Jamesdonkey R3 HE vs R4Gaming Speed vs Wireless
Choose the R3 TMR HE for competitive gaming speed or the R4 for wireless freedom and deep programmability.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Jamesdonkey R3 HE
Gaming Speed
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 65% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Get the
Jamesdonkey R4
Wireless
Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $200.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
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.
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 R3 HE
Jamesdonkey R4
Layout size
65%
75%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Knob
No
Yes
- Jamesdonkey R3 HE
- Jamesdonkey R4
- Performance
- 9154
- Build quality
- 5967
- Productivity
- 5463
- Customizability
- 5779
- Portability
- 6677
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Jamesdonkey R3 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.
Jamesdonkey R3 HE vs R4 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 23 specs differ
Jamesdonkey R3 HE
Jamesdonkey R4
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
N-key rollover
Released
Compare prices
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Jamesdonkey R3 HE vs R4: your questions
The R3 TMR HE is better for competitive gaming due to its Hall Effect magnetic switches, 8000Hz polling rate, and rapid trigger with 0.01mm accuracy. The R4 does not offer magnetic switch technology and uses standard mechanical switches, making it less suited for the fastest response times.
No, the Jamesdonkey R3 TMR HE is a wired-only keyboard according to the metadata. It does not have Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless modes, so it must be connected via USB cable at all times.
Yes, the vendor description confirms that the R4 is QMK compatible. It also includes a self-developed web-based driver that allows users to remap keys and adjust settings without downloading software.
The R3 TMR HE uses specially customized Gateron Jade Golden Dragon magnetic switches. These are Hall Effect switches that support rapid trigger and dynamic keystrokes with adjustable trigger distance from 0.1mm to 3.5mm.
The Jamesdonkey R4 has a 4000mAh battery, as stated in its metadata. The R3 TMR HE is wired-only and does not have a battery, so the R4 is the clear choice for wireless use.
Yes, both the R3 TMR HE and the R4 are listed as hot-swappable in their extra features. However, the R3 uses magnetic switches while the R4 supports standard mechanical switch sockets.
The R3 is lighter at 1112g with a compact 65% layout, making it physically smaller. However, the R4 offers wireless connectivity, which can be more convenient for travel despite its heavier 1900g weight and larger 75% size.
Yes, the Jamesdonkey R4 features a multimedia volume knob according to its metadata. The R3 TMR HE does not list a knob in its features.
The R3 TMR HE uses dye-sublimation PBT plus silk-screen PC dual-tone keycaps. The R4 uses dual-tone injection-molded PBT keycaps, as described by the vendor.
The R3 TMR HE includes four-layered internal filling for sound dampening, according to the vendor description. The R4 has five-layered internal padding, which may also contribute to acoustic control.
Yes, the vendor states that the R4 supports multiple internal structures. Users can switch between gasket and top-mount configurations using included silicone beans, sleeves, and strips.
Yes, the R4 uses a web-based self-developed driver that is QMK compatible, allowing users to adjust RGB lighting effects. The vendor mentions about 22 different lighting effects available on the keyboard.
Not sold on either?
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