As technology advances at an alarming rate, keyboards continue to evolve. With various switches, mechanical options, and wireless/wired features available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming.
This is where Glorious steps in with their new GMMK 3 keyboard, crafted by Boardsmith. Glorious puts the assembly in the hands of the user, offering a lesson in Keyboard Construction 101. You not only build it, but you also understand what you’ve built—an ace in the hole for the tech-savvy.
Boardsmith + You
Glorious removes the headache of choosing between only pre-built GMMK 3 options, allowing users to select their features through the exciting Boardsmith marketplace. This feature lets consumers add or remove options easily (though pre-built options remain available). In practice, this works beautifully, and Glorious opened the marketplace for me to test my creation, which I named “WatsonBoarding”—though no surfboards or skateboards were harmed in its making.
Users can build their own keyboards from the ground up. I built a personalized GMMK 3 HE 100%, and the process was, for lack of a better word, glorious. While pre-built options like Knight Rider and Silver Surfer are fantastic, it’s a different experience when you know exactly what’s under the hood.
During the build, I noticed that the price can escalate quickly. Glorious offsets this by allowing advanced users to remove the cost of switches or keycaps by simply excluding them or opting for the default settings.
One of the most impressive features during the build was the option to choose between gaskets under the keycaps and different switch plates for added support. I selected the brass switch plate and the Flex silicone option. Together, they allow me to type without noise pollution during late-night sessions, whether for editing or gaming.
A bonus is that Boardsmith assumes the builder may not know all the options and provides a handy tutorial for the uninitiated.
First Impressions
Glorious excels at making a strong first impression with the GMMK HE 100%. Each box includes everything the user selected, with a personalized note indicating who assembled it. This added a human touch to the tech experience, akin to receiving a handwritten birthday card. Glorious congratulates you on your new GMMK 3, and it feels personal.
The GMMK 3 HE 100% keyboard is stunning. I opted for the limited-run Punk Red bottom plate, a silver metal top plate, and the brass switch plate, making WatsonBoarding a 6-pound beast—a premium weight for any gaming raid. The keyboard includes a screwdriver, an optional braided cable, extra screws, and tools for removing switches and keycaps.
Glorious even included four of their HE switches (I chose Lynx HE switches) and alternate macOS keycaps, allowing users to explore different switch types and device compatibility. This feature is brilliant for those unfamiliar with different switches.
So Easy, Your Parents Can Do It
The GMMK 3 comes with the Glorious Core app, which is simple to install. Once set up, users can further customize their keyboard. I adjusted the actuation points of the Lynx HE switches to suit my heavy-handed typing style, preventing accidental keystrokes. Glorious allows users to adjust the actuation point for each key, making the keyboard highly customizable for gaming and other tasks.
My mother, who has a lighter touch, tried the keyboard after I adjusted it to the lightest press possible, and now she wants one of her own. The Glorious Core app also allows users to customize RGB lighting, setting specific colours for individual keys.
I also tested the GMMK 3 on my Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and I’m happy to report it worked seamlessly with both consoles.
Getting Under the Hood
Glorious encourages users to get under the hood of their keyboards with the included screwdriver. Removing keycaps and switches is easy with the provided tools, and switching out components is just as simple. I swapped the silent Lynx HE switch on the spacebar for a clicky Raptor HE switch, giving me satisfying feedback for each press.
The GMMK 3 is also compatible with most MX-style keycaps, meaning users can add custom caps—such as The Lord of the Rings set from Drop—without issues. Glorious plans to release limited edition keycaps in the future to help users further personalize their boards.
The Glorious GMMK 3 HE 100% is a sight to behold. On one hand, Glorious offers a service that lets users craft their own keyboard from the ground up, making the experience unique and personal. On the other hand, even without the customizations, the GMMK 3 HE 100% stands out for its solid construction.
With its Hall Effect switch technology, the GMMK 3 provides a seamless gaming and typing experience backed by customizable features that enhance its practicality. Glorious encourages users to explore the mechanics of the keyboard without fear of damage, making it a perfect entry point for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
In short, the GMMK 3 HE 100% is, quite simply, glorious.
