hot-swappable sockets supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • •Both feature a gasket mount design with internal foam layers like IXPE and Poron for customization.
Content CreationJamesdonkey R2
  • •The R2's full 100-key layout provides direct access to a numpad for timeline scrubbing or numerical inputs.
  • •The R2's listing specifically highlights customizable multi-media keys for software control.
  • •The R2 Pro's screen could display system stats, but its utility for creative workflows is not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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