I’m not much of a tech person. I just know that the magic computer box allows me to play video games, watch YouTube, and create online. For the past seven years, I’ve used the same Logitech keyboard. It’s become coated in cracker crumbs and cola, less a keyboard and more of a biome. Accordingly, I jumped at the chance to review the GMMK Pro.
I’ve often wondered about upgrading to one of the fancy keyboards I see online. Intrigued by their multi-colored facets, durable knobs, and clicky-clacky keys, the price kept me away. Spending hundreds on something I didn’t understand seemed like a waste.
So when Glorious reached out to send me a review copy of their latest GMMK 3 keyboard, I was intrigued. I considered it an opportunity to finally leave the mechanical stone age and give in to the upgrade.
What is the GMMK 3 Pro HE and Who is it for?
The GMMK 3 is a fully customizable keyboard perfect for anyone needing precision typing that doesn’t need to build one from scratch. Though you can buy the keyboard piecemeal, Glorius offers a prebuilt version that comes ready to use out of the box.
Whether you want wired or wireless, a plastic or metal frame, or even if you want to give it a name, Glorious has you covered.
GMMK 3 Pro Specs
Keys: Hall Effect Gaming Performance
Body: Full Aluminum or Plastic
Modularity: Nine Points
Dual HE/MX Hot Swap Support
Gasket System: Modular
Price: $119.99 and up. The reviewed unit configuration would cost $390.
What is Great About the GMMK 3 Keyboard?
1) The GMMK 3 Pro Gives Customization You Don’t Have To Build
A good keyboard needs multiple layers of plastic, metal, and sometimes even foam to reach its full potential. Glorious has streamlined the process with an easy-to-use website to customize your dream keyboard.
You pick every piece, then they put it together before sending it out to you. Glorious claims there are a billion different configurations. Going in I did not know what a PCB, Gasket Module, or Switch Plate did. However, Glorious’ website helped explain each choices I was making without overwhelming my non-tech-friendly brain.
2) Hall Effect Switches Are a Keyboard Gamechanger
Standard keyboard buttons have a plastic mechanism that allows them to pop back up after being pressed. Hall Effect (HE) switches have changed the game, adding an extra layer of sensitivity to your buttons.
With HE, a sensor feels magnetic waves when a button is pressed, like Magneto, sending information back to your PC. Compared to older keyboards, the buttons feel smooth and sharp when pressed. This makes sure your inputs are as exact as they can be.
3) Customization Lets You Pick Your Keyboard’s Durability
When I built my keyboard, I went for a top and bottom that were made of metal. When the keyboard box arrived, I thought there was an extra piece of iron inside. It was just so heavy, coming in close to 10 pounds.
That weight makes it feel super durable. I don’t have to worry about it sliding around on the table while I’m gaming or writing a big story. There is also a plastic option that’s a lot less heavy, though I haven’t been able to test that one out.
4) RGBaby!
Like many modern keyboards, the GMMK 3 is packed with bright colors. On each side are lines that light up. There are also north-facing LEDs under the keycaps.
You can adjust the brightness, style, and color using the function key and button arrows or the Glorious software you can download. The light-up effects are pretty fun. My favorite is the “Heartbeat Sensor,” which has a wave that travels across the keyboard in a soothing motion.
5) Braided Cable or Wireless
Normally I’m not a big fan of braided curled cables, but the one on this keyboard just feels high-quality and practical. Though it costs extra, the twirled braid chord gives you an extra few feet of room to drag your keyboard across the room. Plus, its colors can be customized.
There is a wireless option if you’d like. However, I can’t imagine dragging this behemoth around.
6) So Many Switches To Customize
Switches are one of the most complicated aspects of building a keyboard. Each color and style contributes heavily to the type of noise, feel, and touch each keystroke provides.
Thankfully, there is a walkthrough while building your keyboard. Glorious explains what each of the ten switches does. The company also shows how it will sound when in your home.
I needed a switch that would be easy to press. However, I also needed one that wouldn’t be so loud that it would drown out audio while transcribing my interviews. I went for the Mako, a purple switch that doesn’t offer too much resistance or noise. I love it.
7) Great for Gaming
League of Legends is the main game I play on PC and this keyboard did not disappoint. Each button press felt precise, so I couldn’t blame my equipment whenever I missed an ability or skill shot.
The HE switches add that extra pop to a key, allowing it to come right back up after pressing. This makes stutter stepping or rapid inputs much easier than a keyboard without it.
Where Does the GMMK 3 Pro HE Need Work?
1) Software is Meh
I downloaded the Glorious Core 2.1 to see everything this keyboard can do. The software itself allows you to set presets for lighting and keybinding, giving you a bit more control over what your new toy can do.
You can assign individual hotkeys to buttons that toggle audio, create shortcuts, or work as a mouse. As a casual at best, most of these options are meaningless and I’ll be uninstalling the software the first chance I get.
2) Hard to See Keycaps
When I customized my keyboard, I went for a dark purple keycap that I thought would fit my Barney-themed aesthetic. However, between the RBG chaos behind those plastic buttons and faint colored font, it’s hard to see what I’m pressing.
Thankfully, typing is more muscle memory at this point, so it’s not too big of a worry. However, right out of the box, I found it incredibly difficult to adjust to what I was doing.
3) Expensive
Though I got my keyboard for free to review, building your own can be a bit pricey. With all the fixings that I put into my copy, the keyboard would have cost $390.
Other similar options, like the Keychron are over $100 less. You are paying a premium for the ability to customize your keyboard and get exactly the style you want.
What kind of creator is the GMMK 3 Pro HE For?
For creators, having equipment that matches your aesthetic can be crucial for your brand. Whether it’s a pink palace dedicated to V-Tubing or a League of Legends hellhole, that extra bit of color can help pull a whole set-up together.
Being able to customize your latest purchase might be a huge selling point for you.
Someone putting that perfect keyboard together for you might also be quite helpful. Not every creator is Marques Brownlee. You don’t need to understand the ins and outs of switch layouts and foam padding to get your dream keyboard. You just have to pay for it.
Should Creators Buy The GMMK 3 Pro HE?
If you are okay paying a little bit more for a keyboard that you helped make, then the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro HE is for you. If you don’t need customized color or a personal touch, there are plenty of other options at a lower price point. This is a premium product, so expect to pay a premium for it.
