Jamesdonkey RS2 V3 vs RS2Screen vs Battery & Build
Choose the RS2 for its larger battery and aluminum case, or the RS2 V3 for its integrated multi-function display screen.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey RS2 V3
Screen
- Includes a multi-function color display screen for showing time, date, and system status.
- Lighter weight (1134g) makes it more portable.
- Features a three-layered sound-absorbing foam design for a softer acoustic profile.
- Smaller 4000mAh battery capacity compared to the RS2.
- The vendor description does not explicitly list 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, only 'Three-Mode'.
- Case material is listed as ABS/PC, lacking the aluminum option of the RS2.
Get the
Jamesdonkey RS2
Battery & Build
- Larger 6000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Case material includes aluminum in its construction for a more premium feel.
- Explicitly supports triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
- Much heavier at 2200g, reducing portability.
- Lacks the multi-function display screen found on the RS2 V3.
- Customer reviews indicate the gasket mount uses foam pieces and can be difficult to disassemble for modding.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If long battery life, multi-device wireless connectivity, and a sturdier build are priorities, the original Jamesdonkey RS2 is the better option. If you value a built-in display for at-a-glance information, a lighter keyboard for travel, and more detailed sound-dampening features, the RS2 V3 is the way to go. Both are capable, mod-friendly boards sharing the same core layout.
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
Battery
4,000 mAh
6,000 mAh
Case material
ABS, Plastic
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Switch options
Clicky
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Jamesdonkey RS2 V3
- Jamesdonkey RS2
- Performance
- 4768
- Build quality
- 6177
- Productivity
- 6785
- Customizability
- 8583
- Portability
- 5165
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: FR4
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The original Jamesdonkey RS2 is the stronger choice for office and gaming use, thanks to its larger battery and confirmed triple-mode wireless. The RS2 V3 wins for travel due to its lighter weight and for content creation with its unique display. For programming and modding, the keyboards are closely matched, sharing core features like the layout and hot-swap sockets, though the V3 has more detailed sound-dampening construction.
Pick the Jamesdonkey RS2
- The RS2's listing includes triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired), offering a low-latency wireless option.
- Its heavier 2200g weight may provide more stability during intense use.
- The RS2 V3's vendor description only mentions 'Versatile Three-Mode Connectivity' without specifying 2.4 GHz.
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
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
Mac & Windows
Released
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Jamesdonkey RS2 V3 vs RS2: your questions
The most notable difference is the inclusion of a multi-function color display screen on the RS2 V3. The original RS2 lacks this screen but offers a larger 6000mAh battery and lists aluminum as part of its case construction.
The Jamesdonkey RS2 has a larger 6000mAh battery. The RS2 V3 has a 4000mAh battery. Based on the manufacturer's specifications, the RS2 should provide longer usage between charges.
Yes, but the specifics differ. The RS2 is explicitly listed with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. The RS2 V3 vendor description mentions 'Versatile Three-Mode Connectivity' but does not specify the inclusion of a 2.4 GHz dongle.
Yes, both keyboards feature full-key hot-swappable sockets that are compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing for easy switch customization.
The original Jamesdonkey RS2 is significantly heavier, weighing 2200g. The RS2 V3 weighs 1134g, making it the more portable option of the two.
Both the Jamesdonkey RS2 and RS2 V3 come with PBT keycaps. The RS2 V3 description specifies they are dual-tone injection molded, while the RS2 listing describes them as double-shot PBT.
According to the manufacturer's description for the RS2 V3, the multi-function display screen integrates a power display, along with time, date, and keyboard operation indicators.
Yes. The vendor listing for the original RS2 states it supports macOS and iOS. The RS2 V3 description also mentions support for both Mac and Windows systems.
Both use a gasket pro structure design. The RS2 V3 description details a three-layered sound-absorbing foam design. A customer review for the original RS2 notes its gasket uses pieces of foam in a slit and that the bottom case is hollow.
Both are viable, but the RS2 V3's vendor description provides more detail on its internal sound-dampening construction with three foam layers. However, a review for the RS2 mentions it can be difficult to disassemble due to grooved side panels.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey RS2 and RS2 V3 include a multimedia volume knob for easy audio control.
According to the vendor, the Jamesdonkey RS2 V3 is available with a choice of Gateron G Pro 2.0 Silver or Kailh Box V2 Red mechanical switches.
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