Finding the perfect mechanical keyboard is a major challenge for many gamers and enthusiasts. Off-the-shelf keyboards often force you to settle for switches that are either too loud, too soft, or simply don’t match your typing style. When a single switch fails or you want to try a new tactile feel, you are usually forced to buy a completely new device or deal with the technical headache of soldering, which is both time-consuming and risky for beginners.
The Glorious GMMK 85% Percent TKL Barebone Kit is the revolutionary solution designed to give you total control over your typing experience. As a “Barebone” kit, it provides the premium foundation—including a sandblasted black aluminum top plate and a hot-swappable PCB—allowing you to plug in any combination of switches and keycaps without ever touching a soldering iron. This Tenkeyless (TKL) design strikes the perfect balance between functionality and desk space, making it a favorite for competitive gamers and custom keyboard builders alike.
Key Features of the Glorious GMMK TKL Barebone
- Fully Hot-Swappable PCB: Easily install and replace any 3-pin MX-style mechanical switches (Cherry, Gateron, Kailh) in seconds.
- Tenkeyless (85%) Design: The ideal compact form factor that retains essential function keys while freeing up room for large mouse movements.
- Premium Aluminum Top Plate: Features a sandblasted black metal finish that provides a heavy, high-quality feel and extreme durability.
- 16.8 Million Color RGB: Fully customizable per-key RGB backlighting to match your PC setup’s aesthetic perfectly.
- USB-C Wired Connection: Includes a modern, reliable, and removable USB-C cable for fast response times and easy transport.
- Built-in Key Puller: A convenient holder on the bottom of the keyboard ensures you always have the tool needed for quick customizations.
Why It’s Worth Buying
The Glorious GMMK TKL Barebone is worth buying because it is essentially the “last keyboard you’ll ever need to buy.” Its hot-swappable nature means you can upgrade the feel and sound of your keyboard as often as you like for a fraction of the cost of a new unit. The TKL layout is highly recommended for gamers as it allows your hands to stay closer together, improving ergonomics during intense play sessions. With its sleek black metal top plate, it doesn’t just perform well; it looks like a professional-grade piece of hardware. It’s the perfect entry point into the world of custom mechanical keyboards, offering a high-end, modular experience that adapts to your evolving tastes.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Complete freedom to choose your favorite switches and keycaps.
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction prevents sliding and flexing.
- No soldering required makes it extremely beginner-friendly.
Cons
- Switches and keycaps are sold separately and must be purchased to complete the build.
- The standard 3-pin PCB may require clipping pins on 5-pin “PCB mount” switches.
- Software for RGB customization is currently Windows-only.
Conclusion
The Glorious GMMK 85% Percent TKL Barebone Kit offers the ultimate foundation for anyone serious about their desk setup. By combining a premium metal build with infinite switch possibilities, it allows you to create a truly one-of-a-kind typing tool. Start your custom keyboard journey and build your dream deck today.
