Knife Lab Dolphins75 vs Jamesdonkey R4Wired Kit vs Wireless Pre-Built
Choose the Dolphins75 for a dedicated, wired DIY project or the Jamesdonkey R4 for a versatile, wireless-ready pre-built with RGB.
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![[In Stock] Dolphins75 75% Mechanical Keyboard](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0549/0262/0278/products/7ce4f9b819d9d19cecd21e99770e30b1.jpg?v=1702526832&width=3840&quality=75)
Which one should you get?
Get the
Knife Lab Dolphins75
Wired Kit
Build quality in the top 40% of 75% boards under $300.
- Includes comprehensive modding materials like Poron foam, IXPE switch pad, and gasket-foam.
- Confirmed 1000Hz polling rate and NKRO for reliable wired performance.
- VIA support allows for easy software-free key remapping.
Get the
Jamesdonkey R4
Wireless Pre-Built
Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $200.
- Triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB.
- Comes as a complete pre-built with PBT keycaps and south-facing RGB lighting.
- Includes a multimedia volume knob for quick adjustments.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a customizable, wired-only typing project where you select every component, the Knife Lab Dolphins75 kit is the clear path. If you want a versatile, ready-to-use keyboard with wireless freedom, RGB, and a knob straight out of the box, the Jamesdonkey R4 is the more practical option. Consider your willingness to build versus your need for immediate, flexible functionality.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Knife Lab Dolphins75
Jamesdonkey R4
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Knob
No
Yes
Weight
2,400 g
1,900 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Knife Lab Dolphins75
- Jamesdonkey R4
- Performance
- 6854
- Build quality
- 7267
- Productivity
- 6163
- Customizability
- 6879
- Portability
- 6077
- Layout size: 75%
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The Jamesdonkey R4 wins for mobile and office-centric uses due to its wireless modes, lighter weight, and pre-built convenience. The Knife Lab Dolphins75 is the choice for stationary, performance-focused setups like gaming and for enthusiasts who want to build and mod their keyboard from the ground up. For programming, both are equally capable due to their programmable firmware and efficient layouts.
Pick the Knife Lab Dolphins75
- The Dolphins75 has a specified 1000Hz polling rate for consistent wired performance.
- Its listing confirms N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for simultaneous key presses.
- The Jamesdonkey R4 vendor page mentions a 2ms response time for low-latency wireless, but the Dolphins75's wired connection typically offers more consistent latency.
Knife Lab Dolphins75 vs Jamesdonkey R4 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 21 specs differ
Knife Lab Dolphins75
Jamesdonkey R4
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Released
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Knife Lab Dolphins75 vs Jamesdonkey R4: your questions
No, the Knife Lab Dolphins75 is sold as a DIY or barebones kit. The vendor description explicitly states "This product does not include switches or keycaps." You must purchase these components separately.
The Jamesdonkey R4 listing states it is QMK compatible. The vendor description also mentions it supports a self-developed web-based driver software made using the QMK profile. VIA support is not mentioned for the R4, whereas it is explicitly listed for the Dolphins75.
The Jamesdonkey R4 is designed for wireless use. It supports both Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, and it includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The Knife Lab Dolphins75 is wired-only and has no battery.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to change switches without soldering. The Dolphins75 is a kit designed for this, while the R4 is a pre-built that retains this modding capability.
Both keyboards feature an aluminum case. The Dolphins75 uses a full CNC 6063 aluminum case according to its vendor page, while the Jamesdonkey R4 listing specifies a CNC-machined 6063 series aluminium alloy shell.
Yes, the Jamesdonkey R4 has RGB lighting. Its specifications list south-facing RGB LEDs, and the vendor description mentions a dynamic RGB backlight with a light strip and about 22 different lighting effects.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount style, which typically provides a softer, more cushioned typing feel. The Jamesdonkey R4 vendor page additionally claims compatibility with switching to a top-mounted structure using included silicone components.
The Knife Lab Dolphins75 is notably heavier, with a listed weight of 2400 grams (2.4 kg). The Jamesdonkey R4 is lighter at 1900 grams (1.9 kg).
The Knife Lab Dolphins75 has a typing angle of 7 degrees, as listed in its specifications and vendor details.
The Jamesdonkey R4 comes with dual-tone injection-molded PBT keycaps pre-installed, as stated in its vendor description. PBT is known for its durability and resistance to shine.
Yes, but only on the Jamesdonkey R4. Its listing includes "Knob Support" and "Multi-Media Keys," and the vendor description specifically mentions a "Multimedia Volume Knob." The Dolphins75 kit does not include a knob, though its PCB has a solder place for one.
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