Jamesdonkey R2 vs RS2 4.0DIY Kit vs Pre-Built Keyboard
Choose the R2 if you want a heavier, fully customizable DIY kit, or the RS2 4.0 for a lighter, pre-built option with QMK support.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey R2
DIY Kit
Build quality in the top 30% of 100% boards under $150.
- Sold as a customizable DIY kit for hands-on builders.
- Larger 6000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- Includes a custom FR4 positioning plate.
Get the
Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0
Pre-Built Keyboard
Build quality in the top 40% of 96% boards under $100.
- Comes pre-built and ready to use out of the box.
- Explicitly supports QMK and a web-based driver for customization.
- Much lighter at 1150g, making it easier to move.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Your choice depends primarily on your desired involvement level. Opt for the Jamesdonkey R2 if you enjoy building keyboards from a kit and prioritize maximum battery life. Choose the Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0 if you want a lighter, pre-assembled keyboard with robust QMK software support for key remapping.
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 RS2 4.0
Layout size
100%
96%
Battery
6,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Switch options
Clicky
Linear
Weight
2,205 g
1,150 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Jamesdonkey R2
- Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0
- Performance
- 5758
- Build quality
- 6571
- Productivity
- 8893
- Customizability
- 8282
- Portability
- 6553
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The RS2 4.0 wins for programming due to QMK support and for travel due to its much lighter weight. The R2 is the clear choice for modding enthusiasts as a DIY kit. For gaming, office use, and content creation, the keyboards are closely matched, sharing core features like connectivity, layout, and acoustic design.
It's a tie
- Both offer low-latency 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- Both feature gasket-mounted designs for a soft typing feel.
- The R2 has a larger 6000mAh battery for longer wireless sessions.
Jamesdonkey R2 vs RS2 4.0 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 22 specs differ
Jamesdonkey R2
Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0
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
QMK
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Jamesdonkey R2 vs RS2 4.0: your questions
The R2 is sold as a DIY kit requiring assembly, while the RS2 4.0 is a pre-built keyboard. The R2 is also much heavier and has a larger battery, whereas the RS2 4.0 is lighter and supports QMK firmware.
The RS2 4.0 is better suited for programming. Its listing highlights support for QMK and a web-based driver, allowing for deep key remapping and macro creation which is valuable for coding workflows.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable sockets. This means you can replace the switches without soldering. The R2 kit supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The Jamesdonkey R2 has a larger 6000mAh battery, which the vendor claims can last up to 5 weeks. The RS2 4.0 has a 4000mAh battery, which would likely require more frequent charging.
Yes, significantly. The R2 weighs 2205 grams, while the RS2 4.0 weighs 1150 grams. The R2's weight is due to its construction and larger battery, offering a more substantial desk presence.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey R2 and RS2 4.0 include a customizable multimedia knob, with a default function for volume control according to their vendor descriptions.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount design. The vendor descriptions mention a 'Gasket Pro structure' which uses silicone sleeves and Poron gaskets to suspend the PCB for a softer typing feel.
The RS2 4.0 comes pre-built with Kailh Jam Ice Cream linear switches. These are custom POM material switches with a 37gf actuation force, as specified in the product listing.
The vendor description for the R2 lists it as a 'DIY Kit' and mentions it includes 'Durable PBT Five-Sided Heat Sublimation Keycaps' and 'Customized POM Material Linear Mechanical Switches', suggesting key components are included for assembly.
The Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0 is more portable. It weighs nearly half as much as the R2 (1150g vs 2205g), making it the better choice for users who need to move their keyboard frequently.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey R2 and RS2 4.0 list Mac and Windows support in their extra features, ensuring compatibility with the major operating systems.
Both have internal sound dampening. The R2 listing mentions IXPE undershaft padding, Sandwich Poron padding, and silicone bottom cover padding. The RS2 4.0 mentions four layers including ASL Sandwich Foam, IXPE, and silicone padding.
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