Bottom Line
Choose the GMMK 2 for smooth typing, bright RGB, and rare hot-swap flexibility at this price. Skip it if you want wireless features, analog controls, or more polished software.
Best for
This is best for gamers and tinkerers who want a wired board with smooth linears, bright RGB, and real hot-swap headroom without jumping straight into a pricier enthusiast build.
Not for
Skip it if you need wireless, analog-style switch features, flawless Mac-friendly software, or a roomier layout with more separation and an included wrist rest.
Verdict
The Glorious GMMK 2 earns its appeal by combining a smooth out-of-box typing experience, genuinely strong RGB, and unusually approachable hot-swap customization. Reviewers repeatedly liked the Fox linear switches, sturdy frame, onboard lighting control, and the ability to tune polling, latency, macros, and profiles. The biggest tradeoffs are the ABS keycaps, a software experience that ranges from polished to buggy depending on reviewer and platform, and the tighter spacing on the 96% layout. It also skips wireless and more advanced analog-style features entirely. Even with those limits, the feature set and price make it one of the more convincing wired gaming keyboards in its class.
Pros
-
Hot-swap support is a major selling point, with broad 5-pin support repeatedly highlighted.
-
Customization is one of the keyboard’s biggest strengths, spanning switches, keycaps, lighting, and broader build choices.
-
The frame feels very rigid, with reviewers specifically noting no twisting, creaking, or flex.
-
Reviews confirm official Windows and Mac support, plus successful use on PlayStation, Xbox, and Android.
-
The board survived a drop test and is helped by replaceable switches for longer-term use.
-
Per-key RGB control is confirmed across multiple reviews, including individual color setting and individually lit keys.
-
Value is one of the strongest themes, with several reviews arguing the feature set feels especially compelling at the asking price.
-
Backlighting is bright and vivid, helped by transparent switch housings and shine-through design.
-
Reviewers consistently call the keys responsive in use, with quick reactions that work well for games.
-
Reviews praise the RGB for richer colors, smoother transitions, and an overall strong visual presentation.
-
Typing comfort is a clear strength, with reviewers reporting low fatigue, smooth movement, and long-session comfort.
-
Typing feel is a standout, with reviews repeatedly calling it smooth, satisfying, and impressive out of the box.
-
Replacing switches is easy and beginner-friendly, with multiple reviews emphasizing simple, tool-based swapping.
-
Across reviews, the Fox linear switches are described as smooth and satisfying, with strong feel for both typing and games.
-
Lighting customization is flexible, with easy setup, preset selection, and manual per-key adjustment options.
-
Gaming performance is strong, with reviewers reporting responsive play and noticeable benefits from tuning latency.
-
Input latency is adjustable down to 2ms, and reviewers reported a more competitive feel after lowering it.
-
Shine-through doubleshot legends stay readable and are integrated well into the keycaps.
-
Macro support is robust, with dedicated layers and macro creation available through the software.
-
Reviewers report dependable day-to-day behavior, with the board working without issue and seeming built for repeated refreshes.
-
Internal case and PCB foam are repeatedly credited for reducing hollowness and sharpening the sound profile.
-
The compact footprint saves desk space without stripping away core functionality.
-
Users can tune polling rate up to 1000Hz, giving the board a full-speed wired setup.
-
Wired connectivity is reliable in the available testing, with direct no-issue reports over USB.
-
Reviewers like the choice between 65% and 96%, with both sizes seen as useful rather than filler.
-
Case foam and internal tuning keep the sound controlled, with reviewers describing the board as full and free of obvious ping.
-
For a mechanical keyboard, noise is kept moderate enough that reviewers call it quiet or non-bothersome in shared use.
-
The 65% and 96% variants keep the board compact while retaining the functions reviewers cared about.
-
Build quality feels solid overall, with sturdy construction and enough weight to avoid a flimsy impression.
-
Material choices balance an aluminum top with plastic or polymer sections, landing as good rather than all-premium.
-
Gaming extras include hotkey-based onboard controls plus features like N-key rollover and Windows key lock.
-
Keys are described as stable and pleasant to type on in the standardized usage review.
-
Users can save up to three onboard profiles directly on the keyboard.
-
The 65% version is presented as a better fit for on-the-go use than larger layouts.
-
Profile management is present, with multiple onboard profiles available for different setups.
-
Switch choice is flexible through barebones builds and configurator options, though prebuilt buyers are largely limited to Fox linears.
-
The stock doubleshot ABS caps feel comfortable in use, but reviewers still flag ABS as a step down from PBT.
-
Media controls are available directly on the keyboard through function combinations.
-
Volume control is available on-board through function-layer shortcuts.
-
Stock stabilizers are generally decent and pre-lubed, though some larger keys still show mild rattle or less-refined feel.
-
The included braided USB-C cable is generally viewed as decent and serviceable rather than a weak extra.
-
Ergonomics are decent thanks to usable typing angles, but the high profile and lack of an included wrist rest can reduce comfort for some users.
-
Glorious Core is capable and sometimes easy to use, but reviews also call out bugs and limited Mac support.
-
Key spacing is a mixed point: some find it fine, but the tighter 96% layout can cause adjustment errors.
Cons
-
Switch feel may need break-in, with some early inconsistency noted before the board feels more even from key to key.
FAQ
Is the Glorious GMMK 2 actually hot-swappable?
Yes. Multiple reviews confirm 5-pin hot-swap support, and several explicitly say switches are easy to remove and replace with the included tools.
Do you need Glorious Core to use the keyboard?
No. Reviews note that some lighting and function controls work directly on the keyboard, while the software adds deeper RGB control, macros, profiles, and latency or polling adjustments.
Is the 96% layout worth it over the 65%?
The 96% keeps more keys in a smaller footprint, but some reviewers needed time to adjust to the tighter spacing. The 65% is the easier pick if portability and extra mouse room matter more.
Are the included switches and keycaps good?
Reviewers generally liked the smooth Fox linear switches right away, but the stock ABS keycaps were the more common tradeoff. They are comfortable and shine-through friendly, yet still viewed as less premium than PBT.
Reviews we analyzed
Video Reviews
Article Reviews
Best Gaming Keyboard
#1
4.5
Choose the Q3 HE for premium build, smooth Hall Effect typing, and flexible connectivity. Skip it if you want broader switch compatibility or...
Pros: rapid trigger support, build quality, durability, materials quality, desk space efficiency, customization options, compatibility
Cons: portability, switch options, reliability
#2
4.4
Choose the GMMK 2 for smooth typing, bright RGB, and rare hot-swap flexibility at this price. Skip it if you want wireless features,...
Pros: frame rigidity, durability, customization options, hot-swappable switches, compatibility, per-key lighting control, value for money
Cons: actuation consistency
#3
4.3
Choose it for premium build, excellent wireless play, and standout RGB in a compact 75% board. Skip it if you need better value,...
Pros: frame rigidity, materials quality, key responsiveness, RGB lighting quality, backlight brightness, latency, gaming performance
Cons: wrist rest quality, rapid trigger support, value for money, key spacing, switch options, ergonomics, typing comfort
#4
4.3
Choose it for class-leading battery life, fast wireless, and a refined stock feel. Skip it if you dislike cramped 96% layouts, dim legends/RGB,...
Pros: polling rate, battery life, wireless performance, key responsiveness, build quality, connectivity, reliability
Cons: backlight brightness, legend visibility, key spacing, software quality, layout options, portability