Jamesdonkey A3 V3 vs A3Aluminum Build vs Bluetooth Connectivity
Choose the A3 V3 for a premium aluminum build and QMK programming, or the original A3 for Bluetooth connectivity and a wider initial switch selection.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey A3 V3
Aluminum Build
- Aluminum case construction for a premium, solid feel.
- QMK/VIA firmware support for extensive, easy key programming.
- Larger 3750mAh battery capacity for longer wireless use.
- Lacks Bluetooth connectivity, limiting wireless multi-device use.
- Heavier at 1200g and slightly larger than the A3.
- Only available with linear switch type in the provided listing.
Get the
Jamesdonkey A3
Bluetooth Connectivity
- Tri-mode connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C.
- Wider initial switch selection includes linear, tactile, and clicky types.
- Lighter weight (1000g) and marginally more compact dimensions.
- Case is constructed from ABS and polycarbonate plastic, not aluminum.
- Smaller 3000mAh battery compared to the A3 V3.
- Uses a proprietary software driver instead of open-source QMK.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value a metal build, deep programmability with QMK, and potentially better gaming latency, the Jamesdonkey A3 V3 is the clear pick. If connecting to phones and tablets via Bluetooth or having a choice of stock switch types is more important, the original Jamesdonkey A3 remains a versatile option, especially if found at a lower price.
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
Battery
3,750 mAh
3,000 mAh
Case material
Aluminum
ABS, PBT, Plastic, Polycarbonate
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Weight
1,200 g
1,000 g
- Jamesdonkey A3 V3
- Jamesdonkey A3
- Performance
- 7161
- Build quality
- 7966
- Productivity
- 9091
- Customizability
- 8385
- 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 takes the lead for gaming and programming due to its aluminum build and QMK support. The original A3 is better suited for office and travel use, thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity and slightly more portable form factor. For modding and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing core features like hot-swap sockets, gasket mounts, and a control knob.
Pick the Jamesdonkey A3 V3
- The A3 V3's aluminum case may provide a more solid foundation.
- Its vendor description mentions 'ultra-low latency performance' and 'delay-free response'.
- The TTC Iron V2 linear switches are specifically noted for a 1.4mm pre-travel, which can benefit fast actuation.
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
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Jamesdonkey A3 V3 vs A3: your questions
The core differences are the case material and connectivity. The A3 V3 features an aluminum case and supports QMK programming but lacks Bluetooth. The original A3 has a plastic case, includes Bluetooth 5.1, and uses proprietary software.
No. According to the product specifications, the Jamesdonkey A3 V3 offers 2.4GHz wireless and wired connectivity only. It does not list Bluetooth as an available mode.
Yes. Both the Jamesdonkey A3 and A3 V3 feature full-key hot-swappable sockets. The vendor pages confirm they support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing for easy switch replacement.
The Jamesdonkey A3 V3 has a larger 3750mAh battery, while the A3 has a 3000mAh battery. The A3's vendor page estimates 3-4 weeks of use with the backlight off, but no such estimate is provided for the V3's larger cell.
Yes. The extra features list for the A3 V3 includes Mac/Win support. Its vendor description also states it works with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems without requiring driver installation for basic QMK programming.
The original A3 listing shows options for Jamesdonkey x Gateron custom switches, including G Pro 2.0 Silver Linear and G Pro 2.0 White Linear. The metadata also indicates it was available with clicky, linear, and tactile switch types.
The original A3's vendor page states it is programmable and that 'all keys' can be programmed, but it uses proprietary Jamesdonkey software. It does not support the open-source QMK/VIA firmware like the A3 V3 does.
The original Jamesdonkey A3 is more portable. It is lighter (1000g vs 1200g), has slightly smaller dimensions, and includes Bluetooth, reducing the need to carry a 2.4GHz dongle for use with mobile devices.
Yes. Both the Jamesdonkey A3 and A3 V3 include a multimedia control knob. The A3 V3's vendor page notes the knob's functions can be adjusted using the QMK programming software.
Both models feature sound-dampening materials. The A3 V3 uses a five-layered sound-absorbing padding. The original A3 features an EVA sound-absorbing cotton layer between the PCB and the polycarbonate positioning plate.
The extra features for the original Jamesdonkey A3 include 'Diy Kit/Barebones', suggesting it may have been sold in that configuration. The A3 V3 listing does not mention a barebones option, only coming pre-built.
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