Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Oct 30, 2026

Jamesdonkey A3 vs Vortex Core Plus

Get the Jamesdonkey A3 for knob.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Jamesdonkey A3

Knob

Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $100.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.

Get the

Vortex Core Plus

Build quality in the top 50% of 40% boards under $150.

Rules this board out

  • Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

What actually differs

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

Vortex Core Plus

  • Layout size

    75%

    40%

  • Low profile

    No

    Yes

  • Case material

    ABS, PBT, Plastic, Polycarbonate

    Aluminum

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount

    Plate Mount

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Jamesdonkey A3
  • Vortex Core Plus
Performance
61
46
Build quality
66
70
Productivity
91
75
Customizability
85
60
Portability
79
87

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Full specs

Jamesdonkey A3 vs Vortex Core Plus specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

12 of 26 specs differ

Jamesdonkey A3

Vortex Core Plus

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Plate Mount

Low profile

No
Yes

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

75%
40%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

3,000 mAh
—

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, PBT, Plastic, Polycarbonate
Aluminum

Plate material

Polycarbonate
FR4

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

1,000 g
—

Dimensions

40 x 136 x 321 mm
—

Typing angle

—
5°

Backlight

RGB
None

Firmware & software

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2022
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.