Jamesdonkey A3 V3 vs A3
Choose the Jamesdonkey A3 V3 for its aluminum case, QMK support, and larger battery, or the Jamesdonkey A3 for Bluetooth, a lighter build, and its DIY kit option.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey A3 V3
Battery
Build quality in the top 20% of 75% boards under $100.
- Aluminum case.
- QMK support, with vendor-described programmable keys and multimedia knob.
- 3750mAh battery.
Get the
Jamesdonkey A3
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 75% boards under $100.
- Bluetooth connectivity, alongside 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
- DIY kit or barebones option.
- Screw-in stabilizers and a polycarbonate plate.
Get the Jamesdonkey A3 V3 for its aluminum case, QMK support, and larger 3750mAh battery. Get the Jamesdonkey A3 for Bluetooth, a 1000g listed weight, and its DIY kit option with screw-in stabilizers.
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.
Jamesdonkey A3 V3
Jamesdonkey A3
Connection
2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
3,750 mAh
3,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Aluminum
ABS, PBT, Plastic, Polycarbonate
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Weight
1,200 g
1,000 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Jamesdonkey A3 V3
- Jamesdonkey A3
- Performance
- 7060
- Build quality
- 7965
- Productivity
- 9091
- Customizability
- 8285
- Portability
- 8279
- Layout size: 75%
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The A3 V3 has the edge for buyers who prioritize its aluminum case, QMK support, and larger battery, while the A3 is more appealing when Bluetooth and lower weight matter. For modding, the A3 stands out with its DIY kit option and listed screw-in stabilizers. The V3's stated switch and lighting details may suit gaming or a configurable desktop setup. Both offer a 75% layout, gasket mount, RGB, and hot-swappable sockets, so those shared features do not settle the choice.
Pick the Jamesdonkey A3 V3
- The A3 V3 has a 3750mAh battery, compared with the A3's 3000mAh battery.
- The A3 V3 vendor description identifies TTC Iron V2 linear switches and full-key hot-swappable sockets.
Jamesdonkey A3 V3 vs A3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 24 specs differ
Jamesdonkey A3 V3
Jamesdonkey A3
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Jamesdonkey A3 V3 vs A3: your questions
The A3 V3 has an aluminum case, QMK support, and a 3750mAh battery. The A3 adds Bluetooth, weighs less, and lists a DIY kit or barebones option.
The A3 V3 connectivity listing includes 2.4 GHz, wired, and wireless modes, but does not list Bluetooth. The A3 explicitly lists Bluetooth alongside 2.4 GHz and wired connectivity.
The A3 V3 lists QMK support, and its vendor describes key programming and a configurable multimedia knob. The A3's listed extra features do not include QMK support.
The Jamesdonkey A3 is listed at 1000g. The A3 V3 is listed at 1200g.
The A3 V3 has a listed 3750mAh battery, compared with 3000mAh for the A3. The A3 vendor description says its battery can last up to 3 to 4 weeks with the backlight off.
Both product listings include hot-swappable sockets. The A3 vendor description says its sockets support 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
Both list hot-swappable sockets, so either allows switch changes. The A3 vendor specifically describes support for 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, while the A3 V3 vendor identifies TTC Iron V2 linear switches.
Yes, the A3 listing specifies a polycarbonate plate. The A3 V3 vendor also describes a PC positioning plate, but its metadata does not list a plate material.
The A3 lists a DIY kit or barebones option and screw-in stabilizers, making those features relevant to buyers planning hands-on customization. Both models list hot-swappable sockets.
Both product listings specify RGB lighting. The A3 V3 vendor describes 22 lighting effects.
Yes, both are listed with a 75% layout and ANSI standard. Both also list a gasket mount and PBT keycaps.
The A3 V3 is listed with an aluminum case. The A3 listing instead names ABS, polycarbonate, plastic, and PBT among its case materials.
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