On the surface, it does require some faith to take a brand called JamesDonkey seriously. But, upon unboxing the RS6 mechanical keyboard, one quickly discovers this wireless peripheral is not to be scoffed at.
Anyone on the hunt for a portable keyboard with some ringgit to spare should definitely check out this 96-key compact model, if only for its unique 16.8-million multicolour RGB backlight that guarantees to turn heads.
The JamesDonkey RS6 is compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and even Android-powered devices, making this a unique device that can be used in a multiplatform environment.
Sporting a translucent body and a metal rear, it is a sight to behold. And, being 20% smaller than its counterparts, the RS6 gets the job done with minimal fuss.
The colour scheme and the constant glow of its rainbow lights through the transparent chassis might be distracting for some, while others may find it appealing. Thankfully, there is the option to disable the backlight or adjust the direction and frequency.
The keyboard relies on high-quality, durable Gateron G Pro mechanical switches that provide a smooth typing experience. There were no claims on how many million keystrokes it can last for, but based on the industry average, mechanical keyboards tend to remain intact for up to 10 years or more, depending on the usage pattern.
The RS6 features a hot-swappable PCB point that enables users to easily replace the switches as required, further prolonging the life of this peripheral.
It comes with a USB cable and a 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller, the latter useful should you want to replace the keys with new ones. The setup process is simple enough, and you can begin without any drivers through a simple plug-and-play process.
Turning the keyboard over reveals the USB receiver tucked away safely that can be inserted into any available port. Doing so will allow the RS6 to connect to the computer via 2.4GHz spectrum.
A Mode Switch located on the left side allows you to choose 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or off options. Slightly lower is the System toggle switch that lets you choose between Windows and Mac operating systems for the RS6 to function accordingly.
Closer to the numeric keypad lies four indicator lights that point to the status of the RS6. In addition to CAPS and NUM locks, a Bluetooth/2.4GHz indicator lets you know which channel – determined by green, blue, and red colours – it is using, or whether you are connected over the 2.4GHz spectrum when it lights up in yellow.
The final indicator points to the amount of battery life, with quick flashes of red indicating low power. When recharging, a steady red glow signifies there is less than 50% battery life; a yellow glow points to it being charged beyond the halfway point; and a steady green indicates it is fully charged.
The life of the 5,000 mAh battery life is anywhere from four to six weeks, although mileage varies based on the brightness level and usage pattern. You can manually turn the keyboard off if you would like to preserve its battery, but it automatically goes to sleep after being inactive for 10 minutes anyhow.
Controlling the volume of your computer is now made easy with a large, multimedia volume knob. Twisting it clockwise will increase the volume and vice-versa. It is all very intuitive, and sure beats having to tap on the keyboard’s volume-control keys – not to mention the coolness factor.
If there is one major gripe, it would be the lack of the page down, page up, home, and end keys. Bean counters and those who do plenty of typing at the office will find this counterproductive.
This is a moot point if you use this keyboard primarily for gaming purposes, as there would be no need for your fingers to venture beyond the surrounding WASD territory.
The US$119.99 (RM558) asking price is steep in light of the sharp depreciation of the ringgit, making the JamesDonkey RS6, for all intents and purposes, fall into the “luxury purchase” category.
It’s ideal for those who work remotely on their laptops or desktops, or who have a home theatre PC setup. Searching for videos on YouTube, Netflix, or other video-streaming services on a regular smart-TV remote control can be a torturous task, and the RS6 will nicely fill this niche.
If you decide to use it in your workplace, everyone in an open office will know you are furiously productive at your desk as your fingers dance across the JamesDonkey RS6 in a slick, rhythmic manner.
Find out more about the JamesDonkey RS6 mechanical keyboard here.
Edwin Kee dreamt of being a pro-gamer only to have circumstances mould him into a programmer in a past life. He has since moved on to write about consumer electronics and other topics. Check out his blog at manatau.com.