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Compare Jamesdonkey R2 Pro vs R4 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich, aluminum gasket-mount keyboards from Jamesdonkey. The choice is difficult because both offer triple-mode connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and premium builds. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize the R2 Pro's larger 95% layout with a customizable screen and bigger battery, or the R4's more portable 75% form factor with QMK support and a lighter weight.

73
JAMESDONKEY R2Pro Aluminium Gasket Mechanical Keyboard
69
JAMESDONKEY R4 Gasket QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Available in a 95% layout
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2205 g
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Includes a No display
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • 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: 53.3
  • Build Quality: 69.1
  • Productivity: 74.1
  • Customizability: 83.2
  • Portability: 63.6
Scores
  • Performance: 54.9
  • Build Quality: 67
  • Productivity: 62.9
  • Customizability: 80
  • Portability: 76.7
Name
Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
Name
Jamesdonkey R4
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
95%
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
-
Dimensions
45 x 150 x 329 mm
Weight
2205g
Weight
1900g
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Jamesdonkey R2 Pro

  • +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.
  • +Available in a DIY kit configuration for custom builds.
  • +Multi-layered silencing structure with IXPE and PORON foam.
  • −Heavier at 2205g, making it less portable.
  • −Larger 95% footprint requires more desk space.
  • −Lacks the open-source QMK firmware support of the R4.

Jamesdonkey R4

  • +More compact 75% layout saves significant desk space.
  • +Supports QMK for advanced, open-source key remapping.
  • +Lighter weight of 1900g improves portability.
  • +Features south-facing RGB LEDs for better compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Manufacturer lists compatibility with multiple internal structures (gasket/top-mounted).
  • −Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the R2 Pro.
  • −No integrated display screen.
  • −Lacks a dedicated numpad, which some users require.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie
  • •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.
OfficeJamesdonkey R2 Pro
  • •The R2 Pro's 95% layout includes a numpad, which is beneficial for data entry.
  • •It has a larger 6000mAh battery, potentially offering longer wireless use between charges.
  • •The customizable screen can display date, time, and other productivity indicators.
ProgrammingJamesdonkey R4
  • •The R4's 75% layout saves desk space while retaining arrow and function keys.
  • •It supports QMK for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Its listed weight of 1900g is lighter than the R2 Pro's 2205g, which may reduce wrist strain over long sessions.
TravelJamesdonkey R4
  • •The R4 is a more compact 75% layout, taking up less space in a bag.
  • •It is lighter, at 1900g compared to the R2 Pro's 2205g.
  • •Both have wireless connectivity, but the smaller form factor is more portable.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature full-key hot-swappable sockets for easy switch changes.
  • •Both use gasket mount designs and PBT keycaps as a starting point for modifications.
  • •The R2 Pro is listed as available in a DIY kit option, while the R4's listing mentions compatibility with multiple internal structures (gasket/top-mounted).
Content CreationJamesdonkey R2 Pro
  • •The R2 Pro's included multimedia knob provides quick control over volume and screen settings.
  • •The 95% layout offers dedicated number keys for shortcut macros and timeline scrubbing.
  • •The larger screen can be customized to show system information or creative software status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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