The GLORIOUS GMMK 2, also known as the GLORIOUS Modular Mechanical Keyboard 2, is a wired-only, mechanical keyboard available in a barebones version without switches or keycaps or a fully-assembled version with linear GLORIOUS Fox switches installed. It also comes in two different size variants, a 96% full-size and a 65% compact size. Like the other keyboards in GLORIOUS' GMMK lineup, this one is also hot-swappable, meaning you can change out the stock switches for any of your choosing without having to solder. In addition to its hot-swappable PCB, it also comes with screw-in stabilizers, so you can easily replace those.
Our Verdict
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 is an impressive keyboard for gaming. It feels very well-built, and its latency is amazing, making it suitable for any genre of gaming. All its keys are macro-programmable and individually backlit with bright RGB lighting, which you can customize using the companion software. Although the pre-travel distance on the stock linear switches is a bit higher than other linear-style switches, this keyboard is hot-swappable, meaning you can change out these switches for any of your choosing. Unfortunately, its overall ergonomics are only okay as it's a high-profile board and lacks a wrist rest.
- Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch replacement.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Amazing latency.
- Wired-only.
- No wrist rest included.
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 is a very good office keyboard. Its typing quality is excellent. It has double-shot ABS keycaps that feel nice to type on, and the linear GLORIOUS Fox switches feel light to actuate and don't make much noise, which is great for open office environments. Although linear switches may not be the best for typing as they lack tactile feedback, this keyboard is hot-swappable, so you can change out the stock switches for any that you prefer. In addition to its excellent build quality, this keyboard is also fully compatible with Windows and mostly compatible with Linux and macOS, with the exception of a few keys. Unfortunately, it's a high-profile board, but it doesn't come with a wrist rest, which would improve the comfort overall. Also, it's wired-only, so it's not suitable for a multi-device setup.
- Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch replacement.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Doubleshot ABS keycaps feel higher quality compared to others.
- Wired-only.
- No wrist rest included.
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 isn't suited for use with mobile devices as it's a wired-only keyboard.
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 is a great keyboard for programming. It feels very well-built and excellent to type on. The RGB backlighting shines through each key individually, so the key legends are easy to see in the dark. Each key is macro-programmable using the companion software; however, the companion software is only available on Windows. That said, it has onboard memory, so you can carry your saved settings to other operating systems like Linux and macOS, where the keyboard works as intended with the exception of a few keys. On the downside, it's a wired-only keyboard, so you can't pair it wirelessly with multiple devices. Also, it has a high profile and doesn't come with a wrist rest, which would improve the overall comfort during use.
- Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch replacement.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Doubleshot ABS keycaps feel higher quality compared to others.
- Wired-only.
- No wrist rest included.
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 is a poor keyboard to use with a home theater setup. It isn't wireless, so you'll have to connect it directly to your HTPC, which means more cable management across the room. It also lacks a trackpad or any navigational tool, so you'll have to use a separate peripheral to navigate on-screen menus. Also, the media keys are only accessible through hotkeys rather than being dedicated, which may be annoying if you want to quickly pause or rewind content. On the upside, its RGB backlighting is bright and makes the keys easy to see in the dark.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Wired-only.
- No wrist rest included.
- Full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Wired-only.
- No wrist rest included.
Changelog
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless in the Single Key Latency section of this review.
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Nov 21, 2023: We identified a testing issue with this keyboard wherein we didn't properly filter out the end point of our data set before calculating the averages to produce our Latency results. We've now recalculated the Single Key Latency and Multi-Key Latency scores with the endpoint properly filtered out, and both scores have lowered slightly.
- Updated Oct 27, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 comes in a 96% full-size and a 65% compact size. It also comes in three colorways: black, white, and pink. We purchased the pre-assembled, full-size unit in black, which comes with linear GLORIOUS Fox switches. We expect the results to remain consistent across colorways and size variants, though the keystrokes and typing experience will feel different with other switches installed. You can also purchase a barebones version of the GLORIOUS GMMK 2 that doesn't include pre-installed keycaps or switches and choose from a wider selection of switch brands and types to buy separately. You can see the label of our unit here.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 is a wired-only, mechanical keyboard designed for gaming use. The pre-assembled version only comes with linear GLORIOUS Fox switches, which have a higher pre-travel distance than other linear-style switches, like Cherry MX Reds. However, this keyboard is fully hot-swappable and customizable from the PCB up, like other keyboards in GLORIOUS' GMMK series, so you can change out these stock switches for any you prefer. Overall, the latency on the GMMK 2 is low enough to handle fast-paced games without a delay; however, it's still a bit higher than premium pre-built options like those from Razer, Corsair, and SteelSeries.
If you're interested in other options, check out the picks for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best keyboards.
The GLORIOUS GMMK PRO and the GLORIOUS GMMK 2 are two similar hot-swappable keyboards, but they have a few differences. The GMMK PRO comes in a 75% form factor and has a programmable knob in the top right corner whereas the GMMK 2 comes in a 96% full-size or a 65% compact size. The GMMK 2 has slightly improved latency over the GMMK PRO.
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 and the NuPhy Halo96 are mechanical keyboards. The GMMK 2 is a wired-only model with a 96% compact form factor. It also has lower latency, making it a better choice for competitive gaming. On the other hand, the NuPhy Halo96 is a wireless model with a 96% compact form factor but is also available in smaller-size variants. The NuPhy Halo keyboards also feature layers of sound-dampening silicone and have an RGB lighting strip around the outside edge of the keyboard.
The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 and the NZXT Function are both wired-only, hot-swappable keyboards. They perform extremely similarly, but they have different purchasing options. The pre-assembled version of the GMMK 2 only comes with linear GLORIOUS Fox switches. For any other switch option, you'll have to buy a barebones version and purchase and install the switches separately. Conversely, the Function comes with a wide selection of Gateron switches pre-installed, so you don't have to purchase switches separately unless you want to.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 65 and the GLORIOUS GMMK 2 are mechanical gaming keyboards, but the HyperX performs better for this use. The HyperX has better latency, and a better build quality as it uses PBT keycaps rather than ABS. Also, it's stock switches have a shorter pre-travel distance than the stock switches on the GLORIOUS. That said, the GLORIOUS is hot-swappable, so you can change these switches out without needing to solder.
Test Results
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