@ OP
It took me 4 months for the full 6th edition 2,200 Kanji version.
Sadly, when I moved on to more complete ways of learning Japanese (grammar book and webcourse with integrated audio) I gradually began to recognize the rather limited value of having "done" RTK1. Sure, there is the occasional "yeah, I already know these Kanji!" moment, but given how modest the number of new Kanji per lesson often is in courses that will have you learn a lot of grammar and practical points for everyday usage of Japanese, looking back on it now doing RTK1 the way Heisig recommends it (going key meaning --> Kanji) feels like a royal waste of time. A little like having bought a 16-ton truck that, as it turns out, you only get to use to carry some light grocery shopping you do now and then. Sure, it gets the job done, but at what cost, also in terms of time and inconvenience?
@ Cophnia
Yes, RTK Lite sounds like a much better option in retrospect. As does going Kanji --> Keyword. Not only is that much, much easier, but it should also be more than enough for most beginner courses and grammar books. Also full agreement on using "real meanings" instead of many of the outlandish (if not outright wrong) "key words" Heisig advocates.
It took me 4 months for the full 6th edition 2,200 Kanji version.
Sadly, when I moved on to more complete ways of learning Japanese (grammar book and webcourse with integrated audio) I gradually began to recognize the rather limited value of having "done" RTK1. Sure, there is the occasional "yeah, I already know these Kanji!" moment, but given how modest the number of new Kanji per lesson often is in courses that will have you learn a lot of grammar and practical points for everyday usage of Japanese, looking back on it now doing RTK1 the way Heisig recommends it (going key meaning --> Kanji) feels like a royal waste of time. A little like having bought a 16-ton truck that, as it turns out, you only get to use to carry some light grocery shopping you do now and then. Sure, it gets the job done, but at what cost, also in terms of time and inconvenience?
@ Cophnia
Yes, RTK Lite sounds like a much better option in retrospect. As does going Kanji --> Keyword. Not only is that much, much easier, but it should also be more than enough for most beginner courses and grammar books. Also full agreement on using "real meanings" instead of many of the outlandish (if not outright wrong) "key words" Heisig advocates.