Customers find value in the GMMK 2's high-quality build, responsive keys, and customizable RGB lighting options. The hot-swappable switches and satisfying key feel are also frequently praised. While some users have noted issues with the accompanying software, the overall positive feedback highlights the keyboard's excellent performance and features. The durable construction and impressive lighting effects are particularly well-received.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
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Pros mentioned:
Keyboard quality, Rgb, Switches
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Quality and Performance built to last
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Glorious prebuilt is pretty much your all in one stop for all your gaming needs. With the feel of a mechanical key and a on demand adjustable poll rate and input latency adjustment, this key set up makes for a perfect gaming pad for those looking to upgrade all while keeping things simplistic and atheistically pleasing.
The first thing i noticed out of the box was the weight and quality of this build. This is one chunky guy and definitely you can feel it. When this thing was built, it was 100% built to last. Pretty sure it could handle a house falling on it. The keys are removable and do come with a puller in order to change your layout or upgrade your keys. This is technically labeled as a mechanical keyboard and while it is a little noisy when blasting through your key strokes, it is not even close to being as loud as a typical mechanical key layout. The biggest complaint i always got from my wife about my mechanical keys was how she could always hear me typing from my office upstairs while she was downstairs watching TV. A bit of an exaggeration in my opinion but nonetheless a noticeable difference in key stroke sound. While on the topic of key strokes, each key is laid out perfectly and is raised in a perfect stadium style layout ensuring that no accidental keys are pressed while moving your fingers across the keys with each trigger. Yes it does have RGB and is no different than any other RGB keyboard. Through the free Glorious software you can set up your different colors and color scheme, but this is not where the software truly shines. It was very obvious that the Glorious team wanted to put emphasis on gaming and gave you some options to help suit your needs. You can adjust your polling rate which paired with your adjustable input latency will determine how fast or slow actions are made while gaming. This is such a key set up for COD and Counterstrike players or anyone in to competitive gaming and battle royale games. Keep in mind though this is only as good as your rig set up. Weak processing power will not allow low latency to have its full effect and is no fault on the manufacturer. Through the software you can also set up key bindings giving you even further advantages during your gaming or making life easier by opening other files with the touch of a single key. You can have to up to 3 active keyboard profiles and 3 cloud profiles as well.
Simply put this by all appearances and first glance make it look like another standard mechanical RGB keyboard. But what makes it truly stand out is its smooth low audio key strokes and the amount of options you have for your key bindings. I mean you can set up key bindings for mouse inputs, or key bindings for macro inputs for you mmo players. And given the 3 profile set up you can switch between set ups for your FPS games and then switch over for when you start playing your mmo games. Honestly this is a solid buy and the minute you pull this unit out of the box your going to see right away how much quality and love was put in to building this. Don't think twice, this is a easy buy.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
In the ever-evolving landscape of mechanical keyboards, the Glorious GMMK 2 Prebuilt 96% has emerged as a formidable contender, capturing the attention of gamers and keyboard enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of this keyboard, exploring its design, features, performance, customization options, and overall value proposition.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon unboxing the GMMK 2 Prebuilt, you're immediately struck by its smooth minimalist design. The keyboard features a compact 96% layout, which eliminates the number pad and some navigation keys to save desk space while retaining essential functionality. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a smaller footprint without sacrificing typing comfort.
The keyboard's build quality is exceptional. The top plate is constructed from sandblasted aluminum, lending a premium feel and ensuring durability. The underside features a solid plastic base with rubber feet for stability.
Glorious Fox Switches: A Smooth, Linear Experience
The GMMK 2 comes equipped with Glorious Fox linear switches, a proprietary switch designed for gaming and typing. These switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience with minimal resistance. The factory lubrication further enhances the smoothness and reduces noise.
If you're not familiar with linear switches, they have a consistent feel throughout the keystroke, without any tactile bump or click. This makes them ideal for gaming, as they provide quick and responsive actuation. However, some typists might miss the tactile feedback provided by tactile or clicky switches.
Hotswappable Sockets: Unleash Your Creativity
One of the most significant features of the GMMK 2 is its hotswappable sockets. This means you can easily swap out the pre-installed switches with any other compatible mechanical switches without soldering or desoldering. This opens up a world of possibilities for customization, allowing you to tailor the keyboard's feel and sound to your preferences.
Whether you prefer clicky, tactile, or linear switches, the GMMK 2 lets you experiment and find the perfect combination for your needs. You can even mix and match different types of switches to create a truly unique typing experience.
Per-Key RGB Lighting: A Visual Feast
The GMMK 2 Prebuilt features vibrant per-key RGB lighting, which you can customize to your heart's content. The Glorious CORE software allows you to create complex lighting effects, sync the lighting with other Glorious products, and even program macros for specific keys.
The lighting is bright and evenly distributed across all keys, even the doubleshot legends shine through with stunning clarity. Whether you prefer a subtle glow or a vibrant light show, the GMMK 2's RGB lighting has you covered. Be sure to get one if you are in need of a keyboard for anything.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
TL;DR: the GMMK 2 is a decent entry-level option, but still has some enjoyable perks for keyboard enthusiasts.
To preface, I have owned several Glorious products for over three years and love my GMMK Pro (my daily driver). I also travel with a GMMK Compact fairly regularly. On the whole, I would regard Glorious products reasonably well.
Unboxing:
Initial impressions were admittedly quite bad. The box arrived damaged, and though the keyboard itself was unscathed, it was a disappointment to start off my experience with the GMMK 2 with such a negative first impression. That said, setup was a breeze and very much plug-and-play (though you can use Glorious Core, Glorious's custom software, to make tweaks to features like lighting and macro shortcuts — which I will get into later). Included in the box are a nice, thick braided USB-C cable and both a keycap and switch puller.
Typing experience:
The key switches feel nice, leaning towards a fairly good linear switch. While I prefer tactile switches, these Fox switches do offer a smooth and relatively quiet typing experience. I also would have preferred more angle adjustment options, as the only angle besides being completely flat was steep for my wrists.
One thing to note is that because of the lower actuation force, I occasionally had some accidental key presses. In fairness, I do typically use Glorious Pandas (a heavier switch) on my daily board, but this would not be an ideal switch for gaming or typing-heavy work in my opinion. That aside, it's a surprisingly stable typing experience with less rattle and wobbliness compared to my GMMK Pro, and I didn't notice any latency while typing or gaming.
The RGB lighting is pleasant and not overpowering. Though the lighting patterns are pretty standard, there is room for customization and the GMMK 2 has a side RGB strip that adds a nice touch. The mostly aluminum body gives it a solid build quality, and it's hefty enough to stay put on a desk. At around 1.2kg, it's a heavier board but not so heavy that it's difficult to move around.
Some key traits of this board are being hot-swappable and having a 96% layout. While I prefer a 65%, people who need or prefer having arrow keys and a numpad will appreciate the 95% form factor. Hot swap also means you can swap out the Fox switches for any other Cherry-compatible switch you like, a massive bonus for any keyboard enthusiast.
Drawbacks:
There are some fairly major downsides worth mentioning. The first and foremost is the Glorious Core software which is used to customize lighting and macros. To put it nicely, it's lacking. I wish that Glorious would up their game on their software because it is atrocious, and having used the Glorious Core 1.0 version with my GMMK Pro, I will say that the 2.0 update does not improve the experience much.
Personal preference, of course, is also a significant factor when it comes to mechanical keyboards as a hobby. I find that the black color is not as visually appealing as the white, which looks very clean, especially with the RGB. I also did not much care for the stock keycaps: "Ascend" for the enter key legend is hilariously cringe-y to me, and the thin ABS plastic is cheap-feeling. GMMK also uses north-facing LEDs, which interfere with the RGB lighting; this is less of a gripe as you can easily swap out the stock keycaps with something offering more transparency, and Glorious even has their own "pudding" style keycaps if you still want to keep your keeb Glorious-themed.
Another major qualm I have is with Glorious support, which my past experiences with have been less than stellar. I have run into occasional issues with my other Glorious boards and had very little recourse; as an example, the GMMK compact has a known issue where the caps lock LED remains lit even when the caps lock is not engaged. When I contacted support, their idea of a resolution was a mere $5 store credit (on a then-$70 board). Disappointing does not even begin to describe that experience, and it raises some concerns for me about whether long-term support for the GMMK 2 will be reliable, despite the sturdy build quality.
Summary:
In summary, the GMMK 2 keyboard is a decent entry-level board with solid build quality and a pleasant typing experience. However, it’s not without its flaws. For Glorious fans and people newer to the hobby, it’s a good option with genuine perks, but for hardcore enthusiasts, the GMMK 2 does not offer much at this price point that other boards don't.
Pros:
+ solid build quality
+ Glorious Fox switches are surprisingly nice for a linear switch
+ customizable macros and RGB lighting, plus an RGB side strip
+ brand name recognition
+ hot swap
+ low latency for gaming
+ 96% format is good for people who want/need a numpad and arrow keys
Cons:
- Glorious support is questionable, so if you do run into issues you may not have a satisfactory resolution even if you love the board
- Glorious Core software is flat-out not good
- north-facing LEDs (not an issue if you use more transparent keycaps)
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I needed a small keyboard for a new workspace setup. I wanted another mechanical keyboard but not the clicky loud ones and it needed to be wired so I didn’t have to charge or mess around with batteries. I picked up the Glorious GMMK 2 Prebuilt 96% Full Size Wired Mechanical Linear Switch Gaming keyboard, mainly because it met all that and had hotswappable switches!
Pros:
- Smaller size.
- Overall quality and feel of keyboard is great.
- Hotswappable switches.
Cons:
- Mistyping due to placement of some of the keys.
Setup:
Setup is super simple because Glorious Gaming makes has made the GMMK 2 96% Plug and Play! Just plug in the keyboard and go. No Software, no updates, nothing but 2 steps: Unpack and Plug in. At least if you just want to use the default settings and simple lighting.
Software:
Even though you don’t necessarily need the software to use the keyboard, if you want to take advantage of all the customizations and lighting effects, you will need to install the Glorious Core 2.0. Honestly, the software is not nearly as bad as many others accessory makers. You don’t need to sign up for an account unless you want to save your profiles to the cloud. The interface is simple, you have a tab to adjust, and you save those to a profile.
You might want to check the Polling Rate and Input Latency, as they can impact gaming performance, but the bulk of the settings are in the lighting and key binding sections. I usually set up a lighting mode and 2 key bindings I use often and leave it at that. All told, the software install and changes took less than 5 minutes, and hopefully won’t need to adjust them again.
Hardware:
Included with the keyboard is a 6ft USB-C to USB-A cable, which is great to have just in case the cable is damaged, you don’t have to replace the full keyboard. Additionally, is a Key-Cap and Switch Pulling tool, both of which are needed for cleaning or swapping out the switches. Glorious doesn’t have too much branding beyond the “Esc” key being their logo in orange, but they also included a normal “Esc” key cap if you want to be normal.
It would have been nice to have a full body aluminum case, but only the top frame is. Though the bottom is a nice tough plastic, with rubber feet and stands to raise the keyboard up to a better typing angle. The key caps all feel good, they are on the smoother side but are shaped in such a way that typing feels good and natural as your fingers land in the center of the key cap.
The Linear switches are quick to register, you can change the latency between press and signal sent, or registry of the key press which is great for FPS or reaction-based gaming. It also feels good for those who type fast, there is no delay between hitting a key and seeing the letter. The Hotswappable feature will be more for the niche keyboard nerds out there, but also opens the door to those not as familiar. If you want to try out another switch type or swap all of them out, you can do just that without even having to turn off your computer! Though it might be easy to move the keyboard around while swapping the keys in and out. Additionally, if you end up wearing out a key, you can just buy a single switch to swap out instead of having to replace the full keyboard!
Use:
The Linear switches Glorious included are much quieter than most, even compared to other Linear Speed switches I’ve used in the past. I prefer this, as I like the tactile feel of a mechanical keyboard but dislike the loud sound often associated with mechanical keyboards. The noise has been an issue in the past for me as I tend to type extremely fast while on the mic, but this is less of an issue now with the quieter keys and noise canceling software. Still, the noise is auditable but not loud enough to be picked up by the microphone.
I do have to get used to the placement of the Del and Number Pad Zero keys. I often use both quickly on normal sized keyboards, usually having no issue locating them, but on the 96% sized keyboard I found myself missing the keys often since they are smaller or further away from where I normally press. Even with that inconvenience, I found typing on the GMMK 2 96% very enjoyable.
Conclusion:
Overall, this keyboard was a joy to use and a really good quality keyboard for around $100 (normal MSRP is $119.99 but there is a sale going for $99.99 at the time of writing). For all the features Glorious packs into the GMMK 2 Prebuilt 96%, it is a great entry into the mechanical keyboard world plus provides advanced options that you can customize for years to come. Plug and Play alone is amazing for a keyboard like this!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Glorious GMMK 2 96% Full Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard sets a new standard for gaming peripherals, offering a blend of customizable features and premium build quality that cater to both casual gamers and competitive enthusiasts alike. Designed with a focus on versatility and performance, this keyboard is a testament to Glorious' commitment to delivering an exceptional gaming experience.
One of the standout features of the GMMK 2 is its space-saving design, which integrates seamlessly into any gaming setup. The compact layout ensures maximum desk space utilization without sacrificing comfort or functionality. This makes it ideal for gamers who prioritize an uncluttered and immersive gaming environment.
Crafted from premium materials, including durable double-shot keycaps and an aluminum top frame, the GMMK 2 not only exudes elegance but also guarantees long-lasting durability. This robust construction ensures the keyboard withstands the rigors of intense gaming sessions, maintaining its performance and aesthetic integrity over time.
Performance-wise, the GMMK 2 excels with its hotswap functionality, a standout feature that allows users to customize their typing and gaming experience effortlessly. The keyboard comes equipped with Glorious' custom-made Fox linear switches, renowned for their smooth keystrokes and satisfying acoustics. What sets the GMMK 2 apart is its compatibility with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, giving users the freedom to experiment with different switch types without the need for soldering. This flexibility ensures that every user can tailor the keyboard to their precise preferences for tactile feedback and actuation force.
Enhancing the gaming experience further is the vibrant RGB lighting system. The keyboard boasts clear switches that allow RGB lighting to shine brilliantly through, illuminating the metal plate and creating visually stunning effects. With 18 preset lighting effects to choose from and advanced customization options available through the Glorious CORE software, users can personalize their gaming setup to match their style and mood.
In conclusion, the Glorious GMMK 2 96% Full Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard stands out as a top choice for gamers seeking a blend of performance, customization, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're looking to upgrade your gaming rig or enhance your typing experience, the GMMK 2 delivers on all fronts. Its thoughtful design, premium materials, hotswap capability, and dazzling RGB lighting make it a versatile companion for any gaming enthusiast.
For those who value flexibility and quality in their gaming peripherals, the GMMK 2 offers a compelling package that promises hours of comfortable gaming and productive use. Embrace the future of customizable gaming keyboards with the Glorious GMMK 2, where every keystroke is tailored to perfection.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
++First Look++
Let me begin by admitting I have a bit of a problem with collecting computer keyboards. My wife would say I have far too many, but if have used enough you start noticing differences in them. The sound, the feel, looks, etc. That being said this keyboard by Glorious does the company well, the keyboard is in fact Glorious.
++Setup++
I always enjoy unboxing new tech, and keyboards are no different. Right out of the box the first I noticed was the heft. The box was unusually heavy for a keyboard. The packaging is very well done, and you get the keyboard, some key/switch removal tools, a very nice braided USB-C to USB-A cable, and a ESC keycap if you don't want to use the preinstalled yellow Glorious keycap. As soon as I plugged in the keyboard I immediately downloaded the Glorious Core software from their website. Once it installed, I updated the firmware, and then was able to start seeing what could be tweaked. The entire process took less than 5 minutes.
++Features/Feel++
Let me start off the bat by stating that typing on this keyboard is great. The key travel is great, the sound is soothing, it just feels really great overall typing on here. I have typed out a few papers for work on this over the last week or so, as well as played some games, and it has been a delight to use. Sometimes with mechanical keyboard the keys can make a loud clacking sound, but the switches/build on the Glorious keyboard create a satisfying thock sound. Every key feels the same and creates the same sound, even the space bar which is not always the case on some other keyboards I have used.
The software allows you to tweak a few settings aside from just updating the firmware. To being with you can adjust the Polling Rate, and Input Latency. I have left them at default to start with, but you have the option to change them. You also get quite a bit of control on how you want to setup your RGB lighting. You can use a Preset, I am currently using Matrix #3, or you could choose the lighting for each individual key, and the side lights as well. You can really make this your own keyboard.
++Overall++
This is a great keyboard. The heavy aluminum base and rubber feet will make sure your keyboard stays in place no matter how vigorous your gaming session is. The keys and switches provide a great typing experience both tactilely and audibly. The hardware and software allow you to get the response time you are looking for for various gaming types. Plus, the software allows you to customize all the RGB lights to really personalize your keyboard. Glorious did a fantastic job with this keyboard and I could wholeheartedly recommend it.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
So excited to get this Gloriuos GMMK2 pre-built and use it for gaming. I was not happy with the keyboard I have been using. The keys are too high and it was really loud when clicking. Upon receiving the GMMK2 I was upset to hear a bunch of rattling and loose pieces rolling around inside the box. I assumed it was because UPS delivered it and those guys throw boxes around like rugby players. When I opened it , I discovered it was the silica packet that had basically burst into smithereens ,and the little beads were all over the place inside the box and in the keyboard. Not good when your talking about a key board like this with lots of nooks and crannies for beads to get lodged. I blew out the keyboard with compressed air best I could to ensure no beads were left under the keys. My suggestion to Glorious would be to protect these packets a little better considering the weight of this keyboard. (aluminum top frame with ABS base) My assumptions is that it exploded during transit from the package handlers.
Speaking of the weight, this thing is perfect! I’ve been wanting a heavy ,well made keyboard like this. It does not slide around on me when gaming at all. You can tell they take pride in their keyboards.
It is a wired keyboard but even the wire is a quality item. It’s a 6’ braided cable so plenty of room to move it around wherever you need it to be. It boasts 16.8 million Color RGB LED backlight and Sidelights. Once I downloaded the Glorious CORE software and found the Matrix preset, it was love at first sight. (see photo)
Speaking of the CORE software, it works , but it’s not the most user friendly and runs very slow, lots of options for customization though.
Keys are removable to customize how you want them as per the usual with a high end gaming keyboard like this.
This thing is sick and I am so excited and happy with it I can’t even express. Aside from the silica bead scare ,I’m overjoyed so far at the performance and the upgrade I’ve received by owning this keyboard. Highly recommend!!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Full size gaming keyboards are something often overlooked by many people including me just because “it’s too big”. This 96% aims to solve this problem by shrinking the gaps between the num pad and the main portion of the keyboard and does it well.
This model has the glorious fox linear red mechanical switches in it that come pre lubed alone with clip on stabilizers. This is a tray mount keeb and of course hot swap so you may swap in any switch you like to use with it which is excellent at this price point. Now it does come with ABS keycaps although they are double shot yet so longevity should not be an issue though if your a PBT fan like myself glorious also makes a lineup of alternative style keycaps you could use with it as well to suit your tastes.
To program this if your into that sort of thing or just want to mess around you can use the glorious software OR use the open source QMK software which is what every company should be doing these days so props to Glorious on this. This like many other big box brand keebs is an aluminum top plate with ABS base so with the tray mount it provides a fairly positive type feel to it and an alright sound profile. I went the extra mile and did a tape mod and redid the lube and stabs as they were on the light side from the factory. This comes with a keycap puller, switch puller, extra normal ESC key, and a 6ft braided cable so everything youd need to get started here.
If your not one thats into the whole keyboard scene as a hobby or anything this keyboard will still knock your socks off and is the perfect storm for day to day use and spreadsheets yet able to really crunch in game without having to swap things around on your desk which is really the main draw of getting a 96% in the first place. That said this really is the total package for someone in this same boat and comes highly recommended in the wired space.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Just got this keyboard today and initial thoughts are quite impressive. The build quality seems to be very sturdy and the keyboard has quite some weight to it (2lbs, 12 oz to be specific).
The detachable USB-C to USB cable is of good quality and nice for transporting it to other places.
The lighting features are nice as 90% of the lighting can be configured directly on the keyboard with out the software. For more tweaking, the software provides some great options to adjust those.
The software does have some issues with it, as I wasn't able to get the per-key lighting to work, but I'm sure that will be resolved with future updates.
The key cap sounds are quiet but have good feedback. I wouldn't say they are clicky, but have a nice solid sound to them.
One nice thing about this keyboard is if I wanted to change out the key switches at anytime, i can do that. I haven't looked at other switches yet, but may look into them in the future if I feel I want something different.
TL;DR - Solid keyboard with great build quality, but software could be improved. Software is not needed for 90% of the functionality of this great keyboard.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This keyboard is honestly amazing. The layout is perfect—still has the number pad but doesn’t take up as much space as a full-size board. The switches feel super smooth and quiet, which is great for gaming and typing.
I love that it’s hot-swappable. I already switched out a couple of switches just to try different feels and it was super easy. The RGB looks awesome too—nice and bright, and the effects are cool once you mess around with the software.
Build quality feels solid and premium, especially for the price. Only thing I’d say is I kinda wish it came with a wrist rest, but that’s not a dealbreaker.
If you’re looking for a clean, customizable keyboard that performs well and looks good, this is 100% worth it.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard 2 (GMMK2) is outstanding. It features pre-lubed switches and stabilizers that provide a smooth typing experience and great sound. This 96% keyboard includes a number pad and has keys that are closely spaced. The keyboard’s responsiveness and additional keys make it ideal for gaming and allow for more key binds. The customizable RGB lighting includes static lighting, animations, and reactive effects to key presses. The Glorious Core app, available for download on their website, allows for adjusting the latency of the keyboard down to 2 ms and customizing the keyboard's lighting with various patterns or highlighting keys. The keyboard boasts high quality, featuring an aluminum frame and a plastic bottom, providing a premium feel. It's a worthwhile purchase, especially for gaming, and allows for easy swapping of parts to change switches or modify the keyboard. The smooth typing and low latency make it an excellent choice for gaming, and it's a great addition to any gaming setup.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
My day job requires me to type a lot. I also like to game on PC. To me, I want the best tools to elevate my computing experience and I enjoy the clicky sounds of a mechanical keyboard. This keyboard is an absolute pleasure to type on, although it might take a little adjustment depending on the type of keyboard you use - primarily because of the size which as you can see on the description is 96%. This keyboard dominates gaming while conquering the workday.
DESIGN
This keyboard is both stylish and understated. It’s all black with colorful black lighting and a little flourish. You can keep it professional or spice up your desk with lighting. It still features a full 9 digit keypad, along with your function buttons (separate from the numbers) but it can feel a little cramped at first (assuming you’re used to the 100% size).
It’s weight, made out of aluminum. It will not move when you’re typing. It has a standard angle, that’s the best way I can describe it, giving you a slight and expected elevation from the bottom to the top keys.
I should add that this keyboard is considered “prebuilt” because you have the ability to customize the keycaps and types of switches directly from their website. Obviously, ordering the black prebuilt one takes away some of the customizability, but that’s only out of the box. The keycaps and the underlying switches can all be taken off and replaced. But obviously, packaging a complete set of black keycaps has some nice conveniences and probably helps keep the price down.
And finally, there’s awesome and subtle lighting on the sides of the keyboard to give is a nice subtle glow.
TYPING EXPERIENCE
I recommend a mechanical keyboard to everyone because of the satisfaction thump and clicking sound of typing. But not everyone cares about those things. But this keyboard uses what GMMK calls “Glorious Fox linear switches.” I don’t have the other types to compare, but these provide great feedback. And they’re entirely responsive, not requiring you to fully depress the button. This is great for gaming.
I only use a keyboard for FPS (non-online) on PC. It was a fine experience, as I found the buttons extremely responsive with quick key rollover allowed rapid button presses with out any misses.
GLORIOUS CORE
You’ll want to download the Core app to get the full experience of this keyboard. It’s there you can change the colors and effects (like breathing, or where the lights turn off until you begin typing). You can also change the polling rate and input latency, but I’m not smart enough to really know the difference of these settings - but I’m sure that matters to some. The app is relatively straightforward and easy to manage and navigate, so props there. I had a little trouble switching colors at first, but I eventually figured it out and it hasn’t been an issue since.
You can create an account and sync your settings in the cloud for free. These would include saving your keybindings and macro functions. And there’s a large preset selection of those types of actions.
MISC COMMENTS
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few issues I had, but it’s tough to say if they are just with my unit, but when I switched the colors to a solid colors, a few keys weren’t as bright or shined a little differently. The backlighting isn’t affected, I can still read the letter on the key, and when it’s pulsing it’s hardly noticeable. Maybe it’s me, maybe I messed up a color setting, or it’s just pertaining to my unit, but it’s worth noting even though it makes no difference to me.
I also had issues with my 7 key. This does feel like a manufacturing flaw, as I’ve tried to remove the button and reinstall it, but it sticks a little bit and sometimes my keys don’t register if I don’t exert more force than other keys.
I also have the mention the size of the keyboard. My typing accuracy went down for a little bit while I accumulated myself. Not something you can’t relearn, but the keys still seem a little cramped to me, especially the arrow keys, which are surrounded by other keys (whereas sometimes they’re more open and easy to find without looking). This is something I easily got over and I like the symmetrical size and feel of the keyboard, but it was an adjustment.
CONCLUSION
I’m a big fan of this keyboard. The keys -with the exception of my 7 - are extremely responsive, feel clicky and frankly satisfying to use. And the app is pretty user friendly and offers enough customization options without feeling overwhelming to all but the select few who fine tune every aspect of their computer. This keyboard is still more pricey than your basic computer keyboard, but it’s worthwhile investment to any gamer or professional who is always on a computer - it truly elevates the typing experience.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I'm not going to lie, I was excited to get my very first Glorious keyboard. I had strolled by the display at my local store many times and I have been intrigued by this brand ever since I first laid eyes on it. When the opportunity arose to get my hands on one, I didn't hesitate. And that was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time.
Glorious has taken the word 'modular' to the next level. Their keyboards can be modified in almost every possible way. Not happy with the switches? Replace them! Don't like the keys? Replace them! Don't like the lighting? Modify it! You want custom key bindings? Create or modify them in the app! There's really a lot of freedom that comes with the GMMK 2, and that's not even the best part.
When I first lifted the box up, I was surprised at how heavy it was. And I'm not talking about a little heavy, it's VERY heavy for a keyboard, which - in my opinion - is always a good thing. I've even yanked pretty hard on the cable to see if it would move when you accidentally catch it with your arm or foot and I'm happy to report that the keyboard just nudged a little to the side but was still pretty much in the same spot after that. That's some heavy duty hardware that Glorious has been manufacturing.
The GMMK 2 comes with a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap clip and a switch clip, a replacement "escape" key, a sticker and documentation. Note that this is a "pre-built" edition, meaning that it comes fully functional and ready to use, but you can also simply go ahead and get the keyboard base without switches or keys and build it to your liking. I believe that Glorious has really channeled everything that makes PC gaming great: the choice of your components and the endless customization possibilities.
The keyboard feels very sturdy, as the base is made of metal. The keys are very nice to the touch with a little grainy touch, and very quiet even though they are mechanical. The box says "full size" which is *kinda* true as it has all keys that should be on a keyboard. There is a mention of 96% which is simply Glorious removing wasted space by redesigning the layout without affecting the position of the keys too much. This makes it one of the most compact, full size gaming keyboards available, which doesn't sacrifice functionality, but does free up some space on your desk. Of course, there is also a function key which, in combination with other keys, allows you to modify most keyboard settings on the fly, or turn the volume up and down, control media apps and more.
On the software side of things, you get Glorious' in-house interface called Glorious CORE. I would advise to install it right after you've plugged your keyboard in as it very likely will need a firmware update. The companion app is very well made, clear to use and allows you to - again - customize and adjust almost all aspects of the keyboard, including the lighting effect (global or per key), the polling rate and more. It's very intuitive while still being very powerful.
I've used the GMMK 2 in various games and scenarios, and it performs great, most likely due to the red switches it comes with. I've been trying very hard to find a major flaw, or even just anything I could complain about, but I came up empty. Even the price is more than fair, considering that if a switch stops working for instance, all you have to do is to get a new switch, not a new keyboard. I recommend the Glorious GMMK 2. Buy it. You won't regret it.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've tried a bunch of keyboards in my years and I'm really liking this one from Glorious. It's well built and feels sturdy while offering the usual array of features you'd expect from other gaming keyboards.
First thing you'll notice is the weight of this keyboard. All the keyboards I've had were pretty lightweight and standard for the most part. This one is significantly heavier but it feels really well built. Doesn't move around easily and just feels really solid. As with some higher end keyboards, you're able to replace the keycaps on this one if you want to. The keyboard comes with key cap removal tongs. Glorious also has a couple different key cap sets available as well.
This being a 96% keyboard, it's a tad smaller than your typical size. Personally, I like the full 100% keyboards with separate keypad but I'm getting used to this layout so it's not a huge change that's needed.
The software for this was pretty straightforward so, once you plug the keyboard in, updating it through the software is pretty easy. Comes standard with your usual RGB presets as well as the ability to setup your own.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard (GMMK2) comes packaged very simply with an instruction manual, a registration card, and a sticker. It’s labeled as a prebuilt edition, but I’m not really sure what that means. It also includes a quick start guide and a replacement “ESC” key with the Glorious logo in a bright, almost carrot-orange color.
The keyboard itself is heavy and feels extremely well-built—almost a bit too heavy. But since I’m not going to pick it up and game with it in the air, that doesn’t really matter. The keys aren’t tactile, but they respond very well when pressed. Despite being a full-size keyboard with a number pad, it has a small footprint, perfect for someone who doesn’t have a lot of desk space.
I’m not impressed with the customizability of the color-changing function on the Glorious Core software. I’ve tried every possible method to set custom color changes, and I simply can’t. It’s not very user-friendly when it comes to customizing your color schemes.
However, the presets make up for this. They’re actually pretty cool and interactive. Usually, presets are boring and bland, but I found some good ones here. You can also customize the key functions on the Glorious Core software, which is expected for a gaming keyboard.
Overall, what’s most impressive is the build quality. It’s really sturdy and heavy. While I can’t say too much about the software aspect, its performance in gaming and general computer use is superb. I really like the presets that Glorious Core has by default, especially the cool ripple effects triggered by keystrokes. Would I recommend it? Absolutely.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Fantastic near full Mechanical Keyboard especially for the price. It has a nice solid weight. Great linear switches with a little bit of resistance, but the travel and the low noise makes it very satisfying to use. I bought this to use both for work and gaming so I was looking for a full sized keyboard that still had a smaller footprint for my mouse. This checks all the boxes. I use the number pad often and the small zero takes some getting used to as well as the location of Del, Ins, PgUp, and PgDn. But overall very worth it if you dont quite want to give up the number pad.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I'm loving this gaming keyboard. Packaging was great and they include not only the keyboard, but also a nice plastic dust cover, a braided USB cable, a keycap puller and and a switch puller.
I love that they keyboard is practically a full size one, while still saving a little bit of space (technically its a 96%). You still have arrows and a numpad if you need one. I'm a gamer but I also do some work and a numpad is required. I do hate full size keyboards because they take space from my mouse and me using a low DPI on it I need to lots of space to move my mouse. This keyboard is the best of both worlds, full F row, arrow keys and full numpad while saving me a some space for my mouse.
The switches on this keyboard are linear, Glorious own Fox ones. They are prelubed from factory and are "thocky" and smooth, glorious has put great work to make it sound good (they use sound dampening foam on the bottom of the keyboard). They remind me of a better Cherry red linear. The keycaps are ABS, but they are doubleshot and feel great and have a little bit of a texture to the, great for a little more grip. Legends are clear and RGB shines through just fine.
This keyboard works in conjunction with Glorious Core software to fully manage it. Its not needed, but if you want to fully utilize your keyboard I would recommend you give it a try. It does run on your taskbar, however you can save any settings to the keyboard and then make it so it doesn't auto run anymore. Upon first booting the software it detected my keyboard needed a firmware update, this important you do as they generally fix bugs. You can control the lighting, layers, macros etc. But the best setting (me being a gamer) is that it will let you change the keyboard's polling rate (highest is 1000hz) and also the input latency (lowest is 2ms) for the fastest gaming experience. Since its also a hot swappable keyboard, if you don't like the stock switches, you can install your own ones. It does support 3 and 5 pin switches!
Some quick PROS and CONS
+++PROS+++
+Mechanical keyboard.
+Hot swappable.
+Double shot ABS keycaps
+Included keycap and switch puller and USB braided cable.
+Almost full sized (96%), still has a numpad but saves some space.
+Nice RGB.
+Sound dampened, sounds "thocky".
+Fast (1000hz polling rate max, and 2ms input latency min).
+Good, unobtrusive software.
---CONS---
-No wrist rest included.
-Switches are not HE (hall effect, magnetic).
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I highly recommend you this keyboard if you are a gamer and you also do some work on your PC and you need a full numpad. Remember it will still save you space for your mouse!!! Its great quality, good sounding and great performing at a good price!!!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
From the moment I opened the box, I was in love with this keyboard. The keyboard feels hefty and well-built, weighing in at 2 lbs 12 oz. Who needs a home-defense rapier when you can just use the keyboard LOL.
It originally comes with red linear switches, which are incredibly responsive—perfect for gaming. However, I prefer the tactile feel of Cherry Blue switches, so I ordered Panda Tactile Switches from Glorious's webpage. The customization options are a dream come true.
The base keyboard is fantastic, especially for the price, but the ability to customize it to my exact preferences is unbeatable. I want to upgrade the keycaps to the Sketch Keycaps because they give off Casey Neistat vibes, but they're sold out :'(.
The build quality is top-notch, and the detachable USB-C to USB cable is perfect for portability. The lighting features are impressive, with 90% of the lighting configurable directly on the keyboard. For more detailed adjustments, the software offers great options.
Overall, this keyboard has exceeded my expectations. Its quality and price are unmatched, and the customization options are fantastic. I actually look forward to sitting at my desk now because of the great vibe it provides. I'm even considering replacing my Logitech mouse with a Glorious mouse to unify my experience. My biggest complaint is that they don't sell other peripherals like gaming headphones.
If you're looking for a sturdy, customizable keyboard that feels high-end at a budget-friendly price, this one is for you.
Great customizable keyboard when you get a chance!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Quick Overview
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There are a ton of gaming keyboards out there, a ton of mechanical keyboards out there, and a ton of both combined! Here's Glorious' newest combination, their signature GMMK in a 96% layout that's still more compact than a full-sized keyboard. It's a mechanical keyboard featuring their own Fox linear switches that's pre-built with doubleshot keycaps whose transparent legends allow the light to shine through. How does this keyboard stack up in a sea of other mechanical gaming keyboards?
Overall build
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This thing is solid! Lifting it out of the box, you'll immediately feel the heft which is a good thing. You want your keyboard base to be solid when you're typing or gaming. The sturdy base and aluminum top frame make this feel super-sturdy and there's no doubt it's built to last.
You'll see RGB light bars on the left and right sides and in the box you'll get the USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap puller, switch puller, and a "plain" ESC key (if you don't like their yellow logo'd one).
Performance
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Once you plug it in, you're immediately ready to go. The lighting by default is their Glorious mode which has alternating colors of RGB expanding from the center of the keyboard. It's very nice. We'll customize it shortly.
After doing some test typing, you'll immediately notice how solid and damped the keyboard is. It's not tactile, so there's no clicky "bump" that you may be used to if you're coming from a Blue-style switch. On the flip side, the travel is perfectly smooth if not a bit long, and very quiet. The foam inside helps dampen any excess noise or vibration also. This would be great in an office environment or if you game next to another person. My keyboard with blue switches? Yeah, not so much...
These switches are pre-lubed and are hot-swappable so if you don't like the feel on some (or all) of them, just swap them out. Personally, I love clicky blues, but they have a time and place. Nice smooth linear switches are great for gaming and quieter typing.
To get the most out of your Glorious GMMK2 96%, you'll want to install the Glorious CORE software which can help you customize the features (like the polling rate) and control the per-key RGB lighting.
The installation of the Glorious CORE software is straightforward and once it's up and running you'll see your keyboard available for selection. Overall, it's pretty intuitive and you can set up macros, keybinds, and lighting profiles. To get started quickly, you can select one of many different presets that you can "Apply" to see them live on the keyboard. For whatever reason, the preview in the CORE app didn't seem to work. If you want to set up a custom profile that's easy also. Just choose (or add) one, select the keys and change the colors.
Pushing back my G18 further into the desk to make room for this (and a wrist rest, since it doesn't come with one) was a great setup for gaming. The keyboard is fast, responsive, and quiet. As I mentioned, I'm not a huge fan of smooth, linear switches because I seem to type more than game, but these Fox switches are great. Even though there's a fairly long travel distance, they actuate quickly.
I would have to keep typing on this thing for awhile to get more used to it and I'm sure my speeds would pick up. I'm typically using a Logitech mechanical keyboard with browns or a Magicforce with blue-style switches so this is a bit of a transition. Still, they feel better than another keyboard I had which was all Cherry MX reds. I couldn't get comfortable with that one!
Conclusion
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This keyboard is an interesting one. Many folks in the Mechanical Keyboard community love to fully customize their keyboards and don't necessarily buy "off the shelf" keyboards. I mean, why bother when you can build yours from scratch? Well, I think this Glorious GMMK2 96% is a great choice that want the option to customize (when they find that precious free time), but don't want to build one from scratch right now. It comes with high-quality components, is lubed and foam-damped, and is fully modular for whenever the customization bug strikes!
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've used several mechanical keyboards before, but this is the first one I've had that's fully customizable, straight down to the switches. For someone who's never done the process of building out a keyboard, it's a bit daunting to have to research all of the options on the internet and who knows what parts are compatible with what. The GMMK 2 being a fully-assembled, pre-lubricated kit is a great way to get into custom keyboards at a reasonable price, and Best Buy partnering with Glorious means you can just walk into your local store and find parts, which is that's a cool thing on it's own.
The GMMK 2 is impressive out of the box. It's the heaviest keyboard I've ever owned despite being one of the smallest, and it's incredibly compact compared to all of my other, full size keyboards (TKL keyboards are interesting, but not for me. I like my numpads). It's definitely not going to slide around on my desk. The braided USB-C to USB-A cable feels nice and is replaceable, which is great. If something damages the cable on my other boards, it's game over. I would have liked to have seen a passthrough port for connecting a mouse, but that's relatively minor.
Included in the box along with the keyboard are key and switch pullers, along with a standard "Esc" key if you're not a fan of the somewhat overt nod to PCMR and want less of a "gamer" aesthetic, though you're still going to have to Ascend rather than Enter.
The mechanical keyboard I've been using as my "daily driver" has optical switches that actuate at 1mm, which is super sensitive and I'm not the biggest fan of. The GMMK 2 actuates at 2mm, which feels a lot more natural to me and I find myself accidentally triggering keystrokes less. The compact nature is taking me a bit to get used to, as they had to squeeze some things together to make it happen, but overall the curve isn't too bad. The included switches are linear and don't provide any feedback, but they feel nice and smooth and have a satisfying, muted "thunk" when fully depressed. I'm looking forward to picking up some different switches to play around with.
The RGB lights are bright without being obnoxious and there are subtle RGB bars on the sides that can be turned on and off. I don't usually go in for rainbow effects but the default "Glorious" mode is strangely mesmerizing and I find myself leaving it on. The lighting is fully customizable within the Glorious CORE 2 software and multiple profiles can be saved to the device.
The Glorious CORE 2 software is a mixed bag. It immediately detected the GMMK 2 and allowed me to update the firmware, so props for that, but it also continued to tell me that a firmware update was available until I closed and restarted the application. It allows for full key customization, but once I rebound a key, I was unable to undo my change or change it to something else until I once again restarted the application. Overall, it looks like a decently powerful tool, allowing different "layers" for key rebinds, but it needs some work in terms of stability.
Overall, the GMMK 2 is a great kit for anyone looking for a high quality entry point into mechanical keyboards. Definitely recommend it.