Glorious GMMK Compact Keyboard Barebones ISO Layout

Product Information

Compact and Portable: The 60% layout makes this keyboard highly portable, and it allows for better mouse placement, improving gaming performance. Furthermore, the keyboard offers extensive RGB lighting customization, featuring 16.8 million color options. Users can easily personalize the lighting patterns directly from the keyboard, eliminating the need for additional software. The compatibility with a wide range of mechanical switches, including popular options like Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh, means users can fine-tune the typing experience to their liking. The keyboard also features a standard ANSI layout, making it compatible with various third-party keycap brands, allowing users to further personalize their setup. The only flaw I can see is that the stabilizer was a touch rattly, and the casing sounded hollow. 8. EPOMAKER GK61X RGB You would think that something with the name Mod 001 would allow you to modify the SMD LEDs on a per-key basis, but think again. That isn’t the case here, but you can adjust the RGB using Akko’s software, called Akko Wired Manager. This technically doesn’t have official support for the Mod 001 yet, but you can still make some small unofficial tweaks under another keyboard’s name. The aluminum plate holds the switches firmly but not so tightly that you have to use any force to remove a switch while hot-swapping 3-pin or 5-pin switches. The LEDs are facing north and are extremely bright. 10. DNA65 65% Kit Custom Mechanical Keyboard

The YMDK Split 64 draws its power through a mini-USB port on the left half side. It then uses another mini-USB to mini-USB cable to connect the left and the right side together. If you want to use the left side for some gaming, we especially like that it works fine with just one side plugged in. Assess the materials used for the keyboard’s construction. High-quality materials like aluminum or steel can enhance durability and overall feel. Durable Build: The solid aluminum frame and built-in switch plate make the keyboard robust and stable. Media control is made easy with the rotary knob for volume adjustment, and the refined stabilizers on larger keys like spacebars and modifiers ensure a premium typing experience. The EPOMAKER EK68 Barebones is a versatile and customizable mechanical keyboard that caters to both gamers and professionals. Pros:

Learning Curve: Customizing and programming your keyboard might be challenging for beginners or those not familiar with keyboard firmware like QMK or VIA. The metal base is fairly strong, albeit a little weighty, and has a quality feel to it. If you want to show off the inbuilt LEDs that light up the keyboard’s base, an acrylic base could be a better choice.

Limited Features: The keyboard’s software may not be as feature-rich as some high-end models, but it offers ample customization options for most users.Customization: The keyboard’s barebone design and hot-swap capability allow for extensive customization, making it an excellent choice for DIY keyboard enthusiasts. Unusually, a small speaker is soldiered on the PCB too. You’ll be able to customize the sound effects this board makes when it turns on, does updates, or plugs in. If that’s not impressive enough, there’s even a music mode in the firmware that allows it to turn into a musical instrument! In summary, barebones keyboards provide a unique opportunity for users to craft a keyboard that precisely suits their preferences, offering customization, aesthetics, and an unmatched typing experience. However, potential downsides include increased costs, assembly requirements, a learning curve for customization, and the need to ensure compatibility with chosen components. How to Choose a Barebones Keyboard Hotswappable Switches – Glorious GOAT Stabilizers – QMK Compatible – Media Control Knob – CNC Chassis with RGB Side Lighting – Wide OS Compatibility