Glorious GMMK 3 HE review: Endless customization
Glorious' most customizable keyboard yet, now with Hall Effect switches.
The Glorious GMMK 3 HE is the company’s latest rendition of one of the most popular mechanical keyboards on the market - but is it worth checking out?
Glorious is among the most iconic brands to exist when it comes to gaming hardware, and its GMMK keyboard and Model O and Model D mice are among the most popular peripherals on the market.
The GMMK 3 HE is the company’s first keyboard in the lineup to use Hall Effect switches, entering the market alongside the likes of the NuPhy Field75 HE, Keychron K2 HE, and Corsair K70 Pro TKL.
I’ve had the chance to test out the GMMK 3 HE for the last couple weeks, and I’m ready to answer the age-old question… Is it worth buying?
Key Specs
- Switch type: Glorious Fox HE
- Keycaps: GPBT Doubleshot
- Connectivity: USB-C Wired
- Form factor: 75% (as reviewed)
- Lighting: Per-key RGB
- Features: MX switch support, hot swap switches, MacOS mode, 8,000Hz polling rate, modular gasket system
- Price: $189.99
Design & Features
At first glance, the GMMK 3 HE looks like every other 75% form factor keyboard with a media knob located at the top right.
My review unit is Glorious’ prebuilt option, so it features a yellowish-orange badge on the top right and a color-matching bottom case. The top case is black to match the keycaps but its plastic all around.
Under the keycaps, you’ll find Glorious Fox HE switches, which are smooth linear switches perfect for gaming and typing. However, the GMMK 3 HE’s PCB is what sets this keyboard apart from the rest.
It’s hot-swap compatible and works with all of Glorious’ HE switches, including their tactile and clicky options, which are HE switch options I haven’t encountered with other brands so far.
Not only does Glorious offer widely different types of HE switches, the GMMK 3 HE also supports regular MX mechanical switches in case you want to change from Hall Effect down the line.
This makes the GMMK 3 HE the perfect keyboard for those looking to try out HE switches for the first time, because if you don’t like them, you can just swap them out for regular mechanical switches.
The keyboard is one of the most customizable keyboards I’ve ever seen, too, as Glorious offers different style replacements for just about every part of the keyboard. You can change out the case color, keycaps, knob, badge, and even the case material - swapping the base plastic out for metal in the process.
If you don’t want to change everything out yourself, Glorious offers a build-your-own option they call Boardsmith that lets you order it just how you’d like it.
Performance
I tested the Glorious GMMK 3 HE in my normal games, Deadlock and Warzone, and found it to be more than suitable.
You definitely see its 8,000Hz polling rate come into play to lower latency, but it’s not the fastest HE keyboard I’ve used so far with the NuPhy Air60 HE still leading the pack. Glorious has equipped it with rapid trigger and other common HE switch features like adjustable actuation, mod tap, and dynamic key stroke.
However, there is no current form of SOCD or joystick emulation at the time of writing, but it’s safe to assume they’re working on adding it in the future.
Where it lacks in HE features, however, it picks up in typing performance. It’s absolutely wonderful to type on, feels smooth and sounds pretty good straight out of the box.
The Verdict - 4/5
There’s a lot to like about the Glorious GMMK 3 HE. It’s affordable, customizable and works great out of the box. Definitely something I can recommend to those looking for a new keyboard.
Being an HE keyboard without SOCD seems like a pretty glaring mistake on paper, but Glorious has come into the market as an accessible option for gamers wanting to try out the most basic HE features like Rapid Trigger and Mod Tap for the first time.
Where it lacks in HE switch features, it gains in MX switch support and overall customization options that allow you to make the keyboard the most unique build possible.