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Compare Jamesdonkey R3 TMR HE vs R4 Differences Side by Side

Both keyboards come from Jamesdonkey and share a CNC aluminum gasket-mount build, but they target very different users. The R3 TMR HE is a wired-only 65% gaming board with a new TMR magnetic sensor, 8000Hz polling, and rapid trigger for esports. The R4 is a wireless 75% board with a 4000mAh battery, QMK support, and a multimedia knob, made for flexible desk setups. The decision is hard because each excels in areas the other lacks, making the choice depend entirely on whether low-latency gaming or wireless convenience matters more to you.

61
JAMESDONKEY R3 TMR Hall Effect CNC Rapid Trigger Keyboard
69
JAMESDONKEY R4 Gasket QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1112 g
  • Sized at 43 x 316 x 106 mm
  • Features PBT, PC keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1900 g
  • Sized at 45 x 150 x 329 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 91.3
  • Build Quality: 59.6
  • Productivity: 53.7
  • Customizability: 56.8
  • Portability: 66.1
Scores
  • Performance: 54.8
  • Build Quality: 66.9
  • Productivity: 63
  • Customizability: 79.9
  • Portability: 76.8
Name
Jamesdonkey R3 TMR HE
Name
Jamesdonkey R4
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Magnetic
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
75%
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT, PC
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
43 x 316 x 106 mm
Dimensions
45 x 150 x 329 mm
Weight
1112g
Weight
1900g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Jamesdonkey R3 TMR HE if competitive gaming with the fastest possible response is your priority, as its magnetic switches and 8000Hz polling are unmatched by the R4. Choose the Jamesdonkey R4 if you need a wireless, programmable keyboard with a multimedia knob and the flexibility to switch between mounting styles. For most users who want a daily driver that handles both work and play, the R4 offers better all-round value.

Jamesdonkey R3 TMR HE

  • +Next-generation TMR magnetic sensor delivers stable input with reduced temperature drift.
  • +8K polling rate and 0.01mm rapid trigger accuracy provide class-leading gaming responsiveness.
  • +Ultra-compact 65% layout with a 1112g weight made from CNC-machined aluminum alloy.
  • +Four-layered internal filling for sound dampening and a refined typing acoustic.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup options and portability.
  • −65% layout lacks a dedicated function row and navigation keys, which may frustrate productivity users.
  • −Vendor description mentions web-based driver software, but no QMK support is confirmed.

Jamesdonkey R4

  • +Three-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) with a large 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +QMK compatible with a self-developed web driver, allowing deep keymap customization.
  • +Unique multiple-structure support lets users switch between gasket and top-mount builds using silicone parts.
  • +75% layout with a multimedia volume knob and south-facing RGB LEDs for enhanced daily usability.
  • −Heavier at 1900g compared to the R3, making it less portable for frequent travel.
  • −Does not feature magnetic switches or rapid trigger, so it lacks the competitive gaming edge of the R3.
  • −Higher price point than the R3 according to vendor listings.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The R3 TMR HE is the clear winner for gaming, with its Hall Effect magnetic switches, 8000Hz polling, and rapid trigger. The R4 wins in every other category because of its wireless connectivity, larger 75% layout, QMK programmability, and multimedia knob. For users who need a dedicated gaming keyboard with ultra-low latency, the R3 is the pick. For any task that benefits from wireless freedom, more keys, or custom firmware, the R4 is more versatile.

GamingJamesdonkey R3 TMR HE
  • •Equipped with a new-generation TMR sensor and Gateron Jade Golden Dragon magnetic switches for precise analog input.
  • •Supports 8000Hz polling rate with 0.125ms response time and rapid trigger with 0.01mm accuracy.
  • •Features a 480MHz MCU with 16-bit high-precision ADC and zero aggregation delay for competitive gaming.
OfficeJamesdonkey R4
  • •75% layout with a multimedia volume knob and dedicated function row offers better productivity for office tasks.
  • •Three-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) allows a clean, cable-free desk setup.
  • •QMK compatibility enables custom keymaps and macros tailored to workflow needs.
ProgrammingJamesdonkey R4
  • •QMK support allows for fully programmable layers and custom keymaps ideal for coding shortcuts.
  • •75% layout provides more keys than the 65% form factor, reducing reliance on function layers for programmers.
  • •Self-developed web-based driver software makes remapping keys straightforward without installation.
TravelJamesdonkey R4
  • •Wireless operation via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz eliminates the need to carry a cable for every session.
  • •Built-in 4000mAh battery supports extended untethered use away from a power source.
  • •75% layout is still relatively compact while offering more keys than the smaller 65% for on-the-go productivity.
ModdingJamesdonkey R4
  • •Full hot-swappable sockets allow easy switch changes without soldering.
  • •Supports multiple internal structures (gasket, top-mount) using silicone beans and sleeves for customizable typing feel.
  • •QMK compatibility provides extensive firmware-level customization for advanced modders.
Content CreationJamesdonkey R4
  • •Multimedia knob offers convenient volume or timeline control for editing workflows.
  • •Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter around editing desks.
  • •75% layout and QMK programmability support custom shortcuts for video or audio editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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