We’ve all been there. We’re building our new rig, each piece, from the RAM to the RGB, has been methodically researched, priced and ordered. We’ve spent hours comparing GPU’s, CPU’s and motherboards, all in the hopes of building our next dream computer. Finally, after all of the research, all of the scrounging for extra cash, all of the countless review readings, we are ready to place the final order. Yet before we can hit that place order button one question still lingers: what peripherals do we get? In recent years, it’s become as daunting a task as the build itself.
The fine folks over at Glorious PC Gaming Race were gracious enough to send us a couple of pieces in the hopes of answering that very question. For the last week I’ve been typing away on the Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (GMMK) during the day and quick scoping the Vex with the Glorious Model O gaming mouse during the evening. Together these peripherals offer a combination of some of Glorious’ finest products. But how do they stack up against the competition? Does this dynamic duo have what it takes to be your next gaming rigs peripherals? Grab that coffee, kick back and enjoy our review of the Glorious GMMK and Model O.
Specifications
GMMK Keyboard:
- Mechanical Switch: Gateron Brown
- Keycaps: Black (with secondary multimedia functions printed)
- Stabilizers Included
- 104 Key Standard QWERTY layout (ANSI)
- 100% Anti-Ghosting
- N-Key Rollover: Full NKRO via USB, or 6KRO
- Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
- Backlight: 16.8 million colours RGB
- Cord Length: 6 ft. Braided
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 440 x 129 x 35.9 mm | 17.3 x 5.1 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 2.1lbs (940g)
Model O Gaming Mouse:
- Number of Buttons: 6
- Switch Type: Omron® Mechanical Rated For 20 Million Clicks
- Sensor: Pixart® PMW-3360 Sensor
- Max DPI: 12,000
- Polling Rate: 1000hz (1ms)
- Weight: Model O: 67grams (Matte) and 68 grams (Glossy)
- RGB: Yes - 16.8 Million Colors with 8 effects
- Cable Length: 2 meters/6.5 ft
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Beauty in Simplicity
The GMMK is a beautiful keyboard. Everything from the board’s sandblasted aluminum faceplate to its interchangeable switches pay tribute to the quality of the keyboard. Leaning heavily into a minimalistic design, glorious has opted to reduce the surface branding and instead focus in on the features that come with the GMMK. Gone are the logos and fancy edging that generally accompany a gaming board. Instead, you are greeted to a sleek, minimalist design; one that doesn’t try to distract but rather challenges you to engage with every feature this board as to offer.
Each RGB lit key feels solid to the touch, offers a balanced lighting effect and feels durable while being used. In fact, the plastic used for the keycaps themselves seems to be of a higher quality than most of the boards I’ve worked with. The one distinct feature on the otherwise plain black keycaps is the distinct red coloured ESC key. Aesthetically, this little detail seems to make the board pop visually.
The engineers that designed the board seemed to take into consideration every factor as every part of the board serves a very specific purpose. The underside offers a wire tray allowing the braided USB cable an exit point from not only either side but also the top of the board. Speaking of the USB cable, this 2-meter cable feels durable in its thick braided casing and, although not overly flashy, speaks to the quality of the build. A small indent on the right side of the backplane secures a key removal tool as well again pointing back to the minimalistic and functional design.
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Function and Form
As much as I love the simplicity of the design, it’s the functionality of the GMMK that really sets this board apart from competitors. Glorious’ flagship keyboard comes stock with Gateron Brown mechanical switches. They are actually great to use, have a wonderful tactile response and even after numerous tests, respond flawlessly to anti-Ghosting. Personally, though I’m a Cherry MX Blue guy. I love the click and clack that come with those keys and that very opinion is what makes the GMMK really shine.
Its modular design means that I can hot-swap the actual switches just like key caps on the fly. It offers a new level of customization for gamers. Want Cherry MX Blue switches for W, A, S, D but browns for everything else? A few minutes of swapping and your up and running. The GMMK supports any Cherry, Gateron and Kailh branded switches. In fact its the first of its kind and I kind of really like it. Its that extra level of detail that allows gamers another level of customization to their rigs.
Glorious has also released its own software suite to support the GMMK board. Although it isn’t required to get the keyboard up and running it really does allow you to maximize the customization experience. The suite itself is a treat to use as it’s user-friendly and feature-rich. Within a few moments, I was customizing the colours of each key, changing effects and saving profiles. Overall the software reflects the board; elegant, minimalistic and functional.
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Mouse in The House
Shifting gears, it would be irresponsible of me not to spend some time highlighting the Glorious Model O RGB gaming mouse. The company boasts that the Model O is the lightest gaming mouse in existence (that was of course before the Model O- was released). I have to say I’ve never experienced a mouse like this. Lightweight might be a bit of an understatement. As someone who has been running a Razor Naga as my main squeeze for the past 6 years, the Model O was a bit of an adjustment. By adjustment I mean I had to actually reduce my DPI because my hand couldn’t initially compensate for the weight difference. However, after some time and occasionally losing the mouse cursor across my monitors, I began to adjust and daresay enjoyed the weight of the mouse.
Featuring a honeycomb shell, the Model O has a unique design. I was a little concerned that its lightweight build would mean sacrificing durability and strength. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, despite its weight, the Model O feels sturdy under my Bearpaw of a hand and glides exceptionally well across the mousepad. This ease of movement is attributed mostly to what the company calls G-Skates feet that are attached to the bottom four corners of the mouse. And it’s no gimmick; the G-Skates actually do help with overall mouse movement.
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Light It Up
Along either side of the mouse is a nice RGB light line that follows the arc of the mouse. It creates a nice accent to the honeycomb design. The only other RGB lighting comes in the form of a circular light that outlines the scroll wheel. Unlike the GMMK board, Glorious has opted to brand the Model O with the company’s distinct logo which can be found on the inner side of the mouse.
Interestingly, Glorious has also included a customizable DPI LED that is embedded into the underside of the mouse. With a quick click of the DPI switch located on the top of the mouse, You’ll be greeted to both a new DPI speed and its corresponding colour. Conceptually it’s a great idea, as often I will switch DPI on the fly while playing shooters. However, the location of the LED indicator means I would have to physically lift the mouse up to see which setting I’m on; a move that would surely result in my untimely demise and some creative word choices while I wait for a respawn.
Much like the GMMK, the Model O also comes with a software suite to manage the buttons, DPI and RGB settings. It works exceptionally well, feels streamlined and simple to grasp while allowing players full customization of the mouse. Once again Glorious seems to understand how to balance function and feature.
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Smooth Operator
Functionally, the Model O performs without hesitation. I ran it through a gauntlet of games including everything from MOBAs to FPS titles; it just kept coming back for more. The responsive clicks from the left and right mouse buttons feel great. The on-the-fly DPI switching was great but needed to be remapped to the side buttons to fully embrace the feature. Thankfully, this was easily managed with the aforementioned software. The 1ms polling rate meant that I never felt any input lag. The whole experience can best be summarized in a single word: smooth.
Final Thoughts
This has been my first real experience with Glorious PC Gaming Race and I have to say, I’m thoroughly impressed. Both the GMMK keyboard and the Model O mouse offer some of the best quality I’ve experienced in recent memory. Each brings something unique to the peripheral table and offers its own take on a keyboard and mouse design. If you are in the market for a new set of peripherals to compliment your setup then these are definitely strong contenders.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for the purpose of review.
