Jamesdonkey R2 Pro vs R495% Screen vs 75% QMK Keyboard
Choose the R2 Pro for a full layout with a screen and longer battery, or the R4 for a compact, QMK-compatible design that's easier to carry.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
95% Screen
- Includes a customizable display screen for system info and settings.
- Larger 6000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- 95% layout with 98 keys retains the numpad in a compact form.
Get the
Jamesdonkey R4
75% QMK Keyboard
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 75% boards under $200.
- More compact 75% layout saves significant desk space.
- Supports QMK for advanced, open-source key remapping.
- Lighter weight of 1900g improves portability.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Select the Jamesdonkey R2 Pro if you need a numpad, value a customizable screen for at-a-glance information, and want maximum battery life. Choose the Jamesdonkey R4 if you prefer a space-saving 75% layout, demand the extensive customization of QMK firmware, and need a more portable keyboard. Both are solid choices for their respective layouts.
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 Pro
Jamesdonkey R4
Layout size
95%
75%
Battery
6,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Display
Yes
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
2,205 g
1,900 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
- Jamesdonkey R4
- Performance
- 5254
- Build quality
- 6867
- Productivity
- 7463
- Customizability
- 8279
- Portability
- 6377
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The R2 Pro wins for office work and content creation due to its numpad and screen, while the R4 is better for programming and travel thanks to its compact size and QMK support. For gaming and modding, both are equally capable, sharing core features like hot-swap and gasket mounts. Your primary tasks will dictate the winner.
It's a tie
- Both offer triple-mode connectivity with a 2.4GHz wireless option for low latency.
- Both feature full-key hot-swappable sockets for customizing switch feel.
- Both have gasket mount designs for a softer typing experience.
Jamesdonkey R2 Pro vs R4 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 20 specs differ
Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
Jamesdonkey R4
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Jamesdonkey R2 Pro vs R4: your questions
The primary difference is the layout and a key feature. The R2 Pro uses a 95% layout with 98 keys, including a numpad, and features a customizable display screen. The R4 uses a more compact 75% layout and supports QMK open-source firmware for deep customization, but has no screen.
The Jamesdonkey R2 Pro has a larger 6000mAh battery, while the R4 has a 4000mAh battery. Based on the manufacturer's specifications, the R2 Pro should offer longer wireless operation time between charges.
Yes, but the method and depth differ. The R4 explicitly supports QMK, an open-source firmware that allows for extensive key remapping and macro programming. The R2 Pro's listing does not mention QMK, suggesting it may use proprietary software for customization.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey R2 Pro and R4 feature full-key hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to change mechanical switches without any soldering required.
The Jamesdonkey R4 is better for a small desk due to its 75% layout. It omits the numpad and navigation cluster found on the larger 95% R2 Pro, resulting in a significantly smaller footprint.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey R2 Pro and R4 offer triple-mode connectivity. This includes a 2.4GHz wireless dongle for low latency, Bluetooth for multi-device pairing, and a wired USB-C connection.
Both the Jamesdonkey R2 Pro and R4 use a gasket mount design. This involves mounting the plate and PCB on soft gaskets to isolate typing vibrations and create a softer, more cushioned typing feel.
Yes, according to the vendor description, the Jamesdonkey R2 Pro is available in a 'Kit Only' option, which typically means it comes without switches and keycaps for a custom build.
The Jamesdonkey R4 is specified as having south-facing RGB LEDs. South-facing LEDs improve compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps by reducing interference, a detail not mentioned for the R2 Pro.
Yes, both keyboards come with PBT keycaps according to their specifications. The R2 Pro uses dye-sublimated PBT, while the R4 uses dual-tone injection-molded PBT.
The Jamesdonkey R2 Pro weighs 2205 grams (or 1805g for the kit version). The Jamesdonkey R4 weighs 1900 grams. This makes the R4 the lighter of the two pre-built options.
Not sold on either?
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