Jamesdonkey A3 3.0 vs A3QMK vs Gasket Pro Keyboard Comparison
Choose the A3 3.0 for QMK programmability and a larger battery, or the original A3 for a potentially lower price and a more established design.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey A3 3.0
QMK
- Supports QMK firmware for advanced key remapping and macro creation.
- Larger 3750mAh battery capacity for longer wireless use.
- Comes with TTC Iron V2 switches featuring a light 42gf actuation force.
- Slightly larger and potentially heavier than the original A3 (no weight specified).
- Currently listed at a higher single price point.
- Lacks the explicit mention of screw-in stabilizers found in the A3's spec list.
Get the
Jamesdonkey A3
Gasket Pro Keyboard Comparison
- Available at a lower starting price from some vendors.
- Has a confirmed weight of 1000g and slightly smaller footprint.
- Listing includes screw-in stabilizers, which are preferred for modding.
- Smaller 3000mAh battery compared to the A3 3.0.
- Does not have stated support for QMK programmability.
- Some user reviews mention concerns about build quality and wireless signal lag.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If deep customization via QMK, maximum battery life, and the latest switches are critical, the Jamesdonkey A3 3.0 is the clear upgrade. If you seek a more budget-friendly entry into the 75% gasket-mount form factor with core wireless features, the original Jamesdonkey A3 remains a competent 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 3.0
Jamesdonkey A3
Battery
3,750 mAh
3,000 mAh
QMK
Yes
No
Screw-in stabilizers
No
Yes
N-key rollover
No
Yes
Released
2024
2022
- Jamesdonkey A3 3.0
- Jamesdonkey A3
- Performance
- 5461
- Build quality
- 6066
- Productivity
- 8091
- Customizability
- 8285
- Portability
- 7679
- Layout size: 75%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The A3 3.0 takes the lead for gaming, programming, and content creation due to its claimed low latency and QMK programmability. The original A3 is a better fit for office use and travel, given its potentially lower cost and slightly more compact dimensions. For modding, both are equally capable with their hot-swap sockets and gasket mounts.
Pick the Jamesdonkey A3 3.0
- The vendor description claims an ultra-low latency response of 1-2ms for the A3 3.0.
- It features full-key conflict-free operation for simultaneous key presses.
- The A3 3.0 comes with TTC Iron V2 switches, which have a short 1.4mm trigger distance.
Jamesdonkey A3 3.0 vs A3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 24 specs differ
Jamesdonkey A3 3.0
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 3.0 vs A3: your questions
The most significant difference is software support. The A3 3.0 features QMK programmability, allowing for extensive key remapping and macro creation through a web-based driver. The original A3 does not list QMK support in its provided specifications.
The Jamesdonkey A3 3.0 has a larger 3750mAh battery, while the original A3 has a 3000mAh battery. The vendor for the A3 3.0 does not provide a runtime estimate, but the larger capacity suggests potentially longer use between charges.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey A3 and A3 3.0 feature full-key hot-swappable sockets. This means you can easily change the mechanical switches without soldering, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Yes. The vendor description for the A3 3.0 states its QMK driver software supports multiple systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux. The original A3 listing also confirms macOS compatibility.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount design. The A3 3.0 calls it a "Gasket Pro" structure with five-layered padding, while the original A3 describes a "Shockproof Gasket Pro" design with an EVA sound-absorbing layer.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey A3 and A3 3.0 include a multimedia knob. By default, it controls volume and offers a mute function. On the A3 3.0, this knob's function can be customized via the QMK software.
The Jamesdonkey A3 3.0 comes equipped with TTC Iron V2 mechanical switches. The vendor lists these as having a 42gf actuation force, a 1.4mm pre-travel, and a rated durability of 80 million clicks.
The original A3 is designed for a comfortable typing experience with its gasket mount and EVA sound-absorbing padding. It offers switch choices including linear and tactile options from the Jamesdonkey x Gateron custom series, catering to different typing preferences.
The original Jamesdonkey A3 has a slight edge for portability. Its dimensions are 321x136x40mm compared to the A3 3.0's 329x148x42mm, and it has a specified weight of 1000g, while the A3 3.0's weight is not listed.
Yes. Both keyboards use OEM height PBT keycaps, which are a standard profile. This means most aftermarket keycap sets designed for a standard ANSI layout will be compatible with either model.
Both keyboards offer triple-mode connectivity. They support a wired USB-C connection, a 2.4GHz wireless connection using a dongle, and Bluetooth wireless for connecting to multiple devices.
Yes, both the Jamesdonkey A3 and A3 3.0 feature RGB backlighting. The A3 3.0's vendor description specifically mentions it has 22 different built-in lighting effects.
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