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Welcome to Reviews inside tv, your go-to spot for in-depth tech and gaming gear insights. Today, we’re checking out the Glorious GMMK 2 Small Gaming Keyboard Barebones Kit—a customizable, hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that’s designed to elevate your gaming experience. Whether you’re a serious gamer or someone who enjoys fine-tuning your setup, this keyboard promises to bring a lot to the table. But, does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out.
The GMMK 2 is a 65% compact mechanical keyboard, which means it’s a smaller version of your typical full-sized keyboard—perfect for those who want a more minimal setup without sacrificing functionality. This particular model comes in a clean white finish, with a premium brushed metal base that gives it a sleek, low-profile look. The base itself is incredibly sturdy, offering robust coverage that ensures both durability and strength. Right off the bat, this build feels solid—it’s not too heavy, but it definitely doesn’t feel flimsy either. It gives off that premium vibe, and it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into the design.
Now, let’s talk about the features that set this keyboard apart. The GMMK 2 is hot-swappable, which means you can change out the switches without having to solder anything. That’s a big deal for those of us who like to tweak and customize our keyboards to get the perfect feel and sound. Whether you want linear, tactile, or clicky switches, you’ve got the flexibility to choose. And if you’re not familiar with the term “hot-swappable,” it just means you can change the switches on the fly—no need to break out the soldering iron.
What’s more, this keyboard includes a set of lubricated stabilizers that help ensure a smoother keystroke, as well as eliminating that annoying base ping noise we sometimes hear in mechanical keyboards. The thick interior foam also acts as a dampener, which helps enhance the overall sound profile, giving you a more immersive, quieter typing experience. For gaming enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys typing on a smooth, solid keyboard, these features make a huge difference. The sound is clean and satisfying—no harsh clacks, no unwanted rattles.
One of the key selling points of the GMMK 2 is how customizable it is. As mentioned, it comes in both small and full-size barebones options, so no matter how much desk space you have, you can find the right size for your setup. The 65% form factor is perfect for those who want a compact, space-saving keyboard but still want to keep essential keys like the arrow keys and function keys. You’re not compromising too much in terms of functionality, but you’re also making room for a more organized and efficient setup.
In terms of compatibility, the GMMK 2 doesn’t disappoint. It’s engineered to work seamlessly with Windows, MacOS, and Linux, which makes it a versatile choice for all kinds of setups. The removable USB-C cord is a nice touch—perfect for those who need to store their keyboard or transport it to a gaming tournament. Plus, the exchangeable power cord gives you flexibility when it comes to connectivity. It’s reliable, easy to use, and supports the dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle of most gamers. The simple USB-C connection ensures that there are no issues with lag or compatibility, which can sometimes be a concern with more budget-friendly keyboards.
Now, onto the real-world testing. Setting up the GMMK 2 was an absolute breeze. It’s as simple as plugging it in and, boom, you’re good to go. The hot-swappable feature worked exactly as advertised. I swapped out the stock switches for something more to my liking, and the process was smooth with no hassle. Typing on the keyboard felt responsive and comfortable, especially for those long gaming sessions where precision and feedback are crucial. The keys felt solid, and the stabilizers did a fantastic job of providing a smooth and even feel across the board.
In actual gameplay, the GMMK 2 truly shone. The switches I used gave me a satisfying response, and I could tell that the stabilizers were doing their job—there was minimal wobble on the larger keys, which helped keep things smooth even during intense moments. The sound dampening foam also made a noticeable difference. If you’re used to keyboards with a bit of a hollow sound, this one has a much more refined and quieter profile, which is perfect for gaming or working in quieter environments. However, during some more frantic gaming moments, I did notice a slight rattle on some of the larger keys, but that’s something you can likely adjust with different switches or mods.
When it comes to pros and cons, let’s start with the strengths. The build quality is exceptional—premium metal finish, solid construction, and the modular design gives you plenty of flexibility. The hot-swappable feature is a big win for those who like to experiment with different switches, and the lubricated stabilizers really improve the overall typing experience. The foam dampening and sound profile improvements are also noteworthy, making this one of the more refined mechanical keyboards in its price range.
On the flip side, there are a couple of things that may be worth considering. The 65% layout might not be ideal for everyone—if you’re someone who needs a number pad or wants the traditional full-size setup, this may feel too compact. The keyboard also lacks some advanced features like dedicated media keys or a volume dial, which some people might miss, depending on their use case. Finally, while the sound dampening foam does a great job overall, it doesn’t completely eliminate the sound of heavier keystrokes. That could be a bit of a turn-off for some who are looking for a fully silent typing experience.
As for value for money, the GMMK 2 definitely falls into the premium end of the spectrum, but it’s still relatively affordable when compared to some of its competitors. When you stack it up against other customizable mechanical keyboards, like the Keychron K6 or even some of the offerings from Razer or Logitech, the GMMK 2 holds its own in terms of features and build quality. The fact that it’s hot-swappable, offers great sound quality, and provides a high level of customization makes it worth considering if you’re willing to pay a little extra for the added flexibility.
If we look at some direct competitors, like the Keychron K6, the GMMK 2 stands out with its sturdier construction and sound dampening features. The Keychron K6 is also a solid option, but it lacks the same level of build quality and customization options, especially when it comes to switch swapping. On the other hand, if you’re looking at higher-end models like the Razer Huntsman Mini, you’re paying a premium for a brand name and more flashy features, but you may not necessarily be getting as much customization or build quality for your money.
As for build quality and longevity, the GMMK 2’s solid construction bodes well for its long-term reliability. I’ve used it for a few weeks now, and there are no signs of wear, and the switches feel as responsive as the first day I got it. Given Glorious’ reputation for durable, high-quality gaming gear, I’d expect this keyboard to hold up well over time. There’s no long-term data yet, but I wouldn’t expect any major issues unless you’re really putting it through extreme conditions.
Customer support for Glorious has been generally well-regarded by users, and while I haven’t personally needed to contact them for this product, they have a solid reputation for responsiveness and providing helpful support. Given the quality of the product and the brand’s focus on customer satisfaction, you’re in good hands if you do need assistance.
Wrapping up, the GMMK 2 Small Gaming Keyboard Base offers excellent build quality, top-tier customization, and solid performance for both gamers and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a customizable, hot-swappable keyboard that doesn’t sacrifice on quality, this is a great option. While it may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer a full-sized keyboard, it’s still a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup without breaking the bank.
Thanks for watching, and if you’re interested in grabbing the GMMK 2 for your own setup, you can find the link in the comments box. Let me know if you already own this keyboard and share your thoughts or experiences below. Until next time, this has been Reviews inside tv, where we bring the best of the tech world straight to you. Good bye till next time!
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