Back in June, we reviewed the Glorious GMMK Gaming Keyboard. Like other Glorious PC products, we were quite impressed by everything from the build quality to the GMMK software. It is a very good keyboard that’s also highly customizable and that also includes the size. You see, the GMMK is also available in a compact size, which we’ll refer to here as the Glorious GMMK Compact gaming keyboard. This is everything we loved about the larger version, just in a much smaller package.
DESIGN
The Glorious GMMK Compact gaming keyboard is minimal in design with no unnecessary space wasted. It features full-sized keys with full RGB lighting. The keyboard features a sandblasted aluminum faceplate with chamfered edges and also features that eye-catching RED ASCEND key that the larger GMMK has. Not only that, I swapped out the usual Windows key with their Glorious PC logo key for that extra custom look.
Next up, the GMMK Compact seems very heavy for its size. This gives a very solid feel and I’m assuming it’s to keep the keyboard weighted while gaming. It feels like it’ll stay in a place where you want it to and won’t shift around when you don’t. The GMMK Compact also includes the same large, grippy rubber feet as the larger keyboard.
It’s also very interesting the way Glorious has the cabling done on this. It’s not a build-in cable but instead, the GMMK has a USB-C port on the back in which you plug in a USB-C cable to it. I’ve never seen this with a wired keyboard and this isn’t a wireless keyboard where a USB-C port would be there to charge it. Not sure why they did it like this, but it’s an interesting solution.
Lastly, due to the compact nature of this keyboard, I like that Glorious has been able to integrate the missing keys into the keyboard. Basically, they just doubled up on some keys and you access them using the FN key.
INSTALLATION
Like with most keyboards, this is a straight plug-n-play keyboard. You don’t have to download the GMMK Software, but you’re going to want to if you want to take full advantage of what the GMMK Compact Gaming Keyboard has to offer.
The GMMK Software allows you to adjust the different LED light presets, as well as make your own custom ones. You can also light up only specific keys based on the games you are playing. Not only that, but the software also allows for custom macros with three customizable profiles. It’s very simple to use and seems to be quite lightweight without taking up a lot of valuable resources. Bringing up the app is very fast which is good. I’ve had some driver software with other keyboards that took forever to open up and update settings. This doesn’t. This just works like it should.
After plugging in the keyboard and installing the software, you should be good to go and ready to play in less than a minute or two.
IMPRESSIONS
I’ve used other mechanical keyboards before and the Glorious GMMK Compact is pretty much what I expected it would be, and that is a very good mechanical keyboard. Build quality is top-notch and all the keys have a really good, weighted, clicky feel. The Gateron Brown Switches are a fair bit quieter than some other switches I’ve used in the past, like the Red ones, and they seem to be a good compromise between sound and responsiveness. The brown switches still have a satisfying click to them, just not as loud.
Under normal usage, the keyboard has proven to be quite accurate and quick. This isn’t surprising though as that’s what makes a mechanical keyboard so appealing. There’s just something about the feel of a mechanical keyboard that is hard to match.
Lastly, let’s talk about size. The Glorious GMMK Compact is quite a bit smaller than your regular 104-key full-sized keyboard. There’s no wasted space on the GMMK Compact and if you’re trying to maximize every bit of desk space you have, a compact keyboard isn’t a bad alternative.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re intrigued by the Glorious GMMK gaming keyboard, but you don’t want or need a full-sized version, the Glorious GMMK Compact will make more sense to you. This compact keyboard provides all the benefits and features that the full-sized model does, just in a smaller, compact package.
While this version of the Glorious GMMK Compact is the pre-built model with built-in brown switches, you’re not limited to that. The pre-built model is very good the way it is, but you can customize it to better fit your specific needs. If you go to their website, you are able to choose the type of switches you want, the type of keycaps, and the type of o-ring dampeners.
I would also suggest pairing it with a Glorious Padded Keyboard Wrist Rest which is an option that is sold separately. It’s meant to reduce strain on your wrists and make long usage more comfortable and less strenuous. Whether you’re a serious gamer or not, I would definitely pair the keyboard up with this.
With that said, the GMMK Compact is a thumbs up for me. The pre-built version is perfect for my needs but if you really want to go nuts with a custom version, go ahead. Make it yours.
Pick up the pre-built version of the Glorious GMMK Compact on Amazon here.
