Back in July of last year, we took a look at the Glorious GMMK Pro. At that time, the keyboard was being sold as a DIY custom keyboard kit, but since then Glorious has begun selling it as a complete keyboard. We were able to take a look at this version to see how the GMMK Pro has evolved and whether this complete build is worth picking up at $329.
Specifications
- Current Price: $329 (Glorious, Amazon) <- Link here or to vendor site if unavailable
- Layout: US (ANSI) (83 keys, including clickable Rotary Encoder)
- Switches: Glorious Fox Linear Switches
- Keycaps: GBPT Dye-Sublimated Keycaps
- Keycap Puller Tool: Included
- Plate Mounting Type: Gasket mounted design
- Switch Puller Tool: Included
- Case Material: Aluminum
- RGB: 16.8 million color RGB LED backlight (south-facing) and LED sidelights
- Stabilizers: Pre-lubed Glorious GOAT stabilizers (screw-in)
- Cord Length: 6 feet
- Removable Keycaps: Yes
- N-Key Rollover: Yes
- Removable USB Cord: Yes
- Interface: USB-C 2.0
- Modular (Hot Swap) Switches: Yes
- Open Source Firmware Compatibility: QMK
- Switches: Not Included
- Typing Angle: 6 Degrees
- Weight: 3.3 lbs (barebones - estimated)
- Dimensions: 332mm x 32mm x 135mm
- Warranty: 2 Years
First off, if you haven’t read the original review, be sure to do so now. This review serves as an update to that original, factoring in the improvements it brings to the table and the new switches and keycaps. This review will not be standalone if you currently don’t know anything about the keyboard.
GMMK Pro Prebuilt - What Is It?
The GMMK Pro Prebuilt is a completely assembled version of the original GMMK Pro. It’s available in white or black and comes with Glorious’s Fox linear switches and GPBT keycaps. Like the original kit, it also includes a braided, coiled USB-C cable to complete the classic custom keyboard look. The prebuilt version also factors in some of the design changes Glorious has implemented since the original release, such as the improved plates (which support more aftermarket stabilizers) and the new lube process on the GOAT stabilizers.
It’s important to note that the fundamentals are the same. This is still a 75% keyboard with a rotary encoder. It uses the same gasket mount implementation that’s more about isolation than flex. It includes two layers of foam, one between the plate and PCB and the other inside the case. It still supports hot-swappable switches, so you can easily try new ones without soldering, still uses a heavy aluminum case, and is still a great platform for modding and customization.
GMMK Pro Prebuilt - How Has It Improved?
Compared to the original GMMK Pro, the prebuilt edition is a substantial improvement. I was sent the black version with white PBT keycaps, and it looks good. Glorious has dropped the centered legends and gone with a more traditional look to their keycaps, which gives the keyboard a cleaner, less gamery look. Of course, you can change these to whatever you like, and Glorious would encourage you to do so. This keyboard is all about modding.
The first thing I wanted to check was whether the stabilizers had been improved. In my original review, I remarked that my stabilizers were inconsistent and generally pretty bad. One wouldn’t return, even after I had cleaned the lube up. Other early reviewers noted similar experiences, which Glorious attributed to over lubing. That wasn’t the case on mine (it was just faulty), but it was a big enough issue that the company went back and changed production.
It appears that Glorious has gotten their ship in order, because these stabilizers are here are very good. Not only do all of them return exactly as they’re supposed to, there isn’t a rattle to be heard. They’re consistently good across the board without any hint of sluggishness or over-lubing. These are honestly some of the best stabilizers I’ve encountered in a prebuilt keyboard, so well done, Glorious!
The switches are also surprisingly good. The Fox linears only appear to be available in Glorious’s prebuilt keyboards (this and the GMMK 2) but they’re smooth and lightweight, perfect for gaming. The lubing is also consistent across the board, which makes every smooth feel buttery and satisfying to game on.
The PBT keycaps are also very good. They’re thick and lightly textured, and feel solid under the fingers. Since they’re made of PBT, they’ll never shine, and the dye sublimated legends will never chip or fade. The written legends on the modifier keys are all in lower case, which looks a bit odd to me, I do like the orange accent key on the escape, however.
Taken as a whole package, this is definitely and improvement on the original. I was impressed from the start and have had a great experience through testing with this keyboard.
Should You Buy It?
That’s the big question here, because at $329, it’s very expensive. The barebones kit costs $169, so that puts the prebuilt version just short of double the cost. Now, with that you’re getting a $49.99 set of keycaps and a set of lubed switches. Since you can’t buy them separately, there’s no way to pin down an exact value there, but using Glorious’s Lynx switches as a comparison ($0.97 per lubed switch), we can estimate these switches would add another $70-80 of value. Add in the coiled cable, which the competition generally doesn’t offer, and you can begin to see where that price comes from. The GMMK Pro also offers gaming software to record and program macros and create custom lighting profiles, something other custom keyboard kits generally don’t (or at least don’t do well).
But $329 still feels too expensive. I’m impressed with how good the keyboard is, but the Keychron Q1 is also available and offers everything but the software for only $169. Even with Keychron’s shipping, the Q1 would still be $100 less and offers a typing experience that’s arguably better due to its improved gasket mount implementation. It doesn’t have the software and the keycaps are more divisive. But, for the money you save, you could easily pick up new keycaps and top of the line boutique switches and still have money leftover to put toward your next game.
The Glorious GMMK Pro Prebuilt is the best version of the GMMK Pro you can get. It’s just too expensive to feel like a good value at the current price.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Some articles may contain affiliate links and purchases made through this will result in a small commission for the site. Commissions are not directed to the author or related to compensation in any way.
