We start by taking a closer look at the specifications of the GMMK 3 HE. Which is found on Glorious' website.
Specifications of GMMK 3 HE
Around GMMK 3 HE
The Glorious GMMK 3 HE is a mechanical keyboard that uses advanced Hall Effect technology for accurate keystroke detection with adjustable actuation distance. It offers hot-swap functionality, making it easy to change switches without soldering. The keyboard features durable PBT double-shot keycaps and is built with a strong polymer body that provides a lightweight yet solid construction. With fully customizable RGB lighting through the Glorious Core software, it is designed to meet the needs of gamers and keyboard enthusiasts alike.
In the box with the Glorious GMMK 3 HE, you get the keyboard itself, which is fully assembled and ready for use. Included is a USB-C to USB-A cable for connection, a keycap puller and switch puller for easy replacement of keys and switches, as well as a short manual for setup and use. The keyboard is also packed with PBT double-shot keycaps and pre-installed Glorious Fox Hall Effect switches. Everything is delivered in a compact box that protects the keyboard during transport.
The front of the Glorious GMMK 3 HE presents a minimalist and stylish design with clean lines. The keyboard has a slim profile with a low polymer body, which gives it a modern and streamlined look. The durable PBT double-shot keycaps have a matte finish that resists both wear and fingerprints, while the clear, laser-engraved characters let the RGB lighting shine through clearly. There's also a discreet Glorious logo insert on the top right corner of the keyboard, which adds subtle branding without dominating the elegant design. The overall look is both premium and functional, perfect for both gaming and daily use.
The Glorious GMMK 3 HE comes with pre-installed Glorious Fox Hall Effect switches, known for their smooth and silent actuation. These switches offer high precision with the ability to adjust the actuation distance via software, making them ideal for both fast-paced gaming and typing. With the keyboard's hot-swap functionality, you can easily replace switches without the need for soldering, providing maximum flexibility. You can choose other compatible switches from Glorious, such as the Glorious Silent Lynx or Glorious Panda switches, depending on whether you prefer a quieter or tactile typing experience. This allows for full customization of the feel and sound of the keyboard to your preferences.
Glorious GMMK 3 HE offers a stable and reliable wired connection via a detachable USB-C cable, which makes it easy to connect the keyboard to your PC or other compatible devices. The USB-C port ensures fast data transfer and low input latency, which is ideal for both gaming and productive work where reaction time is essential. The detachable cable also makes it convenient to transport the keyboard without having to worry about cable damage, and the USB-C to USB-A compatibility makes it easy to adapt to most modern setups.
The back of the Glorious GMMK 3 HE is equipped with eight small rubber feet that ensure optimal stability on surfaces and prevent the keyboard from sliding, even during intense use. Although the keyboard does not have adjustable feet for tilt control, the strategically placed rubber feet provide a solid and secure base.
The Glorious GMMK 3 HE in the 75% form factor, as tested here, offers a compact solution where function keys, arrow keys and other important shortcut keys are still present, but the numeric keypad has been removed to save space. This makes it ideal for those who want a balanced setup with good functionality without taking up too much space on the desktop.
The keyboard is also available in a more compact 65% form factor, where the arrow keys are still retained, but the function keys and several other keys have been removed to save even more space. For those who prefer a full layout, there is also a 100% version, which includes all keys, including the numeric keypad, and provides the full typing experience. These different form factors provide flexibility to adapt the keyboard to the user's preferences and space needs.
Software
Before we move on to the test itself, we must have looked at the software that you can use with GMMK 3 HE, Glorious Core.
The first menu is for Profiles, where the user can save and activate different user-defined profiles. In this example, there are three profiles available, of which Profile1 is active. There is also an option to log in to a Glorious ID account to access cloud profiles, allowing you to save and retrieve profiles from the cloud.
The next is performance. Where it is possible to change the polling rate and input latency. It is also possible to do a switch calibration.
Next is lighting. Here you can choose between several basic light effects, but it is also possible to assign colors to each individual key.
We skip keybinding and go to the Actuation menu. Here it is possible to adjust when the key should react to pressure, as well as set rapid trigger if you want an even faster response.
The last one we review is advanced keys. Here you can assign advanced key bindings.
The test – Use and comfort
The time has come for the test of the GMMK 3 HE from Glorious. As always, the keyboard is being switched around and we have to go through different things so I can get an overall picture of my experience with the GMMK 3 HE, along with a trip to a website that can provide some information on ms per keystroke and an estimated scan rate.
Remember, this is not professional equipment, but compared to keyboards in the future, it can still give an indication of the actual response of the keyboard.
After testing the GMMK 3 HE with the various switches, I switched back to the Fox switches that came as standard. These switches are Glorious' own quiet linear type and they provided a highly satisfying experience. The Fox switches are both fast and responsive, but what really impressed me was their quiet nature. They provided a soft and almost silent keystroke, making the keyboard suitable for office work or situations where the sound level must be kept low. At the same time, they feel comfortable under the fingers, which provides a comfortable and smooth typing experience without the classic click that many other mechanical switches have.
The actual noise level when using the Fox switches is remarkably low – even during rapid keying activity, the keyboard remained almost silent. This means that it is perfect for both work and gaming in environments where you don't want to disturb others. There's no noticeable resistance, making typing quick and easy, and the silent feedback may be particularly appreciated by those who work late or in shared offices. Combined with the slightly rough surface of the PBT keycaps, it provided a better feel and control, which felt comfortable both for short and long typing and gaming sessions.
The Fox switches also contribute to supporting the keyboard's general performance, which in my tests proved to be very satisfactory. With a response time of 2 ms and an estimated scan rate of 500 Hz, you achieve a smooth and reliable experience without delays. Even with fast keystrokes, the GMMK 3 HE managed to keep up, which was an advantage during gaming, where quick reactions are essential.
Overall, the Fox switches gave the GMMK 3 HE a good balance between performance and comfort. The quiet experience combined with a fast response level makes the keyboard ideal for a wide target group – from gamers who want fast reactions to office users who need a stylish and silent keyboard.
Price
For GMMK 3 HE prebuilt, the price starts at 260$. If you choose to make your own from scratch, you can quickly end up with 500-700$. Which suddenly becomes a very high price, for a keyboard.
If you want to find more information about GMMK 3 HE from Glorious, you can click on the banner above.
Conclusion
After going through the test of the Glorious GMMK 3 HE, it is clear that this keyboard delivers a premium experience where both performance and comfort are in focus. The keyboard impresses with the Fox switches, which are quiet and offer a smooth and silent typing experience. This makes the GMMK 3 HE particularly suitable for both office use and gaming in environments where sound must be kept to a minimum. The Fox switches provide a pleasant feeling under the fingers, and the low noise level combined with a precise response time makes it easy to immerse yourself in work or play without distractions.
With a response time of 2 ms and an estimated scan rate of 500 Hz, the keyboard achieves high precision and reliability, which is crucial for gamers in particular. While it doesn't have the lowest latency on the market, it's still more than adequate for most users who want a responsive, lag-free experience. The included PBT double-shot keycaps add a rough texture that ensures good control and a durability that can withstand intensive use.
The GMMK 3 HE also offers great customization options with hot-swap functionality and multiple form factors (65%, 75%, and 100%), allowing the keyboard to be tailored to specific needs and preferences. In addition, the ability to replace switches and adjust actuation points provides great flexibility that many enthusiasts will appreciate. However, the price is a significant factor: with a starting price of 250$ for a prebuilt model and up to 400-600$ for a fully customized setup, the keyboard is at the high end of the scale, which can be a barrier for budget-conscious users.
Another disadvantage is the lack of wrist support, which can affect comfort during prolonged use. Although the keyboard itself is comfortable to type on, a palm rest could have made it even better and more ergonomic. The high price and lack of palm rest drags it down a bit, but the keyboard's quality, features, and quiet performance still make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable, accurate, and customizable keyboard.
The Glorious GMMK 3 HE is an excellent keyboard for both gamers and office users who value quiet performance and customization options. However, the price and lack of wrist support keep it from achieving an even higher score. Which I do end up giving the GMMK 3 HE from Glorious a score of 8 out of 10.
Benefits
Disadvantages
Score: 8