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Gaming GMMK 2 Compact 65% Barebones (Frame Only) - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Frame, Compact TKL Size (65%), Aluminium, Customisable, Per Key RGB, American QWERTY Layout - Black

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,986 ratings
Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.
Amazon's Choice in PC Gaming Keyboards by Glorious

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Barebone Compact (65%)
Black

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About this item

  • Premium design and durability: The GMMK 2 Compact (65%) features an aluminum top shell, which makes the keyboard super durable and gives it maximum rigidity. The substantial weight and grippy rubber feet, mean it doesn't move on your desk while you game. Anodization of the aluminum gives the keyboard an impressive resistance to scratches and corrosion, and the fine brushing of the exterior creates a matte metallic finish that is smooth to the touch.
  • Custom Compact Layout: With the GMMK 2 Compact (65%) you don't have to sacrifice your dedicated arrow or navigation keys for a small form factor. We've packed the best of a TKL keyboard (75%) in a form factor that is almost the size of a Mini keyboard (60%). Save valuable keyboard space without losing important functionality.
  • Swappable mechanical switches & keycaps: The GMMK 2 Compact (65%) hotswap sockets are specially designed for easy installation of any 5-pin switches. Easily install mechanical switches from Glorious, Cherry, Kailh, Gateron, Glorious Panda Switches and more. No soldering required, creating the ultimate TKL gaming keyboard.
  • Superior Sound: The pre-installed stabilizers are lubricated for a smooth and consistent press without rattle. Screw-in stabilizer mounts are available for modders wanting to use their own. Thick interior keyboard foam acts as a dampener to eliminate case ping. The GMMK 2 Compact (65%) is a hot swappable mechanical keyboard with great sound.
  • Included Components: GMMK 2 Compact (65%) Barebone Frame, 2M Black Braided USB-C Cable, Switch Puller, Keycap puller, 1 x Novelty ESC Key.
  • Keyboard layout: American QWERTY

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Glorious Gaming GMMK 2 Compact 65% Barebones (Frame Only) - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Frame, Compact TKL Size (65%), Aluminium, Customisable, Per Key RGB, American QWERTY Layout - Black
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Price-25% $59.99
Typical:$79.99
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Customer Ratings
Sold By
Glorious PC Gaming
Glorious PC Gaming
Keychron Keyboard
Keychron Keyboard
Glorious PC Gaming
ZMX Store
connectivity tech
USB-C
USB-C
Bluetooth, USB-C
Bluetooth, USB-C
USB
Bluetooth, USB-C
number of keys
67
83
68
68
61
68
compatible devices
Desktop, Laptop, Xbox, PS4, PS5
PC, Mac, Xbox, PS4, PS5
Laptop: Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, Macbook, Mac Mini, Chromebook, Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Xiaomi, Huawei Matebook etc., PC, Tablet: iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro etc., Gaming Console, Smartphone
Laptop: Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, Macbook, Mac Mini, Chromebook, Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Xiaomi, Huawei Matebook etc., PC, Tablet: iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro etc., Gaming Console, Smartphone
PC, Mac, Xbox, PS4, PS5
Laptop
keyboard description
Gaming
Mechanical, Gaming
Custom Mechanical Keyboard barebone, Wireless, QMK/VIA enabled, hot-swappable, RGB backlit, for Mac, Windows and Linux, 65% layout
Custom Mechanical Keyboard barebone, Wireless, QMK/VIA enabled, hot-swappable, RGB backlit, for Mac, Windows and Linux, 65% layout
Gaming
Mechanical
operating system
Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac OS 9, Linux, Supported Gaming Console
Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac OS 9, Linux, Supported Gaming Console
Mac OS X or later, Windows 7 or later
Mac OS X or later, Mac OS 7 or later
Windows 10, Windows 11, Mac OS 9, Linux, Supported Gaming Console
Android, Mac OS, IOS

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Glorious Gaming GMMK 2 Compact 65% Barebones (Frame Only) - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Frame, Compact TKL Size (65%), Aluminium, Customisable, Per Key RGB, American QWERTY Layout - Black


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Product Description

GMMK 2 Compact (65%) Barebones - Designed to be redesigned

GMMK 2 Compact (65%) Barebones - Designed to be redesigned

A premium 65% Layout, Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, the GMMK 2 Compact (65%) Barebones is the ultimate keyboard frame at the best value possible. Build the keyboard of your dreams, with your own switches and keycaps.

HOW TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR KEYBOARD

From the brand

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
2,986 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the value, comfort, and quality of the keyboard. For example, they mention that it's the best barebones keyboard for the price, the keys feel good, and the stabilizers feel great. That said, some disagree on lighting, and keycaps.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

316 customers mention267 positive49 negative

Customers like the quality of the keyboard. They mention it's a really solid keyboard, feels very high quality, and is reliable. The aluminum build and plastic metal material adds some nice weight. Some say the keyboard works as expected and has minor flaws.

"...Inserting the key switches was near-painless; the only times I was unable to insert a switch, it was due to human error on my part by mis-aligning..." Read more

"...to mod, and thus has a lot of potential, the right price, great build quality, it looks sexy, and has good-to-very-good components in the per-built..." Read more

"...It's been a very reliable keyboard for several months now, though I only use it when testing new switch types or when I want pretty animated lights...." Read more

"...As of now, this is the best and its flaws are minor. Great job Glorious!..." Read more

89 customers mention74 positive15 negative

Customers like the appearance of the keyboard. Some mention that it looks good, has a nice silver trim, and is super nice. They also say that the keys have a subtle texture and the keycaps have s a good texture. Overall, most are satisfied with the appearance and functionality of the product.

"...a typing demonstration of what this keyboard sounds like, and it is very crisp and responsive in my opinion!..." Read more

"...has a lot of potential, the right price, great build quality, it looks sexy, and has good-to-very-good components in the per-built configuration...." Read more

"...has been a blast with how nice the aluminum deck plate is and the nice silver trim which pairs very nicely with my keys...." Read more

"...-LED colors are insanely bright. Definitely the most vibrant on the market, and can light up your entire room if you have clear keycaps...." Read more

89 customers mention66 positive23 negative

Customers like the sound quality of the keyboard. They mention that it produces some fine "thocky" noises while typing, and the keys sound just right. The switches are quick and responsive without too much extra noise. Some say that they have had no complaints about stabilizers or sound quality. Overall, most are satisfied with the sound performance of the product.

"...There is a satisfying clack when bottoming out with these switches and keycaps, and I am still adjusting to the lighter weight so I don't pound too..." Read more

"...The good:- No key chatter. (double key presses / failed debounce)- Floating keycap design. This keyboard is easy to clean!-..." Read more

"...Quiet, responsive, solid build, backlit AND readable in the dark, and built-in memory for macros/button customization...." Read more

"...I dont care for led so it doesn't bother me.Its not as quiet as i would like it to be, but i havent done any mods to it and im not sure..." Read more

88 customers mention82 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the value of the keyboard. They say it's the best barebones keyboard for the price, and a cheap entry into building a custom keyboard. The keyboard has a lot of features for its pricepoint, and sounds great for the money. Customers also say it is worth the time investment in learning how to use QMK with your GMMK2.

"...is easy and pleasant to mod, and thus has a lot of potential, the right price, great build quality, it looks sexy, and has good-to-very-good..." Read more

"...Excellent keyboard for the price! Pre-built was the most cost-effective way to go since it included the Fox linear switches...." Read more

"...And the price is right. I like it." Read more

"...that this company is putting out quality products that are reasonably priced. I'll definitely be looking for this company for new products!" Read more

75 customers mention66 positive9 negative

Customers like the switches on the keyboard. They mention that the hot swappable PCB allows for plate mounted switches to be easily replaced. Some appreciate the ability to mix and match your switches. The stock switches are nice and have a nice tactile feel. They are accessible right on the top layer. Some customers are delighted with the ease of switch swapping.

"...(GMMK) Barebones Edition serves as a good entry-level case and hot-swappable PCB so people who are curious about custom keyboards can get their feet..." Read more

"...Swapping keys is easy and I really like the key puller on the bottom of the board making sure that I never lose it...." Read more

"...Lol.I like it is hot swappable so I can replace the switches if I want which is not something I could of done with the Corsair keyboard...." Read more

"...From the hot swappable switches and custom key caps available, it ticked off all the boxes I required for a keyboard...." Read more

70 customers mention63 positive7 negative

Customers are satisfied with the comfort of the keyboard. They mention that the keys feel good, it is well constructed, and has a smooth feel. The key stabilizers feel great, and the keyboard has good ergonomics. The surface finish is a nice matte feeling, and it has that nice soft, thocky red switch sound.

"...The texture of the surface finish is a nice matte feeling, and after a week of typing on this board I have noticed zero issues or problems with the..." Read more

"...the components working together, along with the right weight and good ergonomics for my use-case -- make it to be my main keyboard, that is also..." Read more

"...The key stabilizers feel great across the board.I only have two gripes with this product.1. No detachable cable...." Read more

"...TLDR; It's a great keyboard. Feels nice, sounds good, customizable if you want to change it later on. And the price is right. I like it." Read more

88 customers mention48 positive40 negative

Customers are mixed about the lighting of the keyboard. Some mention that the RGB lighting is very bright and crisp, with numerous choices for patterns. However, others say that the lighting is not very bright, the keycap legend lighting is bad, and the onboard RGB lighting controller is decent.

"...Other than that, the brightness was set perfectly right out of the box, and the manual showed many ways I could adjust the brightness or the colors..." Read more

"...A few screws were screwed too tightly, bending the case and causing issues with key return in the lower left corner and around the spacebar...." Read more

"...The RGB LEDs are very bright, by the way, in case this matters a lot to you, and there are plenty of effects accessible right from the keyboard..." Read more

"...I have is that the keyboard I have connected to my laptop will sometimes lose the lights after it goes into sleep mode..." Read more

61 customers mention33 positive28 negative

Customers are mixed about the keycaps. Some mention that it has hot swappable switches and custom key caps available. They also appreciate the great layout and the fact that it's super customizable. However, others say that the default keycap is atrocious, some keys were put on the wrong spots, and there's no key reassignment ability.

"...For that purpose, it is very well-built and provides quite a lot of customization for the price, and for that purpose I highly recommend it!" Read more

"...The keys are unusually high for a keyboard which seemed awkward at first but I quickly fell in love with it...." Read more

"...The brand name on the box is MIHIYIRY. The stock ABS keycaps are fine and worked well with the Brown switches, they are not super thin, feel good..." Read more

"...I know the majority of these issues are caused by a lack of familiarity with the layout; but, I thought I would bring them up...." Read more

Decent entry-level DIY custom keyboard
5 Stars
Decent entry-level DIY custom keyboard
The Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard (GMMK) Barebones Edition serves as a good entry-level case and hot-swappable PCB so people who are curious about custom keyboards can get their feet wet in the hobby without spending too much on the switches and materials. Plus, the synergy with other supplies from the manufacturer (such as key switches and keycaps) ensures a one-stop shop for a beginner DIY build, a very important fact for a beginner. There are a couple drawbacks, but nothing bad enough to detract from the finished product.For this build, I chose the full-size layout because I use the numpad for schoolwork. I went with the barebones edition so I could add my preferred choice of keyboard switches and keycaps; I bought the Gateron Clear key switches (the 120-pack from the Glorious PC Gaming Race's website, to ensure compatibility with this board) and the Glorious Aura keycaps (also from the GPGR's website) to build on this product, to create the keyboard shown in the image above.Putting the pieces together using this board was very straight-forward. One negative was the included keycap puller to pry attached keycaps off of the keyboard; it is finicky, and is likely to mark or damage the bottom edge of the keycaps when you use it. Then again, one rarely sees the bottom edge of the keycap when the build is finished so only those making a serious final build for a client will be concerned with this problem. For beginners looking to make their very first board, the minor nicks and scratches will be at worst a minor nuisance and at best not even noticeable.Inserting the key switches was near-painless; the only times I was unable to insert a switch, it was due to human error on my part by mis-aligning the tiny wires on the key switches I purchased to use with this build. I only bungled one switch completely thankfully, and being able to repeatedly test the key switches to make sure they worked as intended while the keyboard was plugged into the computer made confirming proper installation very simple. There was some confusion when attaching the different key caps as this was my first time realizing just how many key caps there were and all the different places they go! With some effort I finally got it all installed, as you see in the image above!Aesthetically, the brightness was really good for the majority of the keyboard. I did notice that for the larger keys, like the spacebar or the shift/enter/backspace keys, there was only one LED light underneath the entire key. The spacebar in particular looked way too muted compared to the rest of the keyboard, because there was only one LED in the center attempting to light up the entire spacebar! Other than that, the brightness was set perfectly right out of the box, and the manual showed many ways I could adjust the brightness or the colors or the pattern in which the colors shift or whathaveyou.I did not test the software the manufacturer of the keyboard provides in order to manually adjust the lighting and colors of the board in much greater detail; I did not see a need to do so out of my personal preference, but the option is there for others. I have heard good things about it, so make of that what you will. The software is technically optional, so keep that in mind.In terms of subjective opinion of the finished product? The keyboard sounds and feels amazing, especially in contrast to my old Logitech G710 plus with its Cherry MX Brown switches (ugh, my old keyboard is HORRIBLE in comparison). Trying the Gateron Clears, a lighter and truly linear key switch, was a revelation, and my fingers practically fly across this keyboard when I type! The video above shows a typing demonstration of what this keyboard sounds like, and it is very crisp and responsive in my opinion! There is a satisfying clack when bottoming out with these switches and keycaps, and I am still adjusting to the lighter weight so I don't pound too hard on the board and hurt my fingers! I chalk that up to adjusting after a typing style that demanded heavy key-presses, and not a problem with the board or the build itself.The stabilizers for the bigger key caps do have a rattle to them, which does sound very different from the rest of the keyboard. Time will tell if this becomes a problem or not for me, but for now I am not bothered. Perhaps as I try out different switches in the future, I may decide to change out the stabilizers for something that doesn't rattle as much, but for now I have no problems with them personally.The overall build quality is very solid, the machined aluminum on the board has it feeling sturdy and weighted. This is a heavy keyboard, it is just as heavy as my giant old keyboard despite being smaller. The texture of the surface finish is a nice matte feeling, and after a week of typing on this board I have noticed zero issues or problems with the build. The addition of extra rubber feet I could add or swap out is helpful in deciding just how high a profile I want this keyboard to have, and the adjustable feet are nice for when I want the keyboard propped towards me. The braided cable is sturdy but flexible, and the board worked as intended out of the box. As mentioned before, building the keyboard with the switches and keycaps was very simple and straightforward.Overall, I would recommend this board for people curious about custom keyboards who want to understand the terminology, put together their own build, and do so with a minimum of hassle or issues. This board satisfies all of that criteria. People who have already spent months or years in the custom keyboard hobby do not need this board, and they likely know of better (possibly cheaper) alternatives, and/or know exactly what they want and how much it costs. This board is for people looking for that custom keyboard typing experience for the very first time, something they can change or modify as they desire over the course of a few months or a year as they learn their preferences and what works best for their typing style. For that purpose, it is very well-built and provides quite a lot of customization for the price, and for that purpose I highly recommend it!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Decent entry-level DIY custom keyboard
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020
The Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard (GMMK) Barebones Edition serves as a good entry-level case and hot-swappable PCB so people who are curious about custom keyboards can get their feet wet in the hobby without spending too much on the switches and materials. Plus, the synergy with other supplies from the manufacturer (such as key switches and keycaps) ensures a one-stop shop for a beginner DIY build, a very important fact for a beginner. There are a couple drawbacks, but nothing bad enough to detract from the finished product.

For this build, I chose the full-size layout because I use the numpad for schoolwork. I went with the barebones edition so I could add my preferred choice of keyboard switches and keycaps; I bought the Gateron Clear key switches (the 120-pack from the Glorious PC Gaming Race's website, to ensure compatibility with this board) and the Glorious Aura keycaps (also from the GPGR's website) to build on this product, to create the keyboard shown in the image above.

Putting the pieces together using this board was very straight-forward. One negative was the included keycap puller to pry attached keycaps off of the keyboard; it is finicky, and is likely to mark or damage the bottom edge of the keycaps when you use it. Then again, one rarely sees the bottom edge of the keycap when the build is finished so only those making a serious final build for a client will be concerned with this problem. For beginners looking to make their very first board, the minor nicks and scratches will be at worst a minor nuisance and at best not even noticeable.

Inserting the key switches was near-painless; the only times I was unable to insert a switch, it was due to human error on my part by mis-aligning the tiny wires on the key switches I purchased to use with this build. I only bungled one switch completely thankfully, and being able to repeatedly test the key switches to make sure they worked as intended while the keyboard was plugged into the computer made confirming proper installation very simple. There was some confusion when attaching the different key caps as this was my first time realizing just how many key caps there were and all the different places they go! With some effort I finally got it all installed, as you see in the image above!

Aesthetically, the brightness was really good for the majority of the keyboard. I did notice that for the larger keys, like the spacebar or the shift/enter/backspace keys, there was only one LED light underneath the entire key. The spacebar in particular looked way too muted compared to the rest of the keyboard, because there was only one LED in the center attempting to light up the entire spacebar! Other than that, the brightness was set perfectly right out of the box, and the manual showed many ways I could adjust the brightness or the colors or the pattern in which the colors shift or whathaveyou.

I did not test the software the manufacturer of the keyboard provides in order to manually adjust the lighting and colors of the board in much greater detail; I did not see a need to do so out of my personal preference, but the option is there for others. I have heard good things about it, so make of that what you will. The software is technically optional, so keep that in mind.

In terms of subjective opinion of the finished product? The keyboard sounds and feels amazing, especially in contrast to my old Logitech G710 plus with its Cherry MX Brown switches (ugh, my old keyboard is HORRIBLE in comparison). Trying the Gateron Clears, a lighter and truly linear key switch, was a revelation, and my fingers practically fly across this keyboard when I type! The video above shows a typing demonstration of what this keyboard sounds like, and it is very crisp and responsive in my opinion! There is a satisfying clack when bottoming out with these switches and keycaps, and I am still adjusting to the lighter weight so I don't pound too hard on the board and hurt my fingers! I chalk that up to adjusting after a typing style that demanded heavy key-presses, and not a problem with the board or the build itself.

The stabilizers for the bigger key caps do have a rattle to them, which does sound very different from the rest of the keyboard. Time will tell if this becomes a problem or not for me, but for now I am not bothered. Perhaps as I try out different switches in the future, I may decide to change out the stabilizers for something that doesn't rattle as much, but for now I have no problems with them personally.

The overall build quality is very solid, the machined aluminum on the board has it feeling sturdy and weighted. This is a heavy keyboard, it is just as heavy as my giant old keyboard despite being smaller. The texture of the surface finish is a nice matte feeling, and after a week of typing on this board I have noticed zero issues or problems with the build. The addition of extra rubber feet I could add or swap out is helpful in deciding just how high a profile I want this keyboard to have, and the adjustable feet are nice for when I want the keyboard propped towards me. The braided cable is sturdy but flexible, and the board worked as intended out of the box. As mentioned before, building the keyboard with the switches and keycaps was very simple and straightforward.

Overall, I would recommend this board for people curious about custom keyboards who want to understand the terminology, put together their own build, and do so with a minimum of hassle or issues. This board satisfies all of that criteria. People who have already spent months or years in the custom keyboard hobby do not need this board, and they likely know of better (possibly cheaper) alternatives, and/or know exactly what they want and how much it costs. This board is for people looking for that custom keyboard typing experience for the very first time, something they can change or modify as they desire over the course of a few months or a year as they learn their preferences and what works best for their typing style. For that purpose, it is very well-built and provides quite a lot of customization for the price, and for that purpose I highly recommend it!
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16 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2021
10 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
Size: Prebuilt Full Size (96%)Style: BlackVerified Purchase
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
Size: Barebone Full Size (96%)Style: BlackVerified Purchase

Top reviews from other countries

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Me
5.0 out of 5 stars It lasted long
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2023
Papa Joels
5.0 out of 5 stars preencheu as expectativas
Reviewed in Brazil on November 16, 2023
Size: Prebuilt Full Size (96%)Style: PinkVerified Purchase
Armin
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on November 29, 2023
Pablo Barrera
2.0 out of 5 stars Mal teclado después de un tiempo, pesimo ensamblado
Reviewed in Mexico on August 20, 2023
One person found this helpful
Report
Pedro abdiel
5.0 out of 5 stars Buen teclado para iniciar en el mundo de los teclados custom.
Reviewed in Mexico on July 7, 2022