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Compare Jamesdonkey R2 vs R4 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two aluminum, gasket-mounted wireless keyboards from Jamesdonkey. The choice hinges on whether you need a full-size layout with a larger battery and a DIY kit, or a more compact 75% board with advanced firmware support. Both share core features like tri-mode connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and an aluminum case, making the layout and included components the primary differentiators.

77
JAMESDONKEY R2 Aluiminum Wireless DIY Kit
69
JAMESDONKEY R4 Gasket QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2205 g
  • Sized at 45 x 401 x 146 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1900 g
  • Sized at 45 x 150 x 329 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 57.4
  • Build Quality: 65.1
  • Productivity: 88.5
  • Customizability: 82.7
  • Portability: 65
Scores
  • Performance: 54.9
  • Build Quality: 67
  • Productivity: 62.9
  • Customizability: 80
  • Portability: 76.7
Name
Jamesdonkey R2
Name
Jamesdonkey R4
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%, 96%
Layout Size
75%
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
4000 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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
45 x 401 x 146 mm
Dimensions
45 x 150 x 329 mm
Weight
2205g
Weight
1900g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your decision should be guided by your need for a specific layout and your willingness to build. Opt for the Jamesdonkey R2 if you require a full-size keyboard with a numpad, prioritize maximum battery life, and enjoy assembling a DIY kit. Choose the Jamesdonkey R4 if you prefer a space-saving 75% layout, value the advanced key reprogramming of QMK, and want a pre-built keyboard ready to use immediately.

Jamesdonkey R2

  • +Full 100% layout with numpad for data entry and spreadsheets.
  • +Larger 6000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
  • +Sold as a DIY kit, ideal for custom builders.
  • +Includes a customizable multimedia control knob.
  • +Features a multi-layered internal sound dampening structure with IXPE, Poron, and silicone padding.
  • −Larger and heavier (2205g), making it less portable.
  • −Sold as a kit, requiring the user to source switches and keycaps separately.
  • −Lacks the advanced QMK firmware support found on the R4.

Jamesdonkey R4

  • +Compact 75% layout saves considerable desk space.
  • +Offers QMK compatibility for deep customization and reprogramming.
  • +Includes south-facing RGB LEDs for better keycap compatibility.
  • +Pre-built configuration is ready to use out of the box.
  • +Vendor listing mentions support for switching between gasket and top-mounted structures.
  • −Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the R2.
  • −No dedicated numpad, which some users may require.
  • −Slightly more expensive than the R2 based on listed prices.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The R2 is the clear choice for office work, content creation, and modding due to its full layout, larger battery, and DIY kit nature. The R4 wins for programming and travel, thanks to its compact 75% form factor and QMK support. For gaming, both keyboards are evenly matched on core wireless performance and customizability features, making it a tie.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer tri-mode connectivity with low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, according to their vendor pages.
  • •Both feature hot-swappable sockets for customizing switch feel.
  • •Both have gasket mount designs for a softer typing experience.
OfficeJamesdonkey R2
  • •The R2's 100% layout includes a numpad, which is beneficial for data entry.
  • •Its larger 6000mAh battery promises longer wireless use between charges.
  • •It includes a customizable multimedia knob for quick volume control.
ProgrammingJamesdonkey R4
  • •The R4's 75% layout saves desk space while retaining arrow and navigation keys.
  • •It offers QMK compatibility for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
TravelJamesdonkey R4
  • •The R4 is significantly more compact (329x150mm vs 401x146mm).
  • •It is lighter at 1900g compared to the R2's 2205g.
  • •Its 75% layout is more portable than a full-size board.
ModdingJamesdonkey R2
  • •The R2 is sold as a DIY kit, intended for builders to assemble with their own switches and keycaps.
  • •It includes a customized FR4 positioning plate.
  • •Its vendor description details a multi-layered internal padding structure with IXPE, Poron, and silicone layers.
Content CreationJamesdonkey R2
  • •The full-size layout provides dedicated media keys and a knob for timeline scrubbing or volume adjustment.
  • •The larger work surface can be advantageous when using shortcut keyboards or macro pads alongside it.
  • •The extended battery life is useful for long editing sessions without a cable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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