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Compare Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0 vs RS2 4.0 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two generations of Jamesdonkey's 96% aluminum keyboard. The choice is difficult because both share a gasket-mounted aluminum build, triple-mode connectivity, and hot-swappable sockets. The decision hinges on whether you value the RS2 3.0's integrated LED screen or the RS2 4.0's comprehensive upgrades in software, latency, and included features like a knob and sound dampening.

63
JAMESDONKEY RS2 3.0 LED Screen Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
80
JAMESDONKEY RS2 4.0 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2023
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Weighs about 1140 g
  • Sized at 34 x 138 x 405 mm
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a No display
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Weighs about 1150 g
  • Sized at 34 x 405 x 138 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 50.4
  • Build Quality: 70.5
  • Productivity: 56.7
  • Customizability: 57.8
  • Portability: 52
Scores
  • Performance: 57.6
  • Build Quality: 70.6
  • Productivity: 92.7
  • Customizability: 82.1
  • Portability: 53.4
Name
Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0
Name
Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%, 95%
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
4000 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
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
34 x 138 x 405 mm
Dimensions
34 x 405 x 138 mm
Weight
1140g
Weight
1150g
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Pros and Trade-offs

For almost all users, the Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0 is the better choice. It provides significant upgrades in software, claimed latency, and practical features like a knob and sound dampening, often at a lower cost. Only consider the RS2 3.0 if the novelty of its customizable LED screen is your absolute top priority and you are willing to forgo the other enhancements.

Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0

  • +Features a unique multi-functional LED screen for displaying custom images and system info.
  • +Built with an aluminum case and a gasket mount structure for a premium feel.
  • +Uses Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches rated for 80 million keystrokes.
  • −Lacks RGB backlighting, offering only the LED screen for visual feedback.
  • −Does not include advanced features like a volume knob or QMK software support.
  • −Appears to be priced higher than the newer RS2 4.0 model.

Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0

  • +Offers QMK-based web driver support for extensive software customization.
  • +Vendor claims a low-latency wireless mode of 1~2ms for faster response.
  • +Includes a multimedia volume knob and 22 RGB lighting effects.
  • +Features four layers of internal sound dampening foam for a better acoustic profile.
  • +Comes with custom Kailh Jam Ice Cream linear switches.
  • −Does not include the LED screen found on the RS2 3.0.
  • −The Kailh switches have a rated lifespan of 50 million keystrokes, lower than the Gateron switches in the 3.0.
  • −Available in limited color options (Red or Green) according to the vendor page.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The RS2 4.0 is the decisive winner for most use cases, particularly gaming, office work, programming, and content creation, due to its feature set and claimed performance improvements. It ties with the RS2 3.0 only for travel, as their portability specs are virtually identical. For modding, the RS2 4.0's QMK support and detailed internal padding give it a clear edge. The RS2 3.0's primary advantage is its unique LED screen, which isn't a deciding factor in any specific productivity category outlined here.

GamingJamesdonkey RS2 4.0
  • •The RS2 4.0 vendor page claims a low-latency connectivity of 1~2ms, which is stated to be faster than the previous model.
  • •It includes 22 different RGB lighting effects, while the RS2 3.0 has no RGB.
  • •Both share the same triple-mode wireless connectivity for flexibility.
OfficeJamesdonkey RS2 4.0
  • •The RS2 4.0 includes dedicated multimedia keys and a volume knob for quick controls.
  • •Its vendor description highlights a four-layer internal padding for a quieter typing experience, which is beneficial in shared spaces.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows systems.
ProgrammingJamesdonkey RS2 4.0
  • •The RS2 4.0 offers QMK support and a web-based driver for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • •It maintains the full 96% layout with a numpad, identical to the RS2 3.0.
  • •The Kailh Jam Ice Cream switches have a 1.0mm pre-travel, which may suit fast typists.
TravelTie
  • •Both keyboards have identical dimensions (405 x 138 x 34 mm) and nearly identical weights (1140g vs 1150g).
  • •Both feature the same 4000mAh battery capacity and triple-mode wireless connectivity.
  • •Neither is particularly lightweight or compact compared to smaller form factors.
ModdingJamesdonkey RS2 4.0
  • •The RS2 4.0 explicitly supports QMK firmware, offering deeper customization than the RS2 3.0.
  • •It comes with four layers of internal foam (ASL Sandwich Foam, IXPE Undershaft padding, silicone bottom padding) for acoustic tuning.
  • •Both are hot-swappable and use standard PBT keycaps.
Content CreationJamesdonkey RS2 4.0
  • •The RS2 4.0's multimedia knob provides tactile control for scrubbing timelines or adjusting volume.
  • •Its QMK support allows for creating complex macros for editing software.
  • •The claimed lower latency can be beneficial for real-time audio/video work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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