Glorious GMMK Keyboard Review

The Glorious GMMK's full-sized layout is very large due and takes a lot of space on a desk. However, it's also available in TKL and compact 60% formats.

Update 12/04/2020: We incorrectly stated that the keycaps are PBT, but they're actually ABS. The review has been updated accordingly.

The Glorious GMMK is very well-built and feels premium. The frame is made out of a nice plastic backing with a sleek metal edge and plate, and it exhibits very little flex. It comes with doubleshot ABS keycaps that are slightly textured and don't pick up any fingerprints or oil. The keys wobble a bit, but it isn't noticeable while typing. The rubber feet aren't very grippy, so the keyboard slides around easily when bumped. This board is hot-swappable, meaning you can easily change your switches without desoldering them.

Like most straight keyboards, the Glorious GMMK has just okay ergonomics. The board naturally sits at a three-degree incline, and it only has a single incline setting. It has a fairly low profile, and the front edge is very thin, so some people might not need a wrist rest. Unfortunately, if you need a wrist rest, there isn't one included in the box, although Glorious does sell some. If you want a similar keyboard with better ergonomics, take a look at the Corsair K70 RAPIDFIRE.

The Glorious GMMK features full RGB lighting, which you can customize through software or directly on the board. There are plenty of presets available, but it also allows for personalized effects, which is nice.

The cable should be long enough to reach your desktop without any issues. Unfortunately, it isn't detachable. If you want a keyboard with a detachable cable, then look into the Leopold FC900R.

The Glorious GMMK is wired-only and can't be used wirelessly.

The Glorious GMMK has media hotkeys on the Fn keys. You can easily remap every key and register macros by using the software. If you want to lock your Windows key, you can easily do so by pressing Fn+Windows key.

• Glorious Modular Gaming Keyboard
• Extra keycaps
• Switch puller
• Keycap puller (not pictured)
• Sticker
• User manuals

Update 07/20/2020: We measured the pre-travel distance on multiple keys. In our initial test, the pre-travel was measured with the letter 'U', and we got 2.58mm, which is considered high and affected the scoring. We remeasured with the 'B' key and got 2.38mm, and did it again with the ',' key and got 2.59mm. The variation in switches is in line with the tolerance of Gateron switches. We kept the lowest pre-travel distance and updated the review.

Our Glorious GMMK features Gateron Brown tactile switches, which feel somewhat similar to the very popular Cherry MX Brown switches. However, our switches seem to have variation in distance between keys. Most people shouldn't notice the small difference in the pre-travel difference as it's within manufacturing tolerance. Note that the board is hot-swappable, meaning you can easily choose which switches you want, and your experience will vary depending on which switch you go for.

Update 12/04/2020: We incorrectly stated that the keycaps are PBT, but they're actually ABS. The review was updated accordingly.

Typing on this keyboard feels excellent. The keypresses feel snappy and precise, without being too tiring during long periods. The keys are well spaced out, which helps reduce typos. The rugged ABS keycaps feel nice but don't feel as premium and thick as others. On the upside, all the keys are stable, and there's no wobble when typing. If you want a similar keyboard with an even better typing quality, check out the Ducky One 2.

When typing on Gateron Brown switches, this board is pretty quiet. This should be fine for an open-office area, and you shouldn't disturb the people around you. Note that the board is hot-swappable, meaning you can easily choose which switches you want, and the noise will vary depending on which switch you go for.

The Glorious GMMK's latency is quite high for a wired keyboard. It's okay for general desktop use and casual gaming, but not for serious, competitive gamers.

The Glorious GMMK is compatible with the software of the same name. This app allows you to map macros and customize the RGB lighting. There are a lot of presets available, and you can also create your own. Unfortunately, you can only create up to three different profiles, which isn't a lot when comparing to other brands. Also, the software is a bit slow and has noticeable lag, which hinders the user experience.

While this keyboard is fully compatible with Windows, there are a few non-alphanumerical keys that don't work on macOS or Linux. The software also isn't available on those two operating systems, which means you need to customize the board on Windows before bringing it to another OS.