Glorious GMMK 3 HE mechanical keyboard
Feature
Style and design
The Glorious GMMK 3 HE mechanical keyboard is one such device - a TKL keyboard with a 75% size ratio. It is a reasonably lightweight keyboard at just 0.83kg (1.83lbs) - the plastic casing reduces the weight, which makes the keyboard ideal for portability. The included 1.7m braided cable also allows ample freedom to move around a desk or your lap. The keyboard has two incline settings with small feet allowing a slightly higher position than the standard incline. The keyboard also features a rotary knob in the top right corner, and by default this is used for volume control, whilst pressing the knob mutes the audio. However, these defaults can be reconfigured within the Glorious Core software.
Like other Glorious branded keyboards, The GMMK3 HE isn't just about functionality; it's about personalization. Gamers can customise the keyboard to their hearts delight with most aspects of the keyboard able to be switched out for an alternative. The model we received for our review came equipped with Hall Effect switches, but gamers can easily swap these out for a preferred switch type. And if they want specific switches for specific keys (such as the WASD keys), they can do so.
The Glorious Fox HE (Hall Effect) switches - which have been used in gaming controllers - are moving into gaming keyboards, with the GMMK 3 HE allowing gamers to further customise the keyboard. The switches in our review unit featured rapid trigger, adjustable actuation points, and four-in-one dynamic keystrokes. I’m not exactly sure how important the four-in-one inputs will be, as I had enough trouble with the dual inputs of the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL, but the rapid triggers do allow for responsive inputs. The Fox HE switches are on the quieter side, ideal for gamers with young children who are sleeping.
The keycaps too can be quickly changed, and Glorious have a wide range of styles. The review keyboard we received included Doubleshot PBT keycaps that allowed the RGB lighting to shine through, perfect for gaming in darker environments. The keyboard even ships with several MacOS keys for those who use Mac devices (I would hope that it is not for gaming).
Features and performance
I previously had the Glorious Core software installed for another Glorious keyboard, but initially had some trouble connecting the GMMK 3 HE - until an update changed all that. The RGB lighting, key binding and macro recording can all be completed within. Although I did find that the software isn't quite as user friendly as other peripheral software on the market, I was still able to create macros and assign tasks to key combos easily enough.
The keyboard has several zones that can be configured. Firstly (and most importantly), the keys can be adjusted on a per key basis, allowing gamers to have their keyboard all one colour, or each key a separate colour. There are several lighting profiles available to choose from. The second zone is the sides of the keyboard. Although this will be difficult to see whilst using the keyboard, it is great for decoration and for gaming in the dark. The third is the Glorious Logo badge which magnetically attaches to the keyboard. This too can be removed and replaced with your own custom version
Verdict
The GMMK 3 HE is comparable to the Corsair K65 Plus in most aspects (apart from the wireless connectivity), but the customisations of the Glorious keyboards give the GMMK 3 HE the edge when used as a wired device. Of course, all the physical customisations add to the cost, but the base model we received had everything most gamers would want from a wired gaming keyboard (even if it doesn’t suit my non-gaming needs). The keys feel smooth to type on and provide a responsive performance, even prior to adjusting the actuation points, whilst the software allows reasonably simple macro creation and RGB customisation. The Glorious GMMK 3 HE is a modular device for keyboard enthusiasts.
In the Box
● GMMK 3 HE keyboard
● Braided Cable
● 4 x macOS Alternate Keycaps
● 4 x HE Sample Switches
● 6 x Extra Screws and O-Rings
● Switch Puller
● Keycap Puller
● Screwdriver
● Quick Start Booklet
As always, follow Hooked Gamers on Instagram for news updates, reviews, competitions and more.