Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0 vs RS2 V2Aluminum Build vs Feature-Rich Kit
Choose the RS2 3.0 for a premium aluminum build and screen, or the RS2 V2 for a more affordable, feature-rich kit with RGB and a knob.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0
Aluminum Build
- Aluminum case construction for a premium feel and durability.
- Includes a multi-functional LED screen for custom graphics and system info.
- Larger 4000mAh battery capacity for longer wireless use.
- No RGB backlighting.
- Heavier at 1140g.
- Appears to be a pre-built configuration only, with no barebones kit option mentioned.
Get the
Jamesdonkey RS2 V2
Feature-Rich Kit
- More affordable price point.
- Includes RGB backlighting and a multimedia control knob.
- Available as a DIY kit/barebones option for customization.
- Case is made of ABS/plastic, not aluminum.
- Smaller 3000mAh battery.
- No integrated screen.
Your budget and priority for materials versus features will guide this decision. If a solid aluminum build and a unique screen are worth the higher cost, the RS2 3.0 is the clear choice. If you value RGB lighting, a volume knob, extensive sound-dampening, and the option to build the keyboard yourself for less money, the RS2 V2 is the more practical and customizable pick.
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 3.0
Jamesdonkey RS2 V2
Battery
4,000 mAh
3,000 mAh
Case material
Aluminum
ABS, Plastic
Switch options
Linear
Clicky
Knob
No
Yes
Display
Yes
None
- Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0
- Jamesdonkey RS2 V2
- Performance
- 5064
- Build quality
- 7256
- Productivity
- 5785
- Customizability
- 5982
- Portability
- 5255
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The RS2 V2 is the more versatile choice for gamers, programmers, and modders due to its included RGB, N-Key Rollover, knob, and barebones kit option. The RS2 3.0's advantages lie in its aluminum construction and customizable screen, making it a contender for content creators and those prioritizing build material. For office use and travel, the decision is closer, hinging on the trade-off between the 3.0's larger battery and the V2's lighter weight.
Pick the Jamesdonkey RS2 V2
- The RS2 V2 includes N-Key Rollover for full anti-ghosting.
- It features RGB backlighting, which is not present on the RS2 3.0.
- The listing mentions a dedicated multimedia knob for quick audio adjustments.
Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0 vs RS2 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 21 specs differ
Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0
Jamesdonkey RS2 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0 vs RS2 V2: your questions
The most significant difference is the case material. The RS2 3.0 uses an aluminum case, while the RS2 V2 uses a chassis made of ABS and PC plastic. This contributes to the 3.0 being nearly 200g heavier.
Based on the vendor description, the RS2 V2 specifically mentions a silencing padded structure using noise-canceling cotton and shaft pads. The RS2 3.0's listing does not detail any specific sound-dampening materials beyond its gasket mount.
Yes, according to the manufacturer's description for the RS2 3.0, the multi-function screen allows you to customize the picture content displayed on it.
The RS2 V2 lists specific sound-dampening features like foam and cotton, which are designed to reduce cavity sound. However, it comes with clicky switches by default, while the RS2 3.0 uses linear switches, which are inherently quieter. For the quietest experience, you would likely need to install silent switches into the hot-swap sockets of either board.
The RS2 V2 is listed with an extra feature called 'Diy Kit/Barebones,' indicating it may be sold as an unassembled kit without switches and keycaps. You should verify the specific listing to see if a pre-built version is also available.
No. Only the RS2 V2 includes a multimedia volume knob, as stated in its features and vendor description. The RS2 3.0 does not list a knob as a feature.
The RS2 3.0 has a larger 4000mAh battery compared to the RS2 V2's 3000mAh battery. Assuming similar efficiency, the RS2 3.0 should offer longer battery life between charges.
Both use PBT keycaps, but the profiles differ. The RS2 3.0 uses two-colour PBT keycaps, while the RS2 V2 uses double-shot injection-molded PBT CSA profile keycaps, as per its vendor page.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey RS2 3.0 and RS2 V2 feature hot-swappable sockets. The RS2 3.0's listing states compatibility with 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and the V2's description confirms the same.
According to the metadata and vendor descriptions, the RS2 3.0 comes with Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches. The RS2 V2 comes with Gateron G Pro 2.0 switches, and the metadata specifies its default type as clicky.
Both are 96% (or 98/99-key) layout keyboards, so their overall footprint is very similar. The RS2 3.0's dimensions are listed as 405mm x 138mm x 34mm, while the V2's exact dimensions are not provided in the given data.
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