Are Glorious Keyboards Good? | Real World Verdict

Guide / By

Yes, Glorious keyboards are good for gaming and typing if you want hot-swap builds, flexible layouts, and easy mods.

Why this question keeps coming up: Glorious sits in the gap between mass-market gaming boards and full custom kits. You get hot-swappable sockets, multiple sizes, and parts you can tune at home. The trade-offs are simple: pick the right model and you’ll be happy; pick the wrong one and you’ll notice quirks like north-facing LEDs or middling software.

What Makes Glorious Keyboards Good

Build and parts. Even the entry models ship with hot-swap PCBs, standard MX-style switch compatibility, and solid plates. The Pro line uses a heavy case and a gasket mount that softens the downstroke.

Layouts that fit your desk. You can choose 60%, 65%, 75%, or compact full size (96%). Arrow keys on the 65% and 75% keep work life easy, while the 96% keeps a numpad without the wide gaps of a standard full size.

Typing feel you can tune. Switches pop out with a puller. Swap linears for a smoother glide, or try tactiles for a bump. You can change keycaps without chasing rare profiles. Stabs arrive serviceable and get much better with a quick tune.

Real gaming chops. Newer boards cut input lag to levels that feel snappy in shooters and MOBAs. You also get per-switch RGB, standard 1000 Hz polling on most wired models, and quick macros.

Fair pricing. Barebones kits let you reuse switches and caps you already own. Prebuilt versions help beginners skip the parts hunt today.

Are Glorious Keyboards Good For Gaming And Typing?

Short answer: yes, with the right model. Older boards like the original GMMK feel slower. Newer ones like the GMMK 2 and GMMK Pro tighten things up. Independent testing backs this. RTINGS measured the first GMMK with higher wired latency, while the GMMK 2 drops that delay and the GMMK Pro scores even better. The GMMK 3 line goes further, and the Hall-effect “3 Pro HE” adds high polling headroom for serious play.

In blind tests with friends, the Pro delivered the most stable feel and a cleaner sound. The 2 ran neck-and-neck for speed once switches were matched. Only the first-gen board drew complaints about delay during flick shots and tight peeks. If you stream, the Pro’s damped case keeps mic bleed lower at desk level.

Model Line And Who Each Fits

GMMK (Original)

Hot-swap pioneer with lots of user mods online. Latency trails newer gear. Best for budget tinkerers who value price over speed.

GMMK 2 (65% Or 96%)

Better case, brighter lighting, tighter firmware, and lower lag than the first model. A clean pick for mixed use and fast matches.

GMMK Pro (75%)

Aluminum case, gasket mount, rotary knob, and QMK/VIA firmware. Strong choice for typists and competitive players who want custom-board vibes without a soldering kit.

GMMK 3 / 3 Pro HE

Next-gen features and, on the HE version, adjustable actuation and rapid trigger. Great for players who push fast taps and want per-switch actuation control.

Build, Mods, And Daily Feel

Case and mount. The Pro line brings real heft. The plate and gasket deliver a muted bottom-out and a clean return. The 2 uses a tray mount that feels firmer and a bit brighter in tone.

Switches. Glorious sells its own linears and tactiles, but hot-swap means you can drop in Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and more. Smoothness jumps with light lube. You can chase a deep thock with linears and thicker caps, or a crisp pop with light tactiles.

Stabilizers. Stock units work, but they benefit from a quick lube and bandaid or holee mod. You’ll hear less rattle on Enter, Space, and Backspace after ten minutes of care.

Keycaps. North-facing LEDs can clash with some Cherry-profile caps and create a little interference. If a cap rubs, rotate the switch or pick a profile that clears the housing. PBT doubleshot sets hold legends well and resist shine.

Sound. Out of the box, the 2 rings a bit until you add foam or switch films. The Pro already sounds damped and dense. Either way, you can tune with plate swaps, foams, and caps without opening the PCB.

Glorious Core Vs QMK/VIA

Glorious CORE handles lighting, layers, and macros on Windows with a simple UI. It’s fine for most users and lets you bind inputs for games, work apps, and media. Power users often prefer QMK/VIA on the Pro line for cross-platform mapping, per-layer logic, and fine control. Pick Core if you like a guided setup. Pick QMK/VIA if you enjoy building layouts from scratch and want instant changes inside the browser with VIA.

Who Should Buy A Glorious Keyboard?

Competitive gamer. Pick the Pro or a 3 Pro HE build. Use a high polling setting, keep lighting modest, and you’ll feel crisp input. Latency charts place these models in the fast camp.

Mixed work and play. Choose the GMMK 2 in 65% for a small footprint with arrows, or the 96% if a numpad matters. You’ll get a quick board that still types well.

Office typist. The Pro’s weight, gasket, and knob make long writing sessions easy. Swap to quiet linears and thick PBT caps for a soft tone.

First-time modder. Any GMMK works. Start with lube, films, and caps. The jump in feel per dollar is massive and you won’t need a soldering iron.

Wireless needs. Check the GMMK 3 trims with 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth. Earlier models are wired only.

Setup Tips For The Best Experience

  1. Update firmware. Grab the latest release for your board before you judge feel or speed.
  2. Tune stabs. Lube contact points on Space, Enter, and Backspace; add a thin pad where the wire meets the housing.
  3. Pick a switch that matches your hands. Heavy springs tire you out; light linears with fast actuation pair well with shooters; medium tactiles feel great for writing.
  4. Raise the feet only if your wrists need it. Lower angles reduce strain for many users.
  5. Map layers with intent. Keep game binds on Layer 0; put media and macros on Layer 1; leave a reset combo you can recall.
  6. Test for chatter. If repeats appear, reseat the switch, try a new socket, or update firmware.
  7. Cable quality matters. A good USB-C cable avoids wiggles that cause disconnects.

Pros And Cons At A Glance

Pros

  • Hot-swappable sockets across the line, which makes switch swaps simple and safe.
  • Size choices that match real desks: 65% and 75% keep arrows; 96% saves space while keeping a numpad.
  • Solid out-of-box tuning on the Pro, with foam and gaskets that tame harsh notes.
  • QMK/VIA on the Pro tier for deep mapping without a vendor lock-in.
  • Active aftermarket: plates, knobs, cables, and switch packs are easy to find.

Cons

  • North-facing LEDs can cause cap interference with some Cherry-profile sets.
  • The original GMMK feels slow next to newer boards.
  • Glorious Core gets the job done but still feels plain next to VIA.
  • Prices climb fast once you add upgraded plates, switches, and caps.

Common Quirks And Quick Fixes

Rattly spacebar. Pop the stab, lube the wire ends and contact points, and seat it tight. Add a thin layer of tape under the PCB if the case amplifies ping.

Hollow tone on the GMMK 2. Add case foam or switch films. A thin PE sheet above the PCB lifts clack and brings a pleasing pop if you like a brighter note.

Keycap interference. If caps hit north-facing housings, try a different profile or rotate the switch. Many PBT sets clear just fine.

Wobble on large caps. Thicker caps and tuned stabs trim wobble to a level you won’t notice while typing.

Software not saving. Update Core, flash to the latest firmware, then store to the keyboard’s memory before you close the app.

How Glorious Compares To Keychron And Ducky

Keychron. Strong metal cases, broad layout choices, and Mac/Windows toggles. Many models ship with QMK/VIA. Typing tone leans deeper, and wireless appears on many trims.

Ducky. Known for crisp stock stabilizers and tight keycap quality. Latency on some older boards isn’t the fastest, yet the typing feel is punchy and clean.

Glorious sits in the middle. You get an easy mod path like Keychron, gamer-leaning looks like some Ducky specials, and a price ladder that lets you start small and upgrade in steps.

Glorious Models At A Glance

Model Strengths Watch-Outs
GMMK 2 (65/96) Low lag for its class; friendly price; hot-swap Tray mount feel; north-facing LEDs; wired only on early runs
GMMK Pro (75) Heavy case; gasket mount; knob; QMK/VIA Higher cost; setup takes time; wired
GMMK 3 / 3 Pro HE Adjustable actuation on HE; fast; wireless options on some trims Price climbs with options; software still maturing

Verdict

Glorious keyboards are a smart buy when you match the model to your needs. The Pro and the 3 Pro HE feel fast and high-end. The 2 gives strong value and a clean path into the hobby. The original GMMK still works for tight budgets, though its latency shows its age. If you want hot-swap freedom, easy tuning, and a smooth path from stock to custom, Glorious delivers. Pick with intent and budget.

Buying And Warranty Notes

Glorious sells barebones and prebuilts direct and through large retailers. Stock swings by region. Keep boxes and the receipt for fast service if a part fails. Spare cables, caps, and switches are affordable, so small fixes rarely need a return. Response times from big retailers vary by region, so chat or email first, then ship only after you confirm the return window and restocking terms clearly.