Glorious, the PC peripheral manufacturer responsible for the incredibly popular GMMK Pro keyboard series, has returned with an exciting new addition to their lineup of premium keyboards, the GMMK 3. While Glorious has previously offered its keyboards like the GMMK 2 and GMMK Pro with a handful of off-the-shelf options, the GMMK 3 has launched with a truly staggering number of customization options.
The GMMK 3 is available in 65%, 75%, or 100% layouts which all feature a rotary knob, magnetic badge, and RGB lighting. A Pro model for the GMMK 3 is also available, which features optional wireless connectivity and 8K Hz polling rate support while in wired mode.
Another exciting addition to the GMMK 3 is Hall Effect switches. The analog keyboard switches that first gained popularity with the Wooting 60HE over two years ago have quickly permeated the gaming keyboard space thanks to their customizable actuation points, and now Glorious is getting on board with its GMMK 3 HE and Pro HE models.
A pre-made version of the GMMK 3 starts at $119.99, but the GMMK 3 Pro HE model can cost up to $349.99 if you choose a model with wireless connectivity. Barebones kits for each keyboard are also available, which allow you to install your own switches and keycaps for a modest price reduction.
Each keyboard is available in a number of pre-fabricated styles with different layouts and switch options, but for anyone who wants a truly bespoke product, there’s Boardsmith. This site-based program allows you to fine-tune virtually every aspect of your new keyboard by picking from a number of stock styles or starting from scratch. This program allows you to pick everything from keycaps and cable options, to different gaskets and switch plates that provide a unique typing feel. After you’ve made your selections, the board is shipped to you fully assembled.
Thankfully, if you change your mind, Glorious has also made swapping parts on the GMMK 3 incredibly simple, with just eight screws holding the keyboard together, hot-swap PCBs, and interchangeable gasket mounts that slot into pegs seated around the frame. The PCB can even support a combination of Hall Effect and generic mechanical switches simultaneously if that’s your style.
I’ve spent the past week or so with my personalized version of the GMMK 3 Pro HE, which definitely offers a premium experience out of the box with its excellent acoustics and build quality. Even as someone who’s capable of building their own keyboard from scratch for less, I’d happily pay more for my own version of GMMK 3 simply because it saves you the hassle of sourcing parts and putting everything together. With less expensive Hall Effect keyboards available like the $219.99 Keychron Q1 HE, you don’t get access to the same vast catalog of customization options offered by Glorious. Bottom line, Glorious has made it way too easy for me to drop hundreds of dollars on another custom keyboard.
