I really like the ratios of the new XPLR cassette from SRAM, but I'd like to have a mechanical drivetrain. This setup is going on a gravel bike FWIW.

Wolftooth had the best images that I could find about the design differences in the chains. It looks like the main difference between the Shimano Hyperglide chains and the SRAM Flattop chains are Shimano's extended link plates that require chamfers on the cassette/chainring. In my head, that means that the M8100 derailleur should work fine because having the chamfers to accommodate a Hyperglide chain should not cause a Flattop chain to bind.

Does anyone have any feedback on whether the combo below would work? I suppose my main concern is cassette spacing differences between XPLR and M8100.

Derailleur: Shimano RD-8100-GS (12S, 45T low sprocket max)
Shifters: Microshift Shimano MTB 1X12 (Actually a Gevenalle lever)
Cassette: SRAM XPLR XG-1271 (10T-44T)
Chainring: Garbaruk Easton Cinch Round (42T, 12 speed for SRAM AXS Flattop)
Chain: SRAM Force CN-FRC-D1 (12 speed Flattop)

PS: If this won't work, I'll just run the 10-45 Shimano M8100 cassette, but I really don't need that tight of gearing on the bottom end of the cassette.