Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0 vs RS2QMK or FR4 Plate?
Get the RS2 4.0 for QMK support, its specified linear Kailh switches and four-layer padding, or the RS2 for an FR4 plate, multiple switch types and a DIY kit.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0
QMK
Build quality in the top 35% of 96% boards under $100.
- QMK support.
- Vendor-described Kailh Jam Ice Cream linear switches with a 1.0 mm trigger stroke.
- Four layers of internal sound- and shock-absorbing padding, including ASL sandwich foam, IXPE undershaft padding and silicone bottom padding.
Get the
Jamesdonkey RS2
Battery
Build quality in the top 25% of 96% boards under $100.
- DIY kit or barebones option for a build-focused setup.
- FR4 plate material.
- Tactile, linear and clicky switch types are listed.
Choose the RS2 4.0 for QMK support, its specified linear Kailh switches and four-layer internal padding. Choose the RS2 if you want the DIY-kit option, an FR4 plate and a choice among tactile, linear and clicky switch types.
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 4.0
Jamesdonkey RS2
Battery
4,000 mAh
6,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Aluminum
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Weight
1,150 g
2,200 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0
- Jamesdonkey RS2
- Performance
- 5768
- Build quality
- 7076
- Productivity
- 9385
- Customizability
- 8282
- Portability
- 5365
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The RS2 4.0 has the clearer fit for gaming, office use, programming and carrying between workspaces, based on its specified switches, QMK support and lower listed weight. The RS2 is the more build-oriented choice, with a DIY-kit option, an FR4 plate and more switch types listed. For content creation, both offer a multimedia knob, media keys, RGB and the same listed connection modes. Neither has an advantage in those shared features.
Pick the Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0
- The RS2 4.0 vendor description specifies Kailh linear switches with a 1.0 mm trigger stroke.
- The vendor claims 1–2 ms low-latency connectivity for the RS2 4.0; that claim is specific to this model.
Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0 vs RS2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 22 specs differ
Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0
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
QMK
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Jamesdonkey RS2 4.0 vs RS2: your questions
The RS2 4.0 lists QMK support and comes as a pre-built keyboard with linear switches. The RS2 lists an FR4 plate, a DIY-kit option and tactile, linear and clicky switch types.
Yes, QMK support is listed for the RS2 4.0. QMK support is not listed for the RS2.
The RS2 4.0 is the more directly specified gaming option: its vendor description names Kailh linear switches with a 1.0 mm trigger stroke. The same vendor claims 1–2 ms low-latency connectivity for the 4.0.
The RS2 is listed as a DIY kit or barebones option, and its vendor listing describes a kit with an FR4 plate. The RS2 4.0 is listed as pre-built and includes QMK support.
The RS2 lists tactile, linear and clicky switch types. The RS2 4.0 is listed as linear, and its vendor description identifies Kailh Jam Ice Cream switches.
Both product listings include hot-swappable switches. The RS2 vendor description specifies compatibility with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The Jamesdonkey RS2 lists an FR4 plate in its specifications and vendor description. An FR4 plate is not listed for the RS2 4.0.
The RS2 is listed with a 6000 mAh battery, while the RS2 4.0 is listed with a 4000 mAh battery. The RS2 vendor description separately mentions a 3000 mAh battery, so its listing details differ.
The RS2 4.0 is listed at 1150 g, while the RS2 is listed at 2200 g. On those listed product weights, the RS2 4.0 is lighter.
Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz and wired connectivity. The RS2 4.0 vendor description identifies the wired connection as USB Type-C.
The RS2 4.0 vendor description specifies four layers, including ASL sandwich foam, IXPE undershaft padding and silicone bottom padding. The RS2 vendor description mentions noise-canceling cotton and shaft pads.
Yes, both list knob support and multimedia keys. The RS2 vendor description says its knob can be used to adjust volume.
Not sold on either?
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