MacDirectory Magazine

Stephen Hanson

MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.

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When your curiosity finally gets the better of you (and it will), and you decide to try out a mechanical keyboard, a hot-swappable GMMK (Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard) from Glorious PC Gaming Race offers a perfect jumping off point. Part of the beauty of mechanical keyboards are the options available to change your typing experience. Different switches (the mechanical bits doing the work) create a different feel with every keystroke, and you’ll often find different key caps (the visible components that you see and touch) that speak to your own visual style. This wealth of customization, however, can often lead to multiple keyboard purchases, as you decide you want to switch from a ‘clicky’ switch to something more quiet, or from a tactile switch to a linear switch. In your quest for the perfect keyboard, the GMMK is here to ease your journey. These module keyboards are available in three different form factors—full size, ten-key-less, and compact. They all feature switches and keycaps that can be swapped on the fly without any soldering or technical prowess. The simple tools required for making the change are included with each keyboard, making it easy to find your perfect set of keys. From Cherry switches to Gateron, Kailh, and tons of other 3-pin options on the market, the GMMK can take most switches you throw at it. Don’t agonize over which set is best for you or worry about buying multiple keyboards to test them all out, the GMMK allows you to use one keyboard with all different types of switches. Glorious sells each of the components separately, as well as pre-built versions that are ready to go out of the box. The standard full size configuration that I tried comes with Gateron Brown switches and an all black color configuration. Glorious also throws in an optional red escape key and the Glorious logo featured on the Windows key to add a bit of style. The ABS keys feature a custom stylized font, and float over the RGB colored LEDs that light up your keyboard anyway you want it. This board has some seriously cool and creative patterns built in. I appreciate that many of the lighting settings can be cycled through with the use of the function key, eliminating the need to open (or even install) the free software. I prefer my keyboard in solid colors, but I like to change the color regularly as I get bored, which I can do with the click of a few keys. Below the keys is a black aluminum backplate that keeps things classy. Because of the dark color, the lighting effects are more subtle than most other RGB keyboards out there since not as much light is reflected off the board itself. The underside is black plastic construction, and features single-stage extendable feet to raise up the back of the keyboard. This is also where you’ll find the tool to switch your key caps—snapped directly into the keyboard in a never-gonna-lose-it custom spot. Pretty cool! The full size option comes with a hard wired cable, while the ten-key-less and compact designs use a detachable, braided micro-USB cord that makes them more suitable for travel. Most people who try a mechanical keyboard fall in love, and for good reason. The tactile response, satisfying action, and mechanical feedback improve on the typing experience that we’ve become accustomed to on our tiny laptops. With the GMMK, Glorious provides a solid pre-built option that leaves your future switch and keycap selections open to a world of possibilities. Start with Gateron Browns and all black key caps, and see what speaks to you best. For more information, visit: www.pcgamingrace.com/products/gmmk-full-brown-switch

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