I've always wanted to try building and customising my own mechanical keyboard but I don't feel ready to pick up a soldering iron and mess around with a PCB. However, in the form of the Glorious PC Gaming Race GMMK I may have found a decent place to start. You select your preferred barebones keyboard layout and then have the option to purchase keycap sets to install in your selected layout. In this video I unbox a selection of parts and begin my path down the custom keyboard road…

Specifications: 

• Dimensions: 440mm x 35.9mm x 129 mm (L x H x D)
• Weight: 940 g
• Color: Black
• Layout: Standard ISO (Full Size, 105 Keys)
• Connection: USB 2.0
• Polling: 1,000 Hz
• Cable: removable
• Length: approx. 1.8 m
• Sheath: Textile
• Compatibility: Cherry, Gateron, Kailh (3-pin)
• LED: SMD LED, Back LED (less bright)
• PCB Switches: Small feet must be removed

Glorious PC Gaming Race GMMK barebones keyboard can be found HERE for £69.95.

Glorious PC Gaming Race Gateron Red switches can be found HERE for £35.99.

Glorious PC Gaming Race Gateron Black switches HERE for £35.99.

Glorious PC Gaming Race Aura Keycaps US Layout can be found HERE for £24.95.

Pros:

• Unique design for easily customising switches.
• Dead switches can easily be repaired.
• Slim and sleek chassis.
• Long braided cable.
• Easy to build.
• RGB lighting.

Cons: 

• Braided cable cannot be removed.
• More expensive than a non modular keyboard.
• Time consuming.

KitGuru says: The GMMK is certainly a unique keyboard and although it might not be for everyone, it gives people the opportunity to create their own custom board without learning how to solder! 

Become a Patron!