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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

sam Notfromsam S46 R3 vs Notfromsam S46 R22.4 GHz or Brass for 40%

Choose the R3 if you want the latest wireless connectivity and acoustic upgrades; choose the R2 if you want a brass bottom and instant availability.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

sam Notfromsam S46 R3

Sound dampening

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

If you want

  • Tri-mode connectivity includes 2.4 GHz for lower-latency wireless performance
  • Full-perimeter RGB strip provides a more even and immersive underglow
  • Includes custom carrying case and switch foam for improved portability and acoustics

Get the

sam Notfromsam S46 R2

USB-C

Build quality in the top 10% of 40% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Brass bottom case option available, increasing the total weight to around 1kg for a more premium feel
  • Includes a POM plate in addition to the PC plate, providing two plate material choices
  • Immediately available to ship within 1-3 business days from the vendor

Bottom line

The Notfromsam S46 R3 is the better choice if you want the latest features: 2.4 GHz wireless, a full-perimeter RGB strip, and improved sound dampening. The trade-off is a long group-buy wait and no brass weight option. The R2 is ideal if you want a brass bottom case or need a keyboard immediately, as it is in stock and ready to ship.

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

sam Notfromsam S46 R2

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Copper, Polycarbonate

    Aluminum, Brass, Polycarbonate

  • Sound dampening

    Yes

    No

  • Plate material

    Polycarbonate

    Polycarbonate, POM

  • USB-C

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • sam Notfromsam S46 R3
  • sam Notfromsam S46 R2
Performance
62
62
Build quality
82
83
Productivity
60
54
Customizability
79
79
Portability
81
85

What they share

  • Layout size: 40%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Top Mount
  • VIA
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The R3 wins for gaming, office, travel, and modding due to its 2.4 GHz mode, full-perimeter RGB, included carrying case, and acoustic foam upgrades. Both keyboards tie for programming and content creation, as the 40% layout is a significant constraint regardless of revision, but both offer full remapping via VIA. The R2 remains competitive for modding only if a brass bottom or POM plate is preferred.

For gaming

Pick the sam Notfromsam S46 R3

  • Offers a 2.4 GHz wireless mode, which can provide a more stable low-latency connection compared to Bluetooth alone
  • Includes a full-perimeter RGB strip for customizable lighting effects
  • Features a tri-mode hot-swappable PCB for flexible connectivity

Full specs

sam Notfromsam S46 R3 vs Notfromsam S46 R2 specs

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

5 of 17 specs differ

sam Notfromsam S46 R3

sam Notfromsam S46 R2

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Top Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

40%
40%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Copper, Polycarbonate
Aluminum, Brass, Polycarbonate

Plate material

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate, POM

Weight

600 g
—

Dimensions

28 x 264 x 98 mm
28 x 264 x 98 mm

Typing angle

7°
7°

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

VIA

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2026

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.

FAQ

sam Notfromsam S46 R3 vs Notfromsam S46 R2: your questions

The R3 adds 2.4 GHz wireless, a full-perimeter RGB strip, a switch foam layer, and a detachable brass badge. The R2 offers a brass bottom case option and a POM plate, and it is available to ship immediately rather than as a group-buy.

Yes, the vendor listing states that the R3 features a tri-mode flex-cut hot-swappable PCB that supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.

Yes, both keyboards are 40% ANSI layout boards with the same dimensions (264 x 98 x 28 mm) and a standard 7 degree typing angle, so they should use the same keycap set.

No, the R2 vendor description does not list a carrying case as an included item. The R3 vendor listing explicitly includes a custom carrying case.

The R3 should have improved acoustics because the vendor notes it includes an added switch foam layer and a Poron foam kit. The R2 also includes Poron foam but not the additional switch foam.

No, the R3 is sold as a group-buy with an estimated shipping date of Q3 2026, according to the Dangkeebs listing. The R2 is in stock and ships within 1-3 business days.

Yes, both the R3 and R2 vendor listings confirm VIA support, allowing full key remapping and creation of custom layers.

The R2 can be heavier because it offers a brass bottom case option, which brings the weight to approximately 1kg. The R3's maximum weight is listed as ~1000g with a copper bottom, but that is an optional part, not standard.

The R3 box includes a tri-mode PCB, a detachable brass badge, a carbon fiber battery plate, an adhesive battery, and a custom carrying case. The R2 comes with a Bluetooth PCB, a brass name badge, a POM plate, Poron foam, and keyboard feet.

No, the R2 vendor specification only lists Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity, with no mention of a 2.4 GHz dongle. The R3 is the only model with 2.4 GHz support.

Yes, the R3 comes with a polycarbonate plate. The R2 includes a POM plate in the package but is also listed as having a polycarbonate plate option. The R2 offers more plate choices out of the box.

The R2 is more beginner-friendly because it is in stock, ships quickly, and has a 30-day return policy. The R3 is a group-buy with a long lead time, making it better suited for enthusiasts comfortable with waiting.

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