The Glorious GMMK 3 is not just a keyboard; it’s a customizable dream come true. With over a billion possible combinations, you can truly make it your own. This isn’t just some marketing gimmick; the math checks out. The sheer number of options available is staggering, thanks to an extensive ecosystem of accessories, a redesigned keyboard builder, and support for third-party components. The GMMK 3 aims to be the last keyboard you ever buy, and it might just succeed.
Glorious has always excelled at aesthetics, evident in the accessories they offer for their previous GMMK Pro and GMMK 2. But the GMMK 3 takes things to a whole new level. It makes complex keyboard modifications simple, allowing you to completely rebuild the board with any components you desire.
The GMMK 3 lets you use either Hall Effect (magnetic) switches or regular 3- or 5-pin switches. We’ve seen Hall Effect switches before, like in the Meletrix Boog 75 and Keychron Q1 HE, but they usually require a dedicated PCB. The GMMK 3’s magic is its ability to support both types seamlessly. If you order the GMMK 3 with a Hall Effect PCB, you can swap in other Hall Effect switches or regular 3/5-pin switches, even mixing them side-by-side. Imagine Hall Effect switches for your WASD keys and regular mechanical switches for the rest—the GMMK 3 makes it possible. To my knowledge, no other keyboard offers this level of flexibility.
However, there’s a catch. While you can use any regular 3- or 5-pin switches, you’re limited to Glorious’ own Hall Effect switches if you go with a Hall Effect board. This is a necessary compromise to support both types.
Beyond switches, the GMMK 3 offers a plethora of customization options. Glorious offers polycarbonate, aluminum, FR4, or brass plates, and you can even mix and match silicon or Poron (foam) gaskets. It’s a level of customization that usually requires navigating through various niche vendors and potentially wasting money on unwanted components. The GMMK 3 allows you to grow with the keyboard, constantly changing and adapting it to your liking.
The GMMK 3 comes in three layouts: 65%, 75%, and 100%. You can choose between a wired or wireless version, the latter featuring a 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connection. The keyboard comes in an ABS polymer (plastic) body or a fully aluminum body for the Pro version.
You can also change the switch plate, top and bottom frame, volume knob, keycaps, switches, and even the magnetic Glorious badge. Glorious maintains a robust ecosystem of these components, ensuring your custom keyboard is both functional and visually appealing.
The GMMK 3 isn’t cheap, especially if you go all out with customization. A brass plate, limited edition keycap sets, and a high-quality coiled USB-C cable can quickly add up. But the flexibility and quality offered by the GMMK 3, particularly the Pro version, justify the investment. While mainstream keyboards like the Asus ROG Azoth are available for under $250, the GMMK 3 Pro offers a level of customization and refinement that elevates it above the competition.
The Pro version, with its CNC aluminum frame, feels incredibly premium. The jade green top plate and electric green bottom casing, combined with the Volt keycap set and a green badge, make for a stunning aesthetic. The wireless functionality is a significant selling point for the Pro. It allows for seamless switching between 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired modes. The instant resume feature ensures a smooth typing experience, even after the keyboard goes to sleep.
The GMMK 3 is powered by Glorious Core, a software suite that offers customization options for lighting, keybindings, macros, and more. While it lacks the depth of mainstream software like Asus Armoury Crate or Razer Synapse, it’s more flexible and responsive. It’s a good balance for those who want simple customization without the complexity of enthusiast-level software.
The GMMK 3 truly shines in its flexibility. It allows you to create a keyboard that perfectly suits your preferences, whether it’s the feel of the switches, the layout, or the overall aesthetic. It’s a testament to Glorious’ commitment to customization and their ability to create a platform that could potentially be the last keyboard you ever buy. However, a software bug affecting the Hall Effect version with standard MX switches, causing keyboard chatter, currently hinders its recommendation. Until Glorious resolves this issue, it’s best to hold off on purchasing the Hall Effect version.
