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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

Jamesdonkey R2 Pro vs Qwertykeys QK101

Choose the QK101 for ISO support, dual mounting, and 4000 Hz polling, or the R2 Pro if you want its metallic knob and vendor-described assembled option.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Jamesdonkey R2 Pro

Knob

If you want

  • 95% layout with a listed weight of 2205 g.
  • CNC-machined aluminum case and gasket construction, with IXPE, PORON, and silicone padding described by the vendor.
  • Vendor describes a customizable display and multi-function metallic knob.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Get the

Qwertykeys QK101

Battery

Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Supports ANSI and ISO layouts in a full-size format.
  • Aluminum and copper case materials are listed, with FR4 and aluminum plate options.
  • Supports both gasket and top-mount assembly.

Bottom line

Choose the QK101 if you need ISO support, want to select between gasket and top mounting, or prioritize its listed 4000 Hz polling rate. Pick the R2 Pro if the metallic knob and its vendor-described fully assembled option matter more than those differences. Before ordering the QK101, check the specific listing carefully, as its vendor description identifies it as a barebones kit without switches or keycaps.

What actually differs

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

Qwertykeys QK101

  • Layout size

    95%

    100%

  • Battery

    6,000 mAh

    8,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Aluminum, Copper

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount

    Gasket Mount, Top Mount

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Jamesdonkey R2 Pro
  • Qwertykeys QK101
Performance
52
78
Build quality
68
91
Productivity
74
82
Customizability
82
85
Portability
63
63

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The QK101 has the edge for gaming, office work, programming, and modding, particularly for buyers who value its polling-rate listing, ISO support, VIA, or assembly options. The R2 Pro is the more travel-oriented pick of these two based on its smaller listed layout and lower listed weight. Its metallic knob makes it a better fit for buyers who want that dedicated control on a content-creation desk. Both offer wireless modes, screens, RGB, and hot-swappable sockets.

For gaming

Pick the Qwertykeys QK101

  • The QK101 lists a 4000 Hz polling rate, while the R2 Pro has no polling rate listed.
  • Both offer wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connectivity.
  • The QK101 offers a 1.2 mm flex-cut PCB option with RGB or a 1.6 mm non-flex-cut option without RGB.

Full specs

Jamesdonkey R2 Pro vs Qwertykeys QK101 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

13 of 24 specs differ

Jamesdonkey R2 Pro

Qwertykeys QK101

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

95%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

Yes
TFT, OLED

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
4,000 Hz

Battery

6,000 mAh
8,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum, Copper

Plate material

—
Aluminum, FR4

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

2,205 g
2,000 g

Dimensions

—
50 x 440 x 140 mm

Typing angle

—
5°

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

VIA

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2024
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Jamesdonkey R2 Pro

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Qwertykeys QK101

Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Jamesdonkey R2 Pro vs Qwertykeys QK101: your questions

No. The R2 Pro is listed as ANSI, and its compatibility rule says ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered. The QK101 supports ANSI and ISO layouts.

Yes. The QK101 is listed for ANSI and ISO, and its vendor description says both PCB options support those physical layouts. The R2 Pro is ANSI-only.

The QK101 lists a 4000 Hz polling rate. No polling-rate figure is listed for the Jamesdonkey R2 Pro, so this spec alone does not establish a direct comparison.

The QK101 is listed at 2000 g, while the R2 Pro is listed at 2205 g. Both are substantial keyboards, and the QK101 is also full-size while the R2 Pro is listed as 95%.

Both list Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, as well as wired use. The QK101 vendor description specifies USB-C for its wired connection.

Yes. The R2 Pro is listed with knob support, and its vendor description specifically identifies a multi-function metallic knob. The vendor says the knob can also be used to enter the screen menu with the Fn key.

Yes. QK's vendor description says the keyboard is programmable through its custom VIA web configurator. The R2 Pro's listed features do not identify VIA support.

The vendor listing describes the QK101 as a barebones DIY kit and says it does not include switches or keycaps. Check the exact package listing before buying, especially if you expect an assembled keyboard.

Both are listed as hot-swappable. The R2 Pro vendor description specifies full-key sockets supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches, while QK's description confirms hot-swap support.

The QK101 supports gasket and top-mount assembly. Its vendor listing also describes four plate options, so buyers can choose among listed build components.

The R2 Pro lists a 6000 mAh battery, and the QK101 lists an 8000 mAh battery. QK's vendor description specifies two 4000 mAh batteries; it recommends the non-RGB PCB for better battery performance.

Both list a screen. The R2 Pro vendor describes a customizable display with settings such as indicators and date/time, while QK's listing describes built-in themes and custom background and foreground GIFs that sync with typing speed.

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