JamesDonkey - J2

Don't worry about what switches the keyboard comes with. You can always replace them. QMK 60% can be configured with mod-tap arrows where the right-hand mods are mods when held and arrows when tapped. I don't thing the one you have can support that though. There are a lot of really nice new QMK 60% boards available. [Instructions](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/tree/main/layouts). Womier WD75 is a wooden-cased QMK board that comes with linear switches with a 42gf actuation that's going to be pretty much indistinguishable from red. May only be available Amazon US. Jamesdonkey J2, ditto. Yunzii AL68 is good but Jesus the Canadian price blows your budget. [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/README.md)... Gasket mount means it's softer to type on and less jarring for your fingers.

Technically yes wireless adds to the price, but prices are all over the place and even in minimal boards it doesn't make that much difference. For example, the Irok board I mentioned. Another great option is the Jamesdonkey J2 hotswap version.

This is currently by far the best deal on Amazon US, if you're in the USA. * https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWJYCZG * https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWJTGNY It's a fully kitted 82-key 75% wired+wireless board with QMK firmware and manageable from launcher.keychron.com in Chrome. If it's too loud, to quiet it down a bit the Akko Creamy Purple Pro switches are good, or Outemu Silent Yellow Jade for total ASMR barely detectable silence. If you're in Europe, look for the Akko 5075S VIA. Elsewhere, here's my list of suggestions: https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md

Jamesdonkey J2 (hotswap version) or Akko 5075B VIA with Outemu Silent Peach switches. [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)...

Don't worry about the switches it comes with, they're always kind of random and some are good and some are bad and some are quiet and some are noisy and if you try and match the board and the switches to what you want you're going to restrict your options too much. [So I treat all keyboards as barebones](https://i.imgur.com/L1KSmBD.png)... Got whatever board you want and swap out the switches for Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. [This Jamesdonkey J2](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWPYNH7) is a decent QMK/VIA 75% that's an enormous bargain at $40.

If you want a quiet keyboard, you need to get silent switches and replace the "percussive" ones that come with it. There's a whole mythos that's grown up about the noise keyboards make. You can get a set of Outemu silent switches for about $18-$25 depending on the size of your keyboard. * https://www.amazon.com/PAKJEL-Outemu-Pre-Lubed-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0CFF76YRG * https://www.amazon.com/KPREPUBLIC-Tactile-Mechanical-Keyboard-Factory/dp/B0D773KH74 * https://www.amazon.com/KPREPUBLIC-Outemu-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tactile/dp/B0BZ48GW7K * https://www.amazon.com/Metrickeys-Pre-Lubed-Tactile-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0DQQ3T3RH Try one of these keyboards: * [Redragon K717 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K717-Programmable-Mechanical-Dampening/dp/B0DL578X3K) * ($30) * [CIDOO QK61](https://www.amazon.com/MechLands-QK61-Programmable-Swappable-Mechanical/dp/B0D8VMD3P3) * ($60) * [Skyloong GK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/MOLGRIA-Dual-Space-Swappable-Double-Shot-Mechanical/dp/B0CZ9F8P76) * ($54) * [Royal Kludge RK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B089GN2KBT) * ($40) * [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($31) * [Womier VK66 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Percent-Keyboard-Mechanical-Mounted-Backlit/dp/B0CDC14PL5) * ($39) * [KBDcraft Adam 60%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/adam) * ($70 lego case) * [KBDCraft Lilith 65%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/lilith) ($85 lego case) * [Akko YU01](https://www.amazon.com/Akko-Mechanical-Transparent-Swappable-Bluetooth/dp/B0DJ77MY6V) * ($129) * [XVX M67 Jadestone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCRJPR6) * ($47) * [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * ($85 barebones, $100 prebuilt) * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon) * [Womier WD75](https://womierkeyboard.com/products/womier-wd75) * (wood! $86, $76 without the ugly caps) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon) * [Jamesdonkey J2](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWL5GS7) * (make sure you get the hotswap version) * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50) * [Royal Kludge RK R65 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R65-Mechanical/dp/B0CNP1BG1W) * (make sure you get the QMK/VIA version, $48 with coupon) * [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) (make sure you get the QMK/VIA version, $51 with coupon) * [Royal Kludge RK R87 Pro QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R87-Pro/dp/B0D5B2LRB5) (hotswap knob(!), $55) * [iLoveBee B87](https://www.amazon.com/iLovBee-Wireless-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Swappable/dp/B0D1XLXGBK) ($51) * [ElecFox Linky87](https://www.elecfox.co/products/linky-87-tkl-customized-mechanical-keyboard-87-keys-wired-wireless-bluetooth-led-gaming-keyboard) ($40) * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m1-v5-via-1980s-mechanical-keyboard/) ($95) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://en.akkogear.com/product/5075b-via) ($60 barebones) * YMDK [YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) ($64-$110 diy) and [YMD96](https://ymdkey.com/collections/96-diy) ($60-$142 diy) * [Monsgeek M2 v5 VIA](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m2-v5-via-mechanical-keyboard) ($120) [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)...

No prebuilt comes with silent tactile as far as I know. There are a few silent linears. * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon) * [Jamesdonkey J2](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWPYNH7) * (make sure you get the hotswap version, under $50 if you dig around on Amazon) * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) ($32.50) * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m1-v5-via-1980s-mechanical-keyboard/) ($95) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://en.akkogear.com/product/5075b-via) ($60 barebones) [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)...

Jamesdonkey J2 hotswap is $30 on Amazon right now. It's a QMK/VIA hotswap 75% with north-facing lights and a complete 82-key exploded layout with a knob. It's smaller and if you're addicted to the number pad it could be annoying but you can easily spend more than that at McDonalds so you're not committing much. * https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWYHGXG

The Cherry profile interference is super-rare with any currently shipped switches, and can be trivially mitigated by stuffing a scrap of paper in the keycap stem legs to make them ride a tiny fraction higher. One of the variants has a different profile, but both my J2s came with Cherry keycaps, and I have Cherry keycaps on my Angel and Devil. * https://imgur.com/a/angel-devil-HndwIGJ The real problem with the J2 is the hotswap boards seem to have sold out in the US, though I have seen them on Amazon UK. Update, if you check back you can catch one resold by a scalper: * https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWW28J8

Here's the $19.99 deal. If it's the hotswap version it's actually more like 75% off. https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWL5GS7

LINKY https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWL5GS7 JSON FILE https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/tree/main/jamesdonkey/j2

Any of these 75% QMK/VIA boards, plus Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches... I have at least older versions of some of these (starred) and the others I just like the cut of their jibs. And the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that feels good and is ASMR-quiet. Installing silent switches is the absolute best thing you can do to get a quiet board. * [Inland MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (aluminum, knob) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood) * [Jamesdonkey J2](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWPYNH7) * (knob, make sure you get the hotswap version) * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) (aluminum, knob) * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.amazon.com/MONSGEEK-M1-Topographic-Hot-swappable-Side-Printed/dp/B0DQ77WGM3) * (aluminum, knob) * [Akko 5075S VIA](https://en.akkogear.com/product/5075s-via) (knob) * [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/products/walnut-wood-case-qmk-via-ymd75-v3-hot-swap-84-75-fully-programmable-pcb-stabilizers-kit-support-ansi-iso) * (various cases, this one's walnut) A bit cheaper looking: * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) (knob) * [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) (knob, make sure you get the QMK/VIA version) Not QMK but VIA and a really nice board for modding: * [Gamakay SN75](https://www.amazon.com/GK-GAMAKAY-SN75-Mechanical-Programmable/dp/B0CF2QJ45L) (knob) Right now the Kiiboom Loop 75 is the lushest board in this list and it's 50% off on Amazon US, which makes it $85. [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)...

Jamesdonkey J2 on Amazon US. $40, QMK/VIA gasket mount. * https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWPYNH7 This is Keychron's "budget" label and IMHO this is in some ways a better board than their premier V1/Q1.

Earlier today I got a hotswap black model for 20 bucks. I didn't need a second one, but I really really like the first one I got like a month ago when they were 29 bucks and for 20 bucks I just couldn't pass it up. It really is a great budget keyboard. I tried a couple differant switches in it, finally settling on Gateron LongJing tea, and I am very happy with.

I looked into the [Jamesdonkey J2](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tri-Mode/dp/B0DQS8D9VD?th=1) its a nice black color with red switches for about 42 CAD. The Yunzii AL6 is about 170 CAD but in ur opinion what makes it worth / good? I looked into QMK and I don't know if I like it too much. It requires me to still adapt to a different typing style which might not be transferrable if I move out (and have a non QMK'ed keyboard)

hey, so just got my Jamesdonkey J2 and it feels great so far. Keyboard sounds much better than my old red switches and keys feel light and easy to press. I went to [https://launcher.keychron.com/](https://launcher.keychron.com/) to view customizations which the site offers a lot of. The JSON file in your github, I tried importing the file but it says "Invalid Configuration". I downloaded the file directly from Github using the link provided. Is this known? thanks in advance

Like I needed another keybo... ahh, hell! Who am I kidding!? That's some keeb hero stuff right there! Thanks for pointing out the deal. Mine will be here Tuesday! 👏🙏

Prime day hit and it jumped to $69.99

Thats awesome! I picked up the hotswap one when it was $19! 🙌 We can both say we scored and didnt miss out!

JamesDonkey is a Keychron brand. The only "warranty" is Amazon's 30 day return policy as Keychron has just about abandoned post sales support, but seeing as it's only the price of a decent lunch, I personally feel it's worth taking a risk, which this purchase is, but is should be for each to decide the cost/value proposition.

Not sure if this is allowed here but I bought one of these JamesDonkey J2 keyboards a couple weeks ago and I really like it. JamesDonkey appears to be a Keychron value brand - linux actually detected it as a keychron. It's wildly exceeded my expectations and ruined membrane keyboards for me forever. I'm not advertising, I thought it was a steal when I paid full price for it. At 50% off it's such a steal that I needed to tell someone. Search for this listing on Amazon.com: # J2 75% Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Gasket 82 Keys Tri-Mode BT5.1/USB-C/2.4GHz RGB Backlit with Custom Knob Super Banana Switch, PTB Keycap, QMK/VIA for Win/Linux/Mac - White EDIT: From the comments: this is for a better hot-swappable version available for $20. It's even better than the one I posted about and it is the one I'm typing on right now. I thought it was a steal when I bought it for $60CAD. [https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWL5GS7](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWL5GS7)

That's the exact keyboard I'm typing on right now. I'm a noob when it comes to mechanical keyboards but for that price I should buy one for every member of my family.

$12.99 is 10% the cost of my last logitech keyboard that only lasted 4 years and which I liked only 10% as much as this one. I have literally no idea why they are selling for this low a price.

My first mechanical keyboard (and the one I am using today) was a JamesDonkey J2 80% that I bought new on sale for $30. All I wanted was a simple keyboard with a volume knob and shine-through legends (backlit keys), which proved surprisingly hard to find, but once I found it I was in love with it immediately. Went back to my previous membrane keyboard less than a week later and my fingers threw up. The challenge with these things for a newcomer is the wild range of options available, but as long as you get a keyboard with hot-swappable switches you can customize them to your heart's desire. Gamer RGB fireworks are a pretty standard feature which are neat for about 5 seconds, then we turn them off. I do appreciate being able to choose both the brightness and the color of my legends. (You'll probably want a keyboard with North Facing LEDS if you're doing shine through legends)

Do they have any semblance of customer support? Amazon doesn't offer a protection plan unfortunately and the jamesdonkey website no longer exists

Agreed 100%. I already ordered it lol - it's just unfortunate that Amazon doesn't offer a protection plan. I see a lot about how Keychron doesn't honor their warranty etc but are they officially there for jamesdonkey as well or would they just say "oh that's not us sorry"? On a different note, is there a numpad with qmk/via for under $25?

I don’t see why you wouldn’t. It’s a steal for sure.

This is insane! How many of these dang things am I gonna have to buy?!

I use it nightly…. https://preview.redd.it/551exg5phcbf1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57a1b61de03610da6ea3121abc9792840626749b

Jamesdonkey J2 or save up for an actual keychron instead of the budget label. They make THE budget keyboards. They punch way above what they cost.