Introduction

James Donkey is a peripheral brand established in 2014 that prides itself on offering compelling options even in a very crowded market. For a long time this came in the form of ergonomics-first peripherals, especially mice, although lately we have seen the brand go with uncommon keyboard form factors that are closer to full-size. The James Donkey RS2, for example, has 99 keys and offers hybrid wireless connectivity in addition to a good selection of features for a low price, which won a recommendation at the time of our review. That keyboard has since been replaced by the RS2 3.0 which includes an LCD screen for a slight premium over the original, but this left room for an upgraded take on the RS2 itself. Today we examine the James Donkey R2 which seems to be marketed under a sub-brand called Alpha LV to try and make it seem a more premium offering at the same time.


The James Donkey/Alpha LV R2 is a fancier, flashier take on the RS2 down to the use of the same form factor and key layout. This also retains the hybrid wireless connectivity support including Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz as well as ensuring it is on par with other contemporary pre-built mechanical keyboards today, by using hot-swap switch sockets, a gasket mount, plenty of sound dampening, and also enthusiast-designed switches. The R2 uses the RS2 as a base and ups the ante a few levels, be it with a larger internal battery or, more obviously, the use of thick CNC-machined aluminium alloy chassis in different colors to go with a matching keycap set that makes this look and feel high end without necessarily having the associated high price tag. Thanks to Mechkeys for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp, and we begin with a look at the product specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

See what I mean about James Donkey wanting to brand this keyboard under the Alpha LV name? Even the product box is a departure from the more mass market design of the James Donkey keyboards we saw before that have a lot of info all around. Instead, here we see all black with a simple Alpha LV logo on the front and the full verbiage on the back with James Donkey being written on the sides only. Removing the lid reveals a thick foam sheet inside for added protection to the contents inside which include the keyboard placed inside a wax paper wrap and a multi-language instruction guide that I highly recommend everyone read to make the most of the pre-programmed functions available here. The various accessories come neatly packed in two smaller cardboard boxes labeled as much. The R2 comes as a pre-built or kit, but either version will include more accessories than you might ever guess. There are add-on gaskets, keyboard feet, even two screwdrivers to help you disassemble the keyboard/kit as needed!


James Donkey also ensures the simple keyboard cable gets some love too with an upgrade cable included in the box. This is functionally no different from any other USB Type-C to Type-A cable but has a tighter, more durable (and expensive) fabric sleeve as well as blued metal connector housings that get a shiny blue-purple finish that matches the keyboard very well. I imagine the other color versions get equivalent cables too! We also get a metal wire keycap puller tool as well as a standalone switch remover in addition to a pre-paired low profile USB dongle for the wireless 2.4 GHz connection and a female Type-C to female Type-A USB adapter which, in combination with the included cable, can be used to extend the range of the dongle to ensure your wireless experience is as good as it gets.