GLORIOUS GMMK Compact 60% Barebones Custom Keyboard Kit (Black)

Being new to mechanical keyboards, I did not want to buy a keyboard with switches that I did not like. I ended up getting this GMMK TKL ISO layout keyboard, and then bought 10 different packs of switches from different sellers. It allowed me to try 10 keys of each on the actual keyboard for a more genuine test than a single switch. Through the testing, I came to the conclusion that Kailh Box Heavy Pale Blues are the ones that I really like, despite initially thinking that I was going to end up with a tactile switch. The board is pretty solid. There's a slight metallic twang when you're typing away, which happens with all switches, regardless of colour. I think it's because it is a solid piece of metal, and the vibrations just make a sound. It's not too loud, or obnoxious, but it's certainly there. The cable is long, and feels very solid. Yes, it is MicroUSB, but you get a cable in the box, so what's the problem? One review on YouTube stated that the lights were a bit less intensive than they would have liked, but I find that there is ample brightness on the LEDs, particularly with pudding caps (HyperX do black-on-white UK layout pudding keycaps - unfortunately ABS rather than PBT, but still great). The software for controlling macros and lighting is okay. It's pretty straightforward. The macros are simple ones, but they work. All in all, a great keyboard!

I have been switching out keyboards every few months for a couple of years now and can never quite find the 'perfect' keyboard for me. I decided to go the whole hog in the end and build one to match my requirements and this barebones ISO layout is the perfect starting point. It is very solidly built, heavy enough but not too heavy, USB-C connectivity, adjustable feet to raise the board if desired and excellent RGB. I installed a combination of Gateron Brown switches (quiet, non-clicky with a really positive feel) and Akko Jelly Pink switches for function keys which give a slightly different but very positive feedback. Finished off with the keycaps from a Cooler Master SK652 keyboard which are low profile and have a very clear and backlit font. The SK652 is a fabulous keyboard but just too big (there isn't a TKL version available unfortunately) so by utilising the keycaps from this keyboard I feel I am still paying homage to this excellent board :-). I now have what I would consider the closest to perfect keyboard I could hope for (and I have used MANY over the last 15 years!) and all this is made possible by the fantastic GMMK TKL ISO base!

Nice led lights on board and I really like the design with a chamfered metal edge. I don't use the custom lighting software much, but it seems to offer lots of options. I think most mech keyboards are overpriced. This is very good value but you will have to pay another £50 or so to get nice switches and keycaps. This means the cost comes in under around £120, which is at the low end compared to other "pro" keyboards like the Apex, however I also own other TKL keyboards that are just as good and cost under £100. One small criticism is that the stabiliser on the spacebar is not great and it feels like the keycap is sometimes hitting the plate before bottoming out on the switch. Overall, a solid choice but I might look for a way to replace the stabilisers.

This is my first time buying a mechanical keyboard and I wanted something that can be customised/altered in the future with a “less is more” aesthetic. Pros: 1) The black TKL Ansi version I got is a 2020 model which is now USB C which was a nice surprise as the reviews here and on youtube refer to older models that were micro usb. 2) Can be upgraded with different keycaps and switches 3) RGB if that’s your cup of tea. 4) Ansi layout, again if that’s your cup of tea. My PC is still running a ISO layout (as that’s my preference) so will probably replace keys for ISO prints in the future...I just like the ANSI enter key haha. 5) Comes with decent box for storage/transport with plastic dust shield. Cons: 1) have to have brown Gaterons. Would have been nice to have been able to pick the switches...but assume that would have come with a price tag for customisation. 2) would be cool to have a couple more rgb lights under the space bar, only 1 light where the switch is. Overall a great starter kit, with all the bits to get you started, was worth the £150 price tag. Sounds good, feels good, plays good, looks good etc etc

TD;LR: would 100% recommend, quality keyboard, arrived undamaged, the RGB lighting is nice, quick delivery, cannot think of a fault. Buy it!! This is my first mechanical keyboard and I am *so* happy with it. I bought this keyboard alongside AKKO rose red switches [I got these on amazon. I would recommend these switches if you're looking for cheap, but good linear switches, as they sound good and feel nice to press. They are 3 pin switches so they fit well with the keyboard] My photos of the keyboard really don't do it justice, it looks so nice in person. I legitimately cannot find a fault with the keyboard. If you're considering buying this keyboard but are still on the fence about it, buy it!!

If you are looking for a hot swap keyboard with solid quality then this is an excellent choice without breaking the bank or needing to build your own from scratch from globally sourced parts! LEDs are bright enough for what I want and need. The software is a little lacking in terms of customisation but nothing that AutoHotKey cannot fix. It feels solid, heavy and was the quality I was hoping it would be when it arrived well packaged and with lots of accessories. Your typing experience will vary greatly on the choice of your switch and keycap but either way this is an excellent way into getting into mechanical keyboards. The compact size of 60% saves lots of space on a desk and once you get used to the hot keys for various shortcuts it feels natural. Awesome!

Given the price and availability it's one of the best barebone you can buy. The keyboard is light, but well built and no flex whatsoever. Highly recommended for people who like me wanted to try exotic switches without the hassle of buying expensive kits and messing with soldering. The backlight control is basic but functional, and it does not require any additional software. The keyboard supports only 3 pin switches, so if you plan to use 5 pins switches you need to remove the 2 extra plastic prongs (very easy operation) before placing them.

I was looking for something inexpensive for my first custom build. It took the tape (I used masking tape on the back of the board) and foam (I used some unused 2mm foam underlay) mod with ease. The build quality is pretty good, nice and sturdy, the finish is stylish yet understated. It does require its own app to control the RGB (I tried openRGB, ut it didnt find it), which can be downloaded from the link on the quick start card, but its really easy to use and once you've set it up, it doesn't need to be running all the time!

Easy set up, good colours and the keys come with spares.

Ero stufo della mia Hyperx Alloy Origins ed ero alla ricerca di una tastiera più compatta e gradevole, avendo già io Model D, è stato facile orientarsi su questa Glorious GMMK TKL. L'ho presa da Okluge, usata come nuova ed a parte qualche segno di sporco, la tastiera è impeccabile. Arrivata in tempi ragionevoli dalla Germania con DHL, provvista di tutti gli accessori; insomma, perfetta per completare il mio setup bianco.

Teclado bem construído, teclas leves e silenciosas. Só tive um bug que o teclado parou de funcionar de um dia pro outro 90% das teclas e tive que fazer um reset nele com Fn+Esc e depois F1, F3, e F5 por 5 segundos. Aí voltou a funcionar normalmente e não tive mais problemas.

Needed a new keyboard for work; did the job. Easy to change out the switches for a more clicky feel.

Great barebone keyboard (Combined with kailh box pink) Feel solid the only down side i found (Can easily be fixed at home) is the stabilizers they rattle a bit but it can be easily fixed with a little bit of masking tape on the clipping side other than that really great keyboard.