JamesdonkeyReleased 2025

James Donkey A3 HE

69/100
Solid pick
Overall score · how we rate
75% ANSI1,000 Hz pollingHot-swappableHall-effectQMK / VIARGB backlight
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Why we rate it

  • Class-leading performance (87/100)
  • Class-leading productivity (84/100)
  • Hot-swappable switches
  • First-class QMK / VIA firmware
  • Build quality is the weak point (52/100)
  • Wired only — no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz
Score profile

Where the James Donkey A3 HE wins and loses

Six weighted axes · the shape tells the story
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall527487846769
Build quality
52
Customisability
74
Performance
87
Productivity
84
Portability
67
Overall
69
Full specification

Specifications

Grouped · supported features marked in blue

Layout

Layout size75
StandardANSI
ProfileNormal
ErgonomicsNormal
Volume knobYes
OLED / LCD screenYes

Switches & feel

Switch typesMagnetic
Hot-swappableYes
Screw-in stabilisersYes
Sound dampeningYes
Hall-effect / magneticYes
Rapid triggerYes

Connectivity & firmware

ConnectionWired only
USB-CYes
Polling rate1,000 Hz
Battery4000 mAh
N-key rolloverYes
QMKYes
VIAYes
VIALYes
Mac & WindowsYes
Multi-media keysYes

Build

Case materialAluminum
Keycap materialPBT
BacklightRGB
ColourwaysYes
Dimensions40
Weight900 g

More specs

Height Mm40 mm
Passthrough UsbYes
Head to head

James Donkey A3 HE vs WLMouse Ying75

Highlighted cell = better in that row
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall
James Donkey A3 HEYing75
 JamesdonkeyJames Donkey A3 HEThis pageWLMouseYing75
Overall score69 /10069 /100
Build quality52 /10061 /100Better
Performance87 /100Better86 /100
ConnectionWired onlyWired only
Polling rate1,000 Hz8,000 HzBetter
Mount typeGasket MountBetter
Case materialAluminumBetterCarbon Fiber
Hot-swappableYesYes
QMK / VIAYesYes