What makes the Notfromsam S46 R2's layout unique compared to other 40% keyboards?

The Notfromsam S46 R2 features a minimalist 40% layout with a distinctive separated arrow cluster using blockers. This design optimizes desk space while retaining essential navigation keys, making it ideal for users who want a compact yet highly functional keyboard.

Can I customize the switches on this keyboard easily?

Yes, the S46 R2 comes with a hot-swap PCB that allows you to change switches without soldering. This makes it convenient to try out different switch types and tailor the typing feel to your preference.

What materials are used in the construction of the keyboard case?

The keyboard features an aluminum top case for durability and a premium feel. For the bottom case, you have options including a lightweight PC version weighing about 0.6kg or a heavier brass version around 1kg, allowing you to choose based on your preference for heft and stability.

Does the keyboard support programming or remapping keys?

Yes, it supports VIA, a user-friendly software that enables you to remap keys, create macros, and customize layers easily, offering a highly personalized typing experience.

Is there any backlighting feature available on this keyboard?

The S46 R2 includes RGB underglow lighting, which adds an attractive glow beneath the keyboard. While it doesn't have per-key RGB lighting, the underglow enhances the overall aesthetic and can be customized through compatible software.

What is the typing angle and how does it affect ergonomics?

The keyboard is designed with a 7-degree typing angle, which provides a comfortable wrist position that reduces strain during long typing sessions, promoting better ergonomics.

Are there any special features included for sound dampening or typing feel?

Yes, the keyboard includes a Poron foam layer beneath the plate, which helps to dampen sound and improve the overall typing acoustics, resulting in a quieter and more satisfying typing experience.

Can I use this keyboard wirelessly via Bluetooth?

The standard package includes a Bluetooth hot-swap PCB, enabling wireless connectivity for a clutter-free setup and flexibility in how you connect your keyboard.

What are the dimensions and weight of the keyboard?

The keyboard measures 264×98×28mm, with a front height of 18mm. Depending on the bottom case material, the weight varies: approximately 0.6kg with the PC bottom case and around 1kg with the brass bottom case.

Are keyboard feet included to adjust the angle or height?

Yes, the keyboard comes with feet that help stabilize it and slightly elevate the typing angle, enhancing comfort and ergonomics during use.

sam Notfromsam S46 R2 Starting at $158.99

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
sam Notfromsam S46 R2
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Notfromsam S46 R2 - Barebones Keyboard Kit
	Based in US	-		$159 Out of stock	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

sam Notfromsam S46 R2

Notfromsam S46 R2 - Barebones Keyboard Kit

Global

Check vendor

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Notfromsam S46 R2 - Barebones Keyboard Kit

Based in US

$159

Out of stock

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Compare sam Notfromsam S46 R2 vs Unity Community vs Dwarf Wangchuan GuangQi40 Specification

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

Model	sam Notfromsam S46 R2	Unity Community	Dwarf Wangchuan GuangQi40
	77	66	63
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2026 Offers Normal ergonomics Uses a Top Mount mounting style Sized at 28 x 264 x 98 mm Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Brass case	Comes with a knob Features PBT keycaps	Has Silent switch options Compatible with both Mac and Windows Features N-key rollover Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 2400 mAh battery Weighs about 500 g Sized at 26 x 93 x 263 mm Offers No RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 61.5 Build Quality: 82.9 Productivity: 53.9 Customizability: 79.4 Portability: 84.6	Scores Performance: 56.4 Build Quality: 71.5 Productivity: 50.2 Customizability: 73.6 Portability: 62.4	Scores Performance: 60.5 Build Quality: 82.6 Productivity: 72.9 Customizability: 85.7 Portability: 88.6
Name	Name sam Notfromsam S46 R2	Name Unity Community	Name Dwarf Wangchuan GuangQi40
Release year	Release year 2026	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -	Switch Options Silent
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 Split Spacebar	Layout Ergonomics Split Spacebar
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
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, Wired, Wireless	Connection	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 2400 mAh
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 -	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Brass	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions 28 x 264 x 98 mm	Dimensions -	Dimensions 26 x 93 x 263 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight -	Weight 500g

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)