Glorious PC Gaming Race Gmmk TKL - Barebone, ANSI-LAYOU

I added some silent linear switches and my preferred keycaps and made my dream keyboard! Highly recommended!

This was my first dip into custom mechanical keyboards. Paired with Kailh speed bronzes (tactile switches with low travel) and its been really nice. Maybe the only complaint I have is that the bottom edge is a little sharper than Id like, but a good wrist rest can help with that. However, I will knock down one star for the abysmal software, which rarely ever works. I would recommend you try all three versions of the TKL software from their website because Ive had different versions work better on different computers with the same keyboard.

Shipping was fast. Keyboard is great. It has a good thock to it when I used lubed kaihl speed silvers. I would recommend taking some time to lube the stabilizers, but overall a great product.

Keyboard was DOA, but if you get a working one, It is very similar to the Drop Ctrl/Alt/Shift build but with an Aluminum and plastic body and 1/3 the cost. A detachable cable would be nice, but for those just getting into the Mechanical Keyboard community, this would be a great starting point.

EDIT: Amazon delivered the replacement and its as expected. This thing is in terrible shape. Cap and switch pullers absent from box. Beat up metal, scratched and scuffed plastic, old oil on faceplate. Obviously used cable and the cable tie was full of hair (disgusting). Amazon after 1 hour and 5 calls has decided to issue a replacement. Il make an addendum to this review after I receive it.

Bad news first! Cons: • Requires you to clip your switches (e.g. use flush cutters to clip off the two additional plastic PCB Mount Legs on the underside of each switch), as this PCB doesnt have the extra 2 circular holes on either side of main Center Mast circular hole for each switch. • Board uses a USB-A cable which is hardwired into the back of the keyboard; Cable at least has a decent braided paracord covering on it. Pros: • Hot swappable PCB allows for plate mounted switches to be easily replaced. I have found that, when adding switches to the board, it helps to push the bottom of the switch in a little harder than the top of the switch as you push each switch into their separate hot swap sockets; This helps to avoid accidentally bending the switch pins (which you cant see once theyre in (unless you have fully transparent switch enclosures), and which requires testing, for example, using an easily-accessible keyboard switch tester site (google it to test that your switches are installed as-intended)). • Cable routing channels on underside of keyboard case • Built-in holder for a keycap puller (+included keycap puller itself) on underside of keyboard case • Decent onboard RGB lighting controller • Comes in Compact (60%), Tenkeyless (87%), and Full Size (100%) layouts - The Full Size option is why I purchased this board (and why I am leaving this glowing review), as for some reason, modular keyboards which include the numpad (e.g. are full size / 100% keyboards) are not heavily manufacturered. I use the numpad at least 10 times a day for OTP codes, and I have lost interest in worrying about losing my finger placement on a keyboard while looking at my phone to enter an OTP code. Thanks for this one, GMMK! Takeaway: 4.9 stars due to hardwired USB cable. Great barebones kit!

Best kit out right now

This board has to be the best that I own to date. After throwing in some Milky Yellow switches, this keyboard sounds just like a dream! The LEDs are quite bright as well. Being as sturdy as it is, it produces a very satisfying thocc with every keystroke. Could not recommend this more!

We got this in February last year, and in a couple months the keyboard died to static electricity. We got it again thinking we just got a faulty board, but now its died again in the same way.

Great barebones option. Solid construction. Foam inside to reduce rattle and ping. Easy to work with. Takes 3 pin switches. Bought first one for my wifes build. Fantastic and easy. Mine showed up with scratches all over. This was the second keyboard I have ordered for myself due to the same issues. My wifes was perfect though. Spotty quality control.