Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!
74
Notfromsam S46 R2 - Barebones Keyboard Kit

sam Notfromsam S46 R2 Mechanical Keyboard

The Notfromsam S46 R2 is a compact 40% mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a minimal footprint without losing essential navigation keys. It suits hobbyists and enthusiasts who prefer a clean desk setup and enjoy customizing their typing experience with hot-swappable switches and programmable layouts.</p... Read more
Compare prices from $159.00 to $175
Details
Specification
Price alert

Compare prices and purchase options

Click the coupon code for a discount. Features and specs may vary by model version.

*I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Thanks for your support!

Price history

The price history chart tracks the lowest price over time across all stores, excluding Amazon (shipping costs not included).

Compare sam Notfromsam S46 R2 vs KBDFans Agar Mini vs Keychron Q4 Pro Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
sam Notfromsam S46 R2KBDFans Agar MiniKeychron Q4 Pro
74
Notfromsam S46 R2 - Barebones Keyboard Kit
94
Ready to use Agar mini Dual-mode version with keycaps
90
Keychron Q4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
0.0 (0)
4.5 (4)
5.0 (2)
  • Released in 2026
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Sized at 28 x 264 x 98 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Brass case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Supports VIAL configuration
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wireless, Wired connectivity
  • 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
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1351 g
  • Sized at 21 x 121 x 303 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 60.8
  • Build Quality: 82.2
  • Productivity: 53.3
  • Customizability: 79
  • Portability: 84.1
Scores
  • Performance: 63.1
  • Build Quality: 94.2
  • Productivity: 94
  • Customizability: 95
  • Portability: 86.9
Scores
  • Performance: 75.2
  • Build Quality: 87.3
  • Productivity: 91.1
  • Customizability: 95.3
  • Portability: 89.5
Name
sam Notfromsam S46 R2
Name
KBDFans Agar Mini
Name
Keychron Q4 Pro
Release year
2026
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
40%
Layout Size
40%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, Wireless, Wired
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
1000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Top Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Brass
Case Material
Polycarbonate, Brass, Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
28 x 264 x 98 mm
Dimensions
40 x 250 x 120 mm
Dimensions
21 x 121 x 303 mm
Weight
-
Weight
700g
Weight
1351g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Product Description

The Notfromsam S46 R2 is a compact 40% mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a minimal footprint without losing essential navigation keys. It suits hobbyists and enthusiasts who prefer a clean desk setup and enjoy customizing their typing experience with hot-swappable switches and programmable layouts.

Key Features

  • 40% layout with a separated blocker arrow cluster, providing arrow keys without increasing size significantly.
  • Hot-swap PCB allows easy switch changes without soldering, supporting VIA for customizable keymapping.
  • RGB underglow adds subtle lighting effects that can enhance visibility or aesthetics.
  • Bluetooth connectivity offers wireless use, while USB-C supports wired connection for flexibility.

Build Quality

  • Top-mount design affects typing feel by allowing some case flex, which can soften keypress feedback.
  • Aluminum top case offers durability and a solid surface, while users can choose between a lighter polycarbonate or heavier brass bottom case to adjust weight and typing acoustics.
  • Includes Poron foam for sound dampening, reducing hollow or sharp noises during typing.

Typing Experience

  • 7-degree typing angle supports a natural wrist position for extended use.
  • Polycarbonate plate combined with Poron foam can create a softer, quieter typing sound compared to metal plates.
  • Hot-swap capability encourages experimentation with different switch types to tailor feel and sound.

Trade-offs

  • 40% layout is compact but may require multiple layers or key combinations for common keys, which can slow some users.
  • Bluetooth wireless performance and battery life are unknown, which may affect reliability for some workflows.
  • Minimalist layout with blocker arrow cluster is less suited for users who need full navigation or function keys without layering.

Discover and compare sam Notfromsam S46 R2 alternatives

Explore products with similar features and specifications.
94
$160
Ready to use Agar mini Dual-mode version with keycaps
KBDFans Agar Mini
40%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
VIA,
VIAL,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
90
$143
Keychron Q4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q4 Pro
60%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
75
$179
Zoom64 - 60% ISO+ANSI Mechanical Keyboard Kit
Wuque Studios Zoom64
60%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
Alu case

Compare specs
-10% off
100
$199$179
Chilkey ND104 CNC Aluminum Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
Chilkey ND104
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

Compare specs
100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
99
$129
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Keychron K2 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

Compare specs
96
$170
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Gem80
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
96
$134
Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K10 HE
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

Compare specs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Other users are also interested in these products

Discover products that are frequently liked and visited by other users!