GloriousGaming GMMK Compact 60%, Barebones (Frame Only) - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Per Key RGB, Hotswap & Customisable, American/ANSI Layout - Black

Being new to mechanical keyboards, I did not want to buy a keyboard with switches that I did not like. I ended up getting this GMMK TKL ISO layout keyboard, and then bought 10 different packs of switches from different sellers. It allowed me to try 10 keys of each on the actual keyboard for a more genuine test than a single switch.Through the testing, I came to the conclusion that Kailh Box Heavy Pale Blues are the ones that I really like, despite initially thinking that I was going to end up with a tactile switch.The board is pretty solid. There's a slight metallic twang when you're typing away, which happens with all switches, regardless of colour. I think it's because it is a solid piece of metal, and the vibrations just make a sound. It's not too loud, or obnoxious, but it's certainly there.The cable is long, and feels very solid. Yes, it is MicroUSB, but you get a cable in the box, so what's the problem?One review on YouTube stated that the lights were a bit less intensive than they would have liked, but I find that there is ample brightness on the LEDs, particularly with pudding caps (HyperX do black-on-white UK layout pudding keycaps - unfortunately ABS rather than PBT, but still great).The software for controlling macros and lighting is okay. It's pretty straightforward. The macros are simple ones, but they work.All in all, a great keyboard!

I have been switching out keyboards every few months for a couple of years now and can never quite find the 'perfect' keyboard for me. I decided to go the whole hog in the end and build one to match my requirements and this barebones ISO layout is the perfect starting point. It is very solidly built, heavy enough but not too heavy, USB-C connectivity, adjustable feet to raise the board if desired and excellent RGB. I installed a combination of Gateron Brown switches (quiet, non-clicky with a really positive feel) and Akko Jelly Pink switches for function keys which give a slightly different but very positive feedback. Finished off with the keycaps from a Cooler Master SK652 keyboard which are low profile and have a very clear and backlit font. The SK652 is a fabulous keyboard but just too big (there isn't a TKL version available unfortunately) so by utilising the keycaps from this keyboard I feel I am still paying homage to this excellent board :-). I now have what I would consider the closest to perfect keyboard I could hope for (and I have used MANY over the last 15 years!) and all this is made possible by the fantastic GMMK TKL ISO base!

It's great to be able to get a TKL barebones in ISO layout. The aluminium plate is absolutely solid and I don't get any ping from it. The LEDs are bright enough IMO. Overall I am very happy, though I have the following complaints:1. The software is pretty limited and poor2. The hotswap sockets don't support 5 pin switches so you'd have to clip them. Why not add the holes?3. It's hard to remove the front plate from the PCB which is a pain if you want to e.g. do PE foam mod4. There's hardly any space in the body of the keyboard which means you can't really add any sound absorbing material in there. There's a piece of very thin foam which helps the sound a bit but it would be nice for the body to be deeper so you could add more material to affect the soundOverall though it's great and I'm super happy with it especially for the price.

This is my first time buying a mechanical keyboard and I wanted something that can be customised/altered in the future with a “less is more” aesthetic.Pros:1) The black TKL Ansi version I got is a 2020 model which is now USB C which was a nice surprise as the reviews here and on youtube refer to older models that were micro usb.2) Can be upgraded with different keycaps and switches3) RGB if that’s your cup of tea.4) Ansi layout, again if that’s your cup of tea. My PC is still running a ISO layout (as that’s my preference) so will probably replace keys for ISO prints in the future...I just like the ANSI enter key haha.5) Comes with decent box for storage/transport with plastic dust shield.Cons:1) have to have brown Gaterons. Would have been nice to have been able to pick the switches...but assume that would have come with a price tag for customisation.2) would be cool to have a couple more rgb lights under the space bar, only 1 light where the switch is.Overall a great starter kit, with all the bits to get you started, was worth the £150 price tag. Sounds good, feels good, plays good, looks good etc etc

TD;LR: would 100% recommend, quality keyboard, arrived undamaged, the RGB lighting is nice, quick delivery, cannot think of a fault. Buy it!!This is my first mechanical keyboard and I am *so* happy with it.I bought this keyboard alongside AKKO rose red switches [I got these on amazon. I would recommend these switches if you're looking for cheap, but good linear switches, as they sound good and feel nice to press. They are 3 pin switches so they fit well with the keyboard]My photos of the keyboard really don't do it justice, it looks so nice in person.I legitimately cannot find a fault with the keyboard.If you're considering buying this keyboard but are still on the fence about it, buy it!!