What connectivity options does the S46 R3 support?

The S46 R3 offers versatile connectivity with tri-mode support, allowing you to connect via wired USB, Bluetooth, or 2.4G wireless. This flexibility ensures you can switch between devices seamlessly and enjoy a clutter-free setup.

Is the keyboard hot-swappable? Can I change switches easily?

Yes, the S46 R3 features a hot-swappable PCB compatible with VIA, making it simple to swap out switches without soldering. This allows users to customize their typing experience by trying different switch types effortlessly.

How does the battery life hold up with wireless use?

Thanks to optimized low-power components, the S46 R3 delivers improved battery efficiency, ensuring longer usage times between charges. This makes it ideal for wireless users who want reliable performance without frequent recharging.

What improvements have been made in the R3 version compared to previous iterations?

The R3 brings several thoughtful upgrades including a tri-mode hot-swappable PCB, a continuous full-perimeter RGB lighting strip for a more immersive glow, a cleaner battery layout with hidden internals, added switch foam for better acoustics, and a detachable brass badge for customization.

Can you tell me about the lighting features on this keyboard?

The S46 R3 is equipped with a full-perimeter RGB strip that creates a continuous and balanced glow around the keyboard. This enhanced lighting design provides a visually immersive experience compared to segmented or partial lighting found on other boards.

What materials and finishes are available for this keyboard?

The keyboard’s top case comes in anodized aluminum or coated finishes and is available in several colors including Black, Silver, Pink, Purple, Glacier Blue, and Ember Orange. The bottom case is made from frosted polycarbonate with a translucent finish, giving it a sleek and modern look without external branding.

How does the keyboard feel in terms of typing acoustics?

An additional layer of switch foam has been added inside the keyboard to improve typing acoustics, reducing unwanted noise and creating a more satisfying and quieter typing experience.

Is the keyboard heavy or portable?

The standard S46 R3 weighs approximately 600 grams, making it fairly lightweight and portable. If you opt for the copper bottom option, the weight increases to about 1000 grams, providing a more solid and premium feel on your desk.

What is the mounting style and typing angle of this keyboard?

The S46 R3 uses a top mount style which helps provide a comfortable typing experience. It has a front height of 18mm and a typing angle of around 7 degrees, designed to reduce wrist strain during extended typing sessions.

Are there any customizable aesthetic features?

Yes, the keyboard includes a removable brass badge located on the top right corner, allowing users to personalize the look or remove it for a cleaner design. Additionally, the choice of multiple anodized and coated colors lets users pick a style that matches their setup.

sam Notfromsam S46 R3 Starting at $124.99

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
sam Notfromsam S46 R3
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
[Group-Buy] Notfromsam S46 R3 - Barebones Keyboard Kit
	Based in US	-		$125 Out of stock	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

sam Notfromsam S46 R3

Global

Check vendor

Visit shop

[Group-Buy] Notfromsam S46 R3 - Barebones Keyboard Kit

Based in US

$125

Out of stock

Visit Shop

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Compare sam Notfromsam S46 R3 vs KBDFans Agar Mini vs Other 0xCB Static Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	sam Notfromsam S46 R3	KBDFans Agar Mini	Other 0xCB Static
	76	94	74
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	4.5 stars (4 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2026 Uses a Top Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Weighs about 600 g Sized at 28 x 264 x 98 mm Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Copper case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Compatible with both Mac and Windows Supports VIAL configuration Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, Wireless, Wired connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery Weighs about 700 g Sized at 40 x 250 x 120 mm Made with a Polycarbonate, Brass, Aluminum case	Comes with a knob Includes a Yes, OLED display Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Acrylic, Steel, Metal case
Score	Scores Performance: 61.7 Build Quality: 81.7 Productivity: 59.9 Customizability: 80.1 Portability: 80.3	Scores Performance: 63.2 Build Quality: 94.3 Productivity: 93.9 Customizability: 94.8 Portability: 86.8	Scores Performance: 47.9 Build Quality: 78.3 Productivity: 58.4 Customizability: 78.1 Portability: 62.5
Name	Name sam Notfromsam S46 R3	Name KBDFans Agar Mini	Name Other 0xCB Static
Release year	Release year 2026	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support OLED
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, Wireless, Wired	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 1000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Top Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Copper	Case Material Polycarbonate, Brass, Aluminum	Case Material Acrylic, Steel, Metal
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions 28 x 264 x 98 mm	Dimensions 40 x 250 x 120 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 600g	Weight 700g	Weight -

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Product Description

The sam Notfromsam S46 R3 is a compact 40% mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a minimalist layout with versatile connectivity and customization options. It suits hobbyists and enthusiasts who value wireless flexibility, hot-swappable switches, and a clean aesthetic without external branding. Its tri-mode wireless support and improved battery efficiency make it a practical choice for both desk and mobile use.

Key Features

Tri-mode connectivity supports wired USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless, allowing seamless switching between devices and use cases.
Hot-swappable PCB lets users change switches without soldering, enabling easy customization and experimentation.
Full-perimeter RGB lighting provides a balanced glow around the keyboard, enhancing visibility and style without overpowering the minimalist design.
Additional switch foam improves typing acoustics by dampening sound and vibration for a quieter experience.
Detachable brass badge offers a subtle option to personalize the board’s appearance.

Build Quality

Aluminum top case with anodized or coated finishes offers durability and a premium feel.
Top mount design supports a solid typing feel with moderate flex.
Redesigned internal layout hides cables and battery, maintaining a clean look after assembly.
Frosted translucent PC bottom case lacks external branding for a minimalist aesthetic.

Typing Experience

Top mount and switch foam combine to reduce harshness and improve sound profile.
Typing angle around 7 degrees supports comfortable wrist positioning for extended use.
Switch choice flexibility allows tailoring of tactile or linear feedback.

Connectivity

Wired USB mode ensures reliable connection for gaming or low-latency tasks.
Bluetooth mode suits mobile or multi-device setups with moderate latency tolerance.
2.4 GHz wireless offers a balance of low latency and cable-free convenience.
Low-power components extend battery life, though exact duration is unknown.

Trade-offs

Compact 40% layout reduces key count, requiring layer use for some functions, which may slow workflow for users needing full layouts.
Battery is not included, so users must source it separately.
Heavier option with copper bottom increases portability weight significantly.
Unknown firmware details beyond VIA compatibility may limit advanced customization for some users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)