JamesDonkey RS2 Hot-Swappable Mechanical Keyboard Review – A 1800 Compact (96%) keyboard with a retro IBM design

I was impressed when I previously reviewed the JamesDonkey RS4. It is an excellent 87-Key TKl RGB mechanical keyboard that has both wireless and wired connectivity.

Recently, I have been reviewing the new JamesDonkey RS2. This is a 99-key which Google informs me is an 1800 Compact (96%).

You can find out more about JamesDonkey products here.

Specification

• Shockproof Gasket Pro Design.
• Customised 99-key layout.
• Triple connectivity modes.
• Multimedia function knob.
• Hot-swappable design.
• Full-key conflict-free operation.
• Dual-tone injection-molded PBT keycaps.
• Gateron G Pro mechanical switches.
• Ergonomic design.
• Supports both Mac and Windows systems with seamless switching.
• Bright white backlight.
• 3000mAh high-capacity battery.

Design / Features

You’d think there is not much to write about a keyboard design and features, but this is not the case, especially with this keyboard.

First up is the overall aesthetic. This comes in a retro beige colour with two tones of beige/brown used for the keys. The design isn’t a complete clone of an IBM keyboard, such as the Model M, but it is a beautiful modern interpretation of it.

The keyboard uses a Gasket Pro design where the positioning plate is suspended inside the keyboard with high-performance support and rebound materials which absorbs keystroke vibration providing a more pleasant typing experience.

Media Knob

Similar to the RS2, this has a media dial, but rather than on the side of the keyboard it has been shifted to a more traditional upper right. I find that this is a more usable location than the side-mounted dial that the RS4 had. The only thing that I miss from my larger keyboard is a dedicated pause key.

Connectivity

Just like the RS4, you have three modes of connectivity:

• USB-C
• Bluetooth
• 2.4Ghz

I have predominantly used this in the wired mode, but I spent a couple of days using the 2.4Ghz connectivity and tested the Bluetooth.

Performance is excellent. I am not keen on using Bluetooth normally, but it is convenient for a laptop, and it can pair with three different devices, so I can use this with a tablet and my laptop.

Swappable Mechanical Switches – Gateron Red

The FR4 glass fibre positioning plate is a hot swap design, and my keyboard was supplied with the Gateron Red switches (I was hoping for Brown). The Gateron Red is the most popular switch from this brand and I can see why. It is a linear switch which a much quieter sound than average. The pressure is more moderate, light and I found that my typing felt faster than average using these keys.

The hotswap design allows you to use any 3 or 5 pin switches and is suitable for most mechanical switch brands. Swapping out the switches is easy enough with the switch puller.

I have never tried a modular keyboard before, and I was eager to see how easy it is to do and how much of a difference swapping out different switches would make.

I ordered a pack of 35 green Gateron G Pro switches, costing me a reasonable £14.51. I chose the green switches because they are about as different from the red switches as you can get. These are clicky keys with a large actuation force of 80g, which provide a retro typewriter touch and perhaps something that is a bit closer to the IBM Model M this keyboard is styled on.

Within the packaging, there are two tools, one keycap remover and the other a switch remover. They keycap remover is extremely easy to use, slot it down over the cap and pull it up with a wiggle to help. Removing the switches is harder as this requires quite a bit of effort, but it is reasonably easy.

The process itself is quite easy, but it will be time-consuming to do all the switches.

Typing Experience / In Use

Like most of my keyboard reviews, I assume I prefer clicky keys, but once I use a different type, I quickly adapt.

I found that these keys didn’t really require any time to get used to, I was able to type fast and accurately as normal. If anything, it feels like I can type a bit faster than my Thermaltake TT Premium X1 RGB with Cherry Blue switches.

When I swapped the switches, I didn’t do all of them, as I wanted to try and see what I preferred. I always thought I was a clicky key guy, but now I am not sure. I feel like I am a faster and more accurate typer with the reds.

Price and Alternative Options

The James Donkey RS2 is available from Mech Keys for just $79 or £67

The Keychron K4 is probably the closest alternative option, but it lacks the media dial and comes in a two-tone grey colourway. This has multiple switches and RGB options, but the closest comparison is the white backlight with hot swap Gateron G Pro priced at $89.

Overall

There is a lot to like about the JamesDonkey RS2. Obviously, the design may be divisive, but if you like the retro look, then this should certainly be on your shortlist.

I am quite fond of the 1800 Compact (96%) design, it is the first time using this style of keyboard. It works well for my office use, as I regularly use the number pad and I use the print screen button a lot.

I love the option of being able to swap out the switches. This seems like a logical design choice allowing people to try different styles of switch without the expense of committing to different keyboards.