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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

sam Notfromsam S46 R3 vs Keychron K10 HE40% or Full-Size Magnetic

Choose the K10 HE for a full-size layout and magnetic gaming features, or the S46 R3 if its compact 40% footprint is the priority.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

sam Notfromsam S46 R3

Build quality in the top 15% of 40% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Compact 40% layout measures 264 × 98 × 28 mm.
  • Tri-mode PCB supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connections.
  • Hot-swappable PCB is VIA compatible.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Get the

Keychron K10 HE

Hall effect

Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 100% layout includes the function row, dedicated arrow keys, and numpad.
  • Magnetic switches support Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation.
  • 1000 Hz polling rate is specified for wired and 2.4 GHz modes.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Bottom line

Pick the S46 R3 if compact size and a lighter, kit-based setup matter more than having a conventional full-size key arrangement. Choose the K10 HE if you need the numpad and dedicated keys, or want magnetic features such as Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation. Before buying the K10 HE, check that its magnetic-switch and keycap compatibility rules fit your plans.

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.

sam Notfromsam S46 R3

Keychron K10 HE

  • Layout size

    40%

    100%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Rapid trigger

    No

    Yes

    Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Copper, Polycarbonate

    ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Wood

  • Mount style

    Top Mount

    Tray Mount

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • sam Notfromsam S46 R3
  • Keychron K10 HE
Performance
62
92
Build quality
82
89
Productivity
60
94
Customizability
79
94
Portability
81
56

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The K10 HE leads for gaming, office work, programming, and content creation, chiefly because it combines a full-size layout with magnetic-switch controls and stated polling information. The S46 R3 is the more travel-oriented choice, with a smaller footprint, lower listed weight, and an included carrying case. Modding is a close call: both offer hot-swapping and VIA, while their distinct plate, foam, and switch options suit different approaches. Consider the K10 HE's magnetic-switch compatibility limits before choosing it for switch changes.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron K10 HE

  • The K10 HE has a stated 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes.
  • Its magnetic switches support Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation.
  • The S46 R3 lists tri-mode connectivity but no polling-rate or Rapid Trigger specification.

Full specs

sam Notfromsam S46 R3 vs Keychron K10 HE specs

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

17 of 27 specs differ

sam Notfromsam S46 R3

Keychron K10 HE

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Clicky, Linear, Magnetic, Silent, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Rapid trigger

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Tray Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

40%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

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

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

—
4,000 mAh

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Copper, Polycarbonate
ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Wood

Plate material

Polycarbonate
Aluminum

Keycaps

—
PBT

Weight

600 g
1,320 g

Dimensions

28 x 264 x 98 mm
40 x 445 x 129 mm

Typing angle

7°
11°, 4°

Backlight

RGB
RGB, north-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

sam Notfromsam S46 R3

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Keychron K10 HE

  • Keychron (DE)

    ISO-DE, ISO-UK

    In stockDoes not ship to you

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.

FAQ

sam Notfromsam S46 R3 vs Keychron K10 HE: your questions

Yes. The S46 R3 measures 264 × 98 × 28 mm and uses a 40% layout, while the K10 HE is a 100% keyboard measuring about 440 × 129 mm. The S46 R3 also weighs about 600 g, compared with about 1320 g for the K10 HE.

Yes, Rapid Trigger is listed for the K10 HE. Keychron also describes adjustable actuation, with the range depending on which supported magnetic switch version is installed.

No. The K10 HE's compatibility rules specify magnetic switches only, so standard MX switches will not fit. Keychron further says each switch version supports only its matching magnetic switch type.

The K10 HE has north-facing LEDs, and its compatibility rules warn that Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing. Check keycap clearance before selecting a Cherry-profile set.

Yes. Its tri-mode hot-swappable PCB supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, as well as wired use. Dangkeebs also describes the PCB as using low-power components for improved efficiency and battery life.

Yes. It uses a 100% full-size layout, which includes a numpad and dedicated arrow keys. The S46 R3 is a 40% layout and does not have a numpad or dedicated arrow keys.

The S46 R3 is the more compact option, measuring 264 × 98 × 28 mm and weighing about 600 g. Its listed kit includes a custom carrying case, while the K10 HE is about 1320 g.

Yes. The S46 R3's tri-mode hot-swappable PCB is described as VIA compatible. The K10 HE also lists VIA support, alongside QMK firmware and the Keychron Launcher web app.

The S46 R3 kit lists a Poron foam kit and Dangkeebs says it has an added switch foam layer. Keychron describes the K10 HE with EVA acoustic foam, EPDM foam, and a silicone acoustic pad.

Keychron lists Windows and macOS support, as well as Linux compatibility. Its product description also mentions a system toggle and keycaps for Windows and macOS.

No. The S46 R3 compatibility rules say ISO layouts, including ISO-DE and UK variants, are not offered. The K10 HE lists ANSI and several ISO variants.

The K10 HE has the more clearly specified gaming features, including a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes, Rapid Trigger, and adjustable actuation. The S46 R3 lists tri-mode connectivity but does not list a polling rate or Rapid Trigger.

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