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Compare Jamesdonkey A3 3.0 vs R3 TMR HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Jamesdonkey's feature-rich wireless model and their performance-focused gaming keyboard. The A3 3.0 offers tri-mode connectivity and a 75% layout, while the R3 TMR HE is a wired-only 65% board with Hall Effect switches and an aluminum case. The decision is difficult because both are gasket-mounted with sound dampening, but they target fundamentally different priorities: flexibility versus raw, competitive specs.

72
JAMESDONKEY A3 3.0 QMK Gasket Mechanical Keyboard
61
JAMESDONKEY R3 TMR Hall Effect CNC Rapid Trigger Keyboard

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0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Sized at 42 x 148 x 329 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1112 g
  • Sized at 43 x 316 x 106 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT, PC keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 53.2
  • Build Quality: 60.4
  • Productivity: 80.1
  • Customizability: 82.5
  • Portability: 75.9
Scores
  • Performance: 91.3
  • Build Quality: 59.6
  • Productivity: 53.6
  • Customizability: 56.7
  • Portability: 66
Name
Jamesdonkey A3 3.0
Name
Jamesdonkey R3 TMR HE
Release year
2024
Release year
2025
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Battery capacity
3750 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, PC
Dimensions
42 x 148 x 329 mm
Dimensions
43 x 316 x 106 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1112g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a single keyboard for work, play, and moving between devices, the Jamesdonkey A3 3.0 is the versatile all-rounder. If your focus is purely on achieving the highest performance for competitive gaming and you prefer a dense, premium-feeling board, the Jamesdonkey R3 TMR HE is the specialized tool. Consider the layout difference carefully, as the 75% vs. 65% size affects key availability.

Jamesdonkey A3 3.0

  • +Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for maximum flexibility.
  • +QMK support enables deep, open-source firmware customization.
  • +Includes a multimedia knob for quick volume or media control.
  • +Features a 3750mAh battery for wireless use.
  • +Uses a five-layered sound-absorbing padding for a dampened acoustic profile.
  • −Lacks the high-end gaming specs like an 8000 Hz polling rate.
  • −Does not have an aluminum case construction.
  • −Switch options are limited to standard mechanical types, not Hall Effect.

Jamesdonkey R3 TMR HE

  • +Equipped with Hall Effect magnetic switches supporting rapid trigger and adjustable actuation.
  • +Explicitly supports an 8000 Hz polling rate for minimal input latency.
  • +Constructed with a CNC-machined aluminum alloy case for a premium feel.
  • +Features a new TMR sensor claimed to reduce temperature drift.
  • +Includes four-layered internal filling for sound dampening.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless option.
  • −More expensive than the A3 3.0.
  • −65% layout lacks dedicated function keys and some navigation keys.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The A3 3.0 wins in scenarios demanding connectivity and a practical layout, such as office work, programming, and travel. Its wireless options and QMK support also make it the stronger choice for modders. The R3 TMR HE is the definitive pick for competitive gaming, leveraging its high polling rate and Hall Effect switches. For content creation, the tools are different but equally potent, making it a tie.

GamingJamesdonkey R3 TMR HE
  • •The R3 TMR HE has an explicitly stated 8000 Hz polling rate.
  • •It features Hall Effect magnetic switches with a listed rapid trigger function and 0.01mm accuracy.
  • •Its vendor description highlights a 0.125ms response time and technologies like 'Zero Aggregation Delay' for competitive play.
OfficeJamesdonkey A3 3.0
  • •The A3 3.0 offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for device switching.
  • •Its 75% layout retains function keys and navigation keys, which are useful for productivity shortcuts.
  • •It includes a multimedia knob for volume control, a feature not mentioned for the R3.
ProgrammingJamesdonkey A3 3.0
  • •The A3 3.0's 75% layout provides dedicated arrow keys and some navigation keys, which are often preferred for coding.
  • •It has QMK support, allowing for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Wireless connectivity offers more flexibility in desk setup.
TravelJamesdonkey A3 3.0
  • •The A3 3.0 is wireless, eliminating the need to carry a cable or be near an outlet.
  • •It has a built-in 3750mAh battery.
  • •While both are compact, the A3's wireless nature inherently adds more placement flexibility.
ModdingJamesdonkey A3 3.0
  • •The A3 3.0 supports QMK, an open-source firmware for extensive customization.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, but the A3's QMK support offers deeper firmware-level modding potential.
  • •The vendor description for the A3 explicitly mentions its five-layered sound-absorbing padding as a modding-friendly feature.
Content CreationTie
  • •The A3 3.0's multimedia knob is useful for timeline scrubbing or volume adjustment.
  • •The R3 TMR HE's highly customizable actuation points via its magnetic switches could be mapped to creative software shortcuts.
  • •Both have RGB lighting for aesthetic setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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