Jamesdonkey RS2 vs James Donkey RS2 V2White Light vs RGB Backlight
Choose the RS2 V2 for its full RGB lighting and newer Gateron G Pro 2.0 switches, or the original RS2 for its white backlight and broader initial switch selection.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey RS2
White Light
Build quality in the top 25% of 96% boards under $100.
- Offers a white backlight option for a simpler, cleaner aesthetic.
- Initial switch options included tactile, linear, and clicky varieties (Gateron G Pro).
- Features a silencing padded structure with noise-canceling cotton and shaft pads.
Get the
Jamesdonkey James Donkey RS2 V2
RGB Backlight
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 96% boards under $100.
- Features full RGB backlighting for customizable lighting effects.
- Includes N-Key Rollover for guaranteed full keypress registration.
- Uses updated Gateron G Pro 2.0 mechanical switches.
The Jamesdonkey RS2 V2 is the logical choice for most buyers, providing meaningful upgrades like RGB lighting, N-Key Rollover, and newer switches for a similar cost. Only choose the original RS2 if you specifically prefer a white-only backlight or want a broader selection of switch types (tactile, linear, clicky) out of the box from its initial listing.
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
Jamesdonkey James Donkey RS2 V2
Battery
6,000 mAh
3,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic
ABS, Polycarbonate
Weight
2,200 g
950 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
N-key rollover
No
Yes
- Jamesdonkey RS2
- Jamesdonkey James Donkey RS2 V2
- Performance
- 6864
- Build quality
- 7656
- Productivity
- 8585
- Customizability
- 8283
- Portability
- 6555
- 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 V2 holds slight advantages for gaming and content creation due to its N-Key Rollover and RGB lighting, while also appealing to modders with its mentioned EVA foam. For office work, programming, and travel, the keyboards are functionally identical, sharing core specs like layout, connectivity, and battery life. The choice largely comes down to aesthetic preference for lighting and keycap profile.
Pick the Jamesdonkey James Donkey RS2 V2
- The RS2 V2 is listed with N-Key Rollover, a feature not explicitly mentioned for the original RS2.
- Full RGB backlighting may offer more customization for gaming setups.
- Both share the same 96% layout with a multimedia knob for quick audio control.
Jamesdonkey RS2 vs James Donkey RS2 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 22 specs differ
Jamesdonkey RS2
Jamesdonkey James Donkey 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
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Jamesdonkey RS2 vs James Donkey RS2 V2: your questions
The primary differences are the backlighting and switches. The RS2 has a white backlight and uses Gateron G Pro switches, while the RS2 V2 has full RGB lighting and uses Gateron G Pro 2.0 switches. The V2 also explicitly lists N-Key Rollover and mentions EVA foam in its construction.
Yes. Both the Jamesdonkey RS2 and RS2 V2 feature a hot-swappable design. According to the manufacturer, they are compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
Yes. Both keyboards are equipped with a 3000mAh rechargeable battery. The vendor claims this provides up to four weeks of battery life on a single charge.
They use different keycap profiles. The original RS2 comes with OEM profile PBT keycaps. The RS2 V2 comes with CSA profile PBT keycaps. Both are double-shot for durability.
Yes. Both the Jamesdonkey RS2 and RS2 V2 list support for both Mac and Windows operating systems with seamless switching between them.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount design. The manufacturer describes it as a 'Shockproof Gasket Pro Design' that uses a suspension system and materials to absorb typing vibrations.
Yes. Both the Jamesdonkey RS2 and RS2 V2 include a multimedia function knob, which is primarily designed for volume control.
Based on the vendor description, the RS2 V2 comes equipped with Gateron G Pro 2.0 mechanical switches. The listing specifies it is available with silver switch options, which are linear.
Both keyboards feature a 96% layout with 99 keys. This compact design includes a numpad while omitting some navigation cluster keys to save space.
Yes. According to the manufacturer, both models feature a silencing padded structure design. This uses noise-canceling cotton and shaft pads to reduce cavity sound inside the keyboard.
Both keyboards offer triple connectivity modes. You can connect via Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, or a wired USB Type-C connection.
The keycaps are double-shot PBT, which typically allows for legends to be translucent. This would facilitate shine-through lighting for the white backlight on the RS2 and the RGB lighting on the RS2 V2.
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