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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 30, 2026

Jamesdonkey RS2 V3 vs RS2Screen or Three Modes?

Choose the RS2 V3 for its built-in screen and lower weight, or the RS2 for Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired connectivity, and a larger battery.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Jamesdonkey RS2 V3

If you want

  • Built-in screen, with vendor-described indicators, power display, time, and date functions.
  • Weighs 1134g, lighter than the RS2’s listed 2200g.
  • 4000mAh battery capacity.

Get the

Jamesdonkey RS2

Battery

Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity are listed.
  • 6000mAh battery capacity.
  • Aluminum is listed alongside ABS and plastic for the case materials.

Rules this board out

  • Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.

Bottom line

Pick the RS2 V3 if a built-in screen and lower listed weight are your priorities. Choose the RS2 if you need Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired options, or prefer its larger listed battery. Both offer hot-swappable switches, an FR4 plate, and a media knob, so those features do not decide the comparison.

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 RS2 V3

Jamesdonkey RS2

  • Layout size

    95%

    96%

  • Connection

    Wireless

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Battery

    4,000 mAh

    6,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    ABS, Plastic

    ABS, Aluminum, Plastic

  • Switch options

    Clicky

    Clicky, Linear, Tactile

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Jamesdonkey RS2 V3
  • Jamesdonkey RS2
Performance
47
68
Build quality
61
76
Productivity
66
85
Customizability
85
82
Portability
51
65

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Knob
  • Sound dampening
  • Plate material: FR4
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The RS2 is the more flexible pick for desk use, with three connection modes and full-key conflict-free operation described by its vendor. The V3 has the clearer travel advantage because it weighs substantially less, and its built-in screen gives it a distinct appeal for users who want on-board information. Modding is closely matched because both are hot-swappable and use FR4 plates, though the RS2 is explicitly listed as a DIY kit. For content creation, the V3’s display is the standout differentiator, while both include a media knob.

For gaming

Pick the Jamesdonkey RS2

  • The RS2 lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, while the RS2 V3 is listed as wireless.
  • The RS2 vendor description specifies full-key conflict-free operation.

Full specs

Jamesdonkey RS2 V3 vs RS2 specs

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

9 of 21 specs differ

Jamesdonkey RS2 V3

Jamesdonkey RS2

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

95%
96%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

Yes
None

Media keys

Yes
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wireless
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

4,000 mAh
6,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic

Plate material

FR4
FR4

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

1,134 g
2,200 g

Dimensions

—
45 x 401 x 146 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2022

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.

FAQ

Jamesdonkey RS2 V3 vs RS2: your questions

The RS2 V3 has a built-in screen and weighs 1134g. The RS2 lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, and weighs 2200g.

Yes, the RS2 V3 is listed with a screen. Its vendor describes functions including indicators, power display, time, and date.

Yes, Bluetooth is one of the RS2’s listed connection options. The keyboard also lists 2.4 GHz and wired connectivity.

The RS2 V3 weighs 1134g, while the RS2 weighs 2200g. That makes the V3 the lighter of these two keyboards.

Both models are listed as hot-swappable. The RS2 V3 vendor specifies 3- and 5-pin compatible sockets, and the RS2 vendor also describes compatibility with 3- and 5-pin switches.

The RS2 V3 is listed with a 4000mAh battery, and the RS2 with a 6000mAh battery. The RS2 vendor description gives a different capacity, so check the product listing for the exact version being sold.

Both models list a multimedia key or knob feature. The RS2 V3 vendor describes a metallic volume knob that can also be used while adjusting the screen.

Both product listings include Mac/Windows support. The RS2 vendor description also identifies Mac and Windows support.

The RS2 V3 is the lighter option at 1134g, compared with 2200g for the RS2. Both are listed as wireless, but the RS2 also lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired modes.

The RS2 is listed as a 96% layout, and its compatibility note describes a compact full-size layout with a numpad. It does not have the gaps of a full-size board.

Both the RS2 V3 and RS2 are listed with FR4 plates. The RS2 V3 vendor describes its plate as FR4 glass fiber.

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