Glorious GMBK Review: chic membrane keyboard for beginners

The GMMK3 from Glorious, especially the Hall Effect version, is undoubtedly one of the best gaming keyboards currently available. But also one of the most expensive. With the new Glorious GMBK, the manufacturer is offering an entry-level model that has some of the features of its more expensive sibling, but costs only a fraction of the price. Read our test to find out what the keyboard has to offer and what you have to do without.

Technical data

Glorious GMBK test: Customizable entry-level model

• handy 75 percent layout
• plastic case
• Customizable RGB lighting; replaceable keycaps

With the Glorious GMBK, the manufacturer wants to prove that entry-level keyboards don’t necessarily have to be boring. The new membrane keyboard not only offers attractive RGB lighting or a volume dial, but also interchangeable keycaps and IP57 certification at a great price.

For around 60 euros, the new GMBK has to fend off competition such as the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL, Corsair K55 RGB Pro and other models. What Glorious brings to the table is the handy 75 percent form factor, which dispenses with a numeric keypad and RGB lighting that can be customized in 10 zones, as well as support for replacing the keycaps thanks to MX-Stemp.

The Glorious GMBK has a black plastic case, in keeping with its price, and is surprisingly light at around 540 grams. It measures 321 mm x 137 mm x 41 mm and has the RGB strips familiar from the GMMK3 on the left and right sides.

A striking feature on the top is the secondary button assignments that can be realized using the FN button. For example, to adjust the lighting, call up the browser or for media control. Glorious has even given the keyboard a volume dial (also made of plastic).

There are two feet at the bottom that allow the GMBK to be set up at angles of 9.5°, 13.5° or flat (6°). The 1.8 meter long USB cable is located centrally at the top, but is detachable and can be replaced with another cable if required.

The build quality is acceptable for the price. Although the keyboard does not appear to be of really high quality, there is no reason to criticize it either.

Features of the Glorious GMBK

• Interchangeable keycaps
• membrane switch for 20 million clicks
• 1,000 Hz, 26-key rollover, full anti-ghosting

One of the unique selling points of the Glorious GMBK is of course the interchangeable keycaps. Hardly any other keyboard in this price range offers this option, especially as the GMKB is compatible with almost all common keycaps thanks to MX Stemps.

Glorious itself offers matching keycaps such as the GPBT gradient keycaps – or you can simply use other existing keycaps.

As standard, the keyboard comes with fairly inexpensive keycaps made of ABS plastic, which unfortunately aren’t too grippy, but show off the RGB lighting well. The built-in membrane switches are designed for 20 million clicks and are therefore naturally not as durable as mechanical switches. Nevertheless, you should be able to enjoy them for several years.

The keyboard offers a total of 10 lighting zones, which can be freely configured via the Glorious Core software. With a sampling rate of 1,000 Hz and 26-key rollover, as well as anti-ghosting, the GMBK is also well equipped for gaming use. It also has an internal memory in which three profiles can be stored.

And those who are prone to spilling water and other drinks will be pleased with the IP57 certification, which protects the Glorious GMBK against water ingress from all directions.

Practical test of the Glorious GMBK

• Very hard to get used to from mechanical keyboards
• not quite as precise; quite hard stroke
• but convincing practical performance after familiarization

The practical impression of the Glorious GMBK is good. Especially if you are not used to higher-quality mechanical keyboards or those with magnetic Hall effect switches. Glorious has equipped the keyboard with tactile membrane switches that accentuate each actuation well.

Compared to tactile mechanical switches, however, the membrane counterpart is somewhat lacking in precision. Switchers will undoubtedly have to get used to this, as the trigger point is noticeably harder and more direct.

The GMBK therefore lacks the typical trigger feel of mechanical switches, as well as the ultra-precise feedback. However, this does not mean that the keyboard is bad. Quite the opposite. Although I initially made significantly more typing errors in the practical test than I’m used to – which is simply due to the different feedback – once I got used to it, the Glorious GMBK impressed with good feedback, fast actuation and good performance in gaming use.

You just have to bear in mind that the GMBK costs only a fraction of the price of current gaming keyboards, which easily cost 200 euros or more. If you are not prepared to invest that much money, this keyboard is a very good alternative.

Another point that should not be overlooked is, of course, the volume of a membrane (rubber dome) keyboard. This is because the keystrokes are much lighter than with mechanical switches. This is quite pleasant and also applies to the Glorious GMBK, although releasing the space bar is signaled by a comparatively loud and hollow sound. This seems a little cheap, but in no way detracts from the range of functions.

Glorious GMBK Review: Conclusion

I don’t know if there are any gamers out there who deliberately opt for a membrane keyboard. But I do know that there are those out there who are not prepared to spend 100 euros (or even three times that amount) on a keyboard.

And for those, Glorious now offers an exciting alternative with the GMBK. Visually, the keyboard is very reminiscent of the company’s own top model GMMK3 and impresses with its harmonious ergonomics, appealing RGB lighting and waterproof design.

The replaceable keycaps are a unique selling point, a feature that is normally only found on high-quality mechanical keyboards. This allows you to customize the keyboard without additional accessories. The practical rotary knob (also interchangeable) is by no means a feature that can be found on all more expensive keyboards. The same applies to the detachable cable – undoubtedly not a killer feature but absolutely nice-to-have in case something should happen to the cable.

In my opinion, this results in an absolutely coherent price-performance ratio for all those who are looking for many functions in a keyboard but do not want to invest more than 60 euros.