Hot Swap the New Glorious GMMK 2 Keyboard

Get ready for the next must-have keyboard. The Glorious PC Gaming Race GMMK 2 is every keyboard enthusiast’s dream. Universal 5-pin sockets maximise compatibility with popular switches and colourful keycaps, while per-key RGB lighting illuminates the whole keyboard in a vivid glow. Whether you go barebone or pre-built, the GMMK 2 is one incredible mechanical gaming keyboard.

What’s Available?

There are eight GMMK 2 models available to choose from. These come in either barebone or pre-build versions. In addition to this, you can choose between two sizes and two colours. While the general GMMK 2 design is compact, you can pick between a full-size or TKL keyboard. The full-size ISO features 100 keys and uses a cleverly planned 96% frame that saves on desk space without sacrificing keys. The TKL ISO, on the other hand, has 68 keys, common across 65% keyboards, but fits them on a frame closer to a 60% form factor. Additionally, we have the barebones available in the ANSI layout, both full-size and TKL. These have 99 and 67 keys, respectively.

Once you have decided on style and form factor, it’s the simple matter of choosing the black or white version. Here they are, side by side.

Glorious GMMK 2 Barebone Full Size Keyboard black

Glorious GMMK 2 Pre-Built TKL Keyboard white

Let’s take a closer look!

Barebone Keyboard

As both the pre-built and barebone versions share the same foundation, we’ll start with the inner workings of the GMMK 2 Barebone Keyboard. The frame is manufactured using two materials, the top being CNC milled aluminium and the bottom a robust polymer. Providing a delightfully balanced weight, this keyboard will stay firmly placed, even during the most intense battles. The rubberised feet help, too.

Equipping this keyboard with hot-swapping technology, the switch mount tray comes with universal 5-pin sockets. No soldering required. This plate holds the switches firmly in place, whilst still enabling their easy removal with the included switch puller. Plus, it prevents dust and grime from getting to the PCB. Neat! Everything about the GMMK 2’s design is to make customising your dream keyboard that much easier. No stem trimming, no worrying about voiding warranties – just the perfect typing experience.

Place fast, linear switches on your WASD keys, something with a little more chronch for the spacebar, perhaps more all-rounder switches for the main bulk of your keys. However you like your feedback. Plus, with the extensive switch compatibility, you are free to deck your keyboard with bright and colourful keycaps. We recommend those with transparent legends to make the most of the per-key lighting. Perhaps the Glorious Aura V2 Pink keycap set?

Glorious GMMK 2 Barebone TKL Keyboard White

Pre-Built Keyboard

Naturally, the GMMK 2 Pre-Built Keyboard comes with pre-installed keycaps and switches. Thanks to the included keycap and switch puller, you are free to swap, change, and customise these too. The hot-swapping technology is still there.

Like the recently released pre-built GMMK Pro, this keyboard is equipped with Glorious’ new Fox Linear Switches. As the name would suggest, they have a linear feedback as well as pre-lubricated parts to reduce scratchiness and unwanted noise. Nothing but smooth typing and satisfying thonks here! Their 45g actuation force and 2.2mm travel make them perfect for rapid keystrokes and fast-paced gaming. It takes 60g of force to make them bottom out, but you can even tune their debounce time using Glorious CORE software to really give you the competitive edge!

Made from ABS plastic, the keycaps are doubleshot for enhanced durability. The legends are moulded into the keycap for a seamless finish and lettering that won’t rub away with extensive use. For these keys, the legends are clear to best allow the RGB lighting to shine through. Plus, on both the full-size and TKL models, there are front-facing legends printed onto certain keys to denote extra layers of functionality without cluttering the keycap. Juicy.

Arranged in a UK ISO layout, the keycaps have an OEM profile. This is the standard profile for mechanical keyboards, where all the keys reach up to the same height. This puts them on a level plane, enhancing comfort. From there, the keys meet the curve of your fingers with a cylindrical bow to maximise on grip. All for that comfortable typing experience. Plus, there is a spare, novelty ESC key adorned with the Glorious branding for that extra je ne sais quoi!

Glorious GMMK 2 Pre-Built TKL Keyboard Black

CORE Software and Customising

Both models feature brilliantly vivid RGB lighting. Each socket is equipped with a north-facing LED, creating per-key lighting to illuminate the whole keyboard. In addition to this, there are side diffusers on the short edge of the bezel, for that ethereal glow. Toggle through eighteen pre-set effects or customise your own rainbow of colours. With Glorious CORE software, you can adjust the lighting from a range of 16.8 million hues. Shiny.

What’s more, CORE can be used to map macros, assign shortcuts, and layer functionality across your whole keyboard. Tailor the GMMK 2 to meet your exact needs. Whilst designed for Glorious CORE, this keyboard is also compatible with the open-source firmware, QMK. This programme offers even more customising options for you to explore – the possibilities are near endless.