A Comprehensive Review of the GMMK Pro Mechanical Keyboard

Keyboard enthusiasts are constantly in search of the perfect typing experience. Enter the GMMK Pro Mechanical Keyboard by Glorious PC Gaming Race, a contender that promises to redefine what we expect from our daily driver for work, gaming, and creative pursuits.

Glorious GMMK Pro Prebuilt (Black) - ANSI/USA Layout - Lubed Fox Linear Switches PBT Keycaps (White) - High Profile Gasket Mounted Prebuilt Premium RGB 75% Keyboard

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We dive deep into the keyboard's design, build quality, switches, customization options, and, most importantly, the typing and gaming experience it delivers. This GMMK Pro review aims to guide you through the intricacies of this premium keyboard, shedding light on its strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.

Let's dive in and discover what makes the GMMK Pro worthy of its place on your desk.

Overview of the GMMK Pro Keyboard

Let's get it on and move on to the meaty part of this review---the GMMK Pro. We're going to discuss key aspects like its standout features, how much it will set you back, and the pros and cons you need to consider before making a purchase.

The GMMK Pro is a 75 percent premium mechanical keyboard. It is also known as the "Glorious GMMK Pro" in the keyboard community. The GMMK Pro keyboard is designed and manufactured by Glorious PC Gaming Race. This company is a leader in producing high-quality gaming peripherals. 

Key Features of the GMMK Pro

You'll find several key features that set the GMMK Pro apart from other mechanical keyboards in its class. 

1. Modular Design: One of the standout features of the GMMK Pro is its modular design, which allows users to hot-swap mechanical switches without soldering. Building your own keyboard is easy with your choice of switches or keycaps.
2. Build Quality: The keyboard is known for its premium build quality, featuring a robust aluminum frame. The build quality contributes to the keyboard's durability and overall aesthetics.
3. Switch Compatibility: The GMMK Pro is compatible with a wide range of mechanical switch brands, including Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, and more, making it highly customizable to individual preferences.
4. Layout Options: It offers a variety of layout options, including a compact 75% layout, which strikes a balance between a compact form factor and functionality.
5. Keycap Options: The keyboard supports a variety of keycap profiles and materials, allowing users to further personalize the typing experience.
6. RGB Backlighting: The keyboard typically features customizable RGB backlighting, allowing users to choose from a wide range of lighting effects and colors.
7. Software Customization: Glorious PC Gaming Race provides software for customization. You can program macros, remap keys, and control lighting effects.
8. Connectivity: GMMK Pro is available in both wired and wireless connectivity options.
9. Typing Experience: Users love the GMMK Pro for its typing experience, which can be tailored to personal preferences through switch and keycap choices.
10. Price Range: The GMMK Pro is positioned as a premium mechanical keyboard, and its price may vary depending on the configuration and region.

Pricing and Availability

You won't have to break the bank to get your hands on the GMMK Pro mechanical keyboard even if it's considered premium by keyboard enthusiasts. Sold as a barebones unit, it is priced at around $170, making it an affordable entry into the world of high-quality, customizable mechanical keyboards. This price is the barebones gaming keyboard. If you want to replace or customize switches and keycaps, you'll have to order them separately. 

Availability is quite convenient. You can easily order the GMMK Pro directly from the Glorious PC Gaming Race website. They offer worldwide shipping, so wherever you are, you can be part of the GMMK Pro community.

Pros and Cons

Let's dive into the reasons why the GMMK Pro is great for some----and not so great for others. 

Pros

1. Modular Design: The hot-swappable switch design allows for easy customization of switches without soldering, making it highly versatile.
2. Build Quality: The GMMK Pro is known for its premium aluminum construction, which contributes to its durability and aesthetics.
3. Switch Compatibility: It supports a wide range of mechanical switch brands, giving users the flexibility to choose their preferred switch type.
4. Layout Options: The keyboard offers layout options, providing a balance between form factor and functionality. The variant in this article is the 75% layout.
5. Keycap Compatibility: The keyboard is compatible with a variety of keycap profiles and materials to further personalize the typing experience.
6. RGB Backlighting: Customizable RGB lighting allows for a visually appealing and personalized keyboard setup.
7. Software Customization: Glorious PC Gaming Race provides software for programming macros, remapping keys, and controlling lighting effects.
8. Typing Experience: Many users have reported a positive typing experience, customizable to their preferences through switch and keycap choices.

Cons

1. Price: The GMMK Pro is positioned as a premium mechanical keyboard. Thus,  it may be relatively more expensive compared to budget alternatives in the mechanical keyboard market.
2. Availability: Depending on demand and production, availability of the keyboard can vary, and it may be challenging to find it in stock.
3. Learning Curve: Those who are used to a full-sized keyboard with a numpad may take some time to get used to using the GMMK Pro. 
4. Software Complexity: Some users may find the software for customization to be complex or lacking in certain features compared to competitors.
5. Limited Wireless Options: Depending on the model or version, wireless connectivity options may be limited or not available.
6. Layout Limitations: While the 75% layout is versatile, it may not suit users who require a dedicated number pad or other specific keys.
7. Build Weight: The aluminum construction can make the keyboard relatively heavy, which might not be ideal for users who need portability.
8. Switch Noise: Depending on the chosen switches, the keyboard's noise level may be higher or lower, and some switches can be relatively loud.

Design and Build of the GMMK Pro Keyboard

Let's shift our focus to the design and build of the GMMK Pro Mechanical Keyboard. You'll be impressed by its high-quality construction that ensures sturdiness.

Customizing your own keyboard from scratch? The customization options it offers are worth noting as well.

Sturdy and High-Quality Construction

You'll immediately notice the sturdy and high-quality construction of the GMMK Pro Mechanical Keyboard, reflecting the brand's commitment to providing a durable keyboard that can withstand heavy use. It's built like a tank, with a robust CNC-machined aluminum case that not only looks sleek but also guarantees longevity. 

The GMMK Pro Mechanical Keyboard is generally praised by users for its sturdy and high-quality construction.

1. Premium Materials: The keyboard's aluminum construction felt robust and premium. The use of metal contributes to its durability and resistance to flexing.
2. Solid Feel: Many users like the solid feel of the keyboard when typing. The weight and construction of the GMMK Pro give it a stable and sturdy presence on the desk.
3. Minimal Flex: There's minimal flex or bending of the keyboard even when applying pressure. 
4. Durability: The GMMK Pro holds up well over extended periods of use, which is a critical factor for those looking for a long-lasting mechanical keyboard.
5. Aesthetics: The high-quality construction gives the keyboard a sleek and professional appearance.
6. Weighted Base: The weight of the keyboard's base helps keep it in place during intense typing or gaming sessions, reducing the likelihood of it sliding around on the desk.

Customization Options

You'll find that the GMMK Pro Mechanical Keyboard isn't just about performance, but it also offers impressive customization options in both design and build. This keyboard gives you the freedom to choose your switches, keycaps, and even the plate material, making it a playground for enthusiasts. It's a tool that you can truly make your own. Here are some common points that users often mentioned regarding the customization options of the GMMK Pro:

1. Hot-Swappable Switches: Users appreciate the hot-swappable switch design, which allows them to easily change switches without soldering. This feature makes it simple to experiment with different switch types to find the perfect fit for their typing or gaming needs.
2. Switch Compatibility: The keyboard is compatibile with various mechanical switch brands including Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, and more. This wide range of switch options allowed users to fine-tune the typing experience to their liking.
3. Keycap Customization: Users can choose from a variety of keycap profiles and materials to further personalize the keyboard's look and feel. This allowed for a high degree of customization in terms of aesthetics and tactile feedback.
4. RGB Lighting: The customizable RGB backlighting is a hit with users. They can choose from a wide range of lighting effects, colors, and brightness levels to match their setup or personal preferences.
5. Software Control: Glorious PC Gaming Race provides software for customization, which allows users to program macros, remap keys, and control lighting effects. Users found the software intuitive and user-friendly.

Typing Experience of the GMMK Pro Keyboard

Let's check out what users say about typing on the GMMK Pro Mechanical Keyboard. 

Switch Options and Performance

How do the switch options on the GMMK Pro enhance your typing experience?

Switch Options

1. Wide Variety: The GMMK Pro supports various mechanical switch brands, including Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, and more. This allows users to choose switches that match their typing or gaming preferences in terms of actuation force, tactile feedback, and clickiness.
2. Hot-Swappable Design: The hot-swappable switch design is a boon to many keyboard enthusiasts. Users find it convenient to swap switches without soldering, making it easy to experiment with different switches to find the ideal fit.

Performance

1. Typing Comfort: The GMMK Pro provides a comfortable typing experience. It depends on the switches that are installed on the keyboard.
2. Input Consistency: Users report consistent and reliable input with minimal key chatter or ghosting issues, which is crucial for both typing tasks.
3. Durability: The sturdy construction of the GMMK Pro contributes to its long-term durability and reliable performance over time.
4. Minimal Latency: The keyboard has minimal input latency allowing quick registration of keys.

Stabilizers Quality and Sound

You're going to appreciate the superior quality and sound of the GMMK Pro's stabilizers, which significantly contribute to its excellent typing experience. These stabilizers are factory-lubed and provide a smooth and stable keystroke, reducing any potential rattle.

Stabilizers Quality

1. Stabilizer Lubing: Some users found that lubing the stabilizers improves their quality significantly. Applying a high-quality lubricant to the stabilizer mechanisms helps reduce friction, resulting in a smoother and quieter keypress.
2. Stock Stabilizers: Stock stabilizers on the GMMK Pro are decent but might benefit from additional lubrication for a more refined experience. Stock stabilizers can sometimes exhibit a bit of rattle or inconsistent feel.
3. DIY Modding: Enthusiasts often mod their stabilizers by replacing them with premium stabilizers or applying custom mods to enhance their feel and sound.
4. Stabilizer Compatibility: The GMMK Pro's hot-swappable design allows users to easily replace the stabilizers with aftermarket options.

Sound

1. Rattling: Users sometimes note that the stabilizers on the GMMK Pro have a slight rattling sound when keys are pressed off-center. This could be more noticeable on certain keycap profiles.
2. Lubing for Quieter Sound: Lubricating the stabilizers is a common solution to mitigate any rattling or noise. 
3. Keycap Material: The choice of keycap material could also influence the sound of keypresses including those with stabilizers. PBT keycaps, for example, were often favored for their dampened sound compared to ABS keycaps.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Undeniably, you'll find the ergonomics and comfort of the GMMK Pro to significantly enhance your typing experience. This keyboard has been designed with your comfort in mind. Its 75% layout means it's compact for easy reach, while still offering all the essential keys. You'll find yourself seamlessly typing away, whether it's for work or leisure. 

1. Typing Angle: Users feature a slight typing angle of 6 degrees. This is comfortable for extended typing sessions.
2. Compact Layout: The GMMK Pro's compact 75% layout is generally well-received. Many users find it struck a good balance between compactness and functionality.
3. Keycap Profile: The choice of keycap profile can influence typing comfort. Some users prefer certain keycap profiles (e.g., Cherry, SA, DSA) for their ergonomic feel.
4. Build Quality: The sturdy and premium build of the keyboard contributes to a comfortable typing experience. The keyboard's weight and stability on the desk add to the overall ergonomic feel.
5. Palm Rests: Some users use separate palm rests to enhance ergonomics further, especially during longer typing sessions.

Gaming Performance of the GMMK Pro Keyboard

When it comes to gaming performance, the GMMK Pro has a lot to offer. 

Responsive Inputs

1. Quick Actuation: Users who select switches with a lower actuation force (e.g., Red switches) find that the GMMK Pro provides quick and responsive inputs in games. This is particularly useful in fast-paced games like first-person shooters (FPS).
2. Anti-Ghosting: The keyboard's anti-ghosting capability is commendable. Users could press multiple keys simultaneously without experiencing input conflicts or missed keystrokes, which is essential for gaming.
3. Low Latency: The GMMK Pro has low input latency, resulting in near-instantaneous response times. This is crucial for gamers who require rapid and precise actions in their gameplay.
4. Consistency: The consistent performance of the keyboard's switches and stabilizers contributes to a reliable and comfortable gaming experience.

Key Rollover

1. N-Key Rollover (NKRO): The GMMK Pro supports N-Key Rollover, allowing users to press any number of keys simultaneously without experiencing key conflicts or dropped inputs. This is essential in games that require precise control, such as fighting games or MMOs.
2. Custom Macros: Some users take advantage of the keyboard's customization features to program macros for gaming commands, giving them a competitive edge in certain games.
3. Dedicated Gaming Mode: The keyboard has a dedicated gaming mode to prevent accidental key presses of non-gaming keys (e.g., the Windows key) during gameplay, ensuring uninterrupted gaming sessions.

RGB Lighting and Effects

You'll find that the GMMK Pro offers a total of 16.8 million colors for RGB lighting customization, truly allowing you to make the keyboard your own. Imagine the possibilities: you can match the keyboard's glow with your gaming setup, your mood, or even the time of day.

The vibrant colors and dynamic effects are easily tweakable via the Glorious Core software.

The software's user-friendly interface empowers you to create intricate lighting effects. You can assign different colors to individual keys or choose from several pre-set patterns. The keyboard also saves your custom RGB profiles, so you're always just one click away from your favorite look.

Macro Customization and Programming

With the aid of the Glorious Core software, you're able to customize macros to fine-tune your GMMK Pro Mechanical Keyboard to your specific needs. This intuitive software allows you to remap keys, create macros, and even adjust the RGB lighting.

You'll find that setting up custom macros is a breeze, making your keyboard truly yours. And don't forget, you've also got QMK and VIA software compatibility at your fingertips for even more customization options.

Conclusion

So, is the GMMK Pro worth it?

Absolutely. With its high-quality build, impressive typing experience, and strong gaming performance, it's a solid investment for anyone serious about their keyboard needs.

Its customization options ensure you can make it your own, providing a unique, personalized touch.

Whether you're a gamer, typist, or programmer, the GMMK Pro offers a level of quality and versatility that's hard to beat.