Glorious GMMK 2 Full Size (96%) mechanical keyboard with per-key RGB, aluminium frame and hot-swap Fox switches – Pink, English QWERTY
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Product description
If you’re after a mechanical keyboard that feels solid on the desk and still lets you tinker, the Glorious GMMK 2 Full Size (96%) is built around that idea. It’s not the lightest, not the simplest, and it won’t suit everyone—but on paper it hits a practical sweet spot for people who care about switch feel, want per-key RGB, and don’t want to lose the number pad.
The key question is whether you like what this layout and platform approach offers. A 96% board keeps a lot of the “full size” usability, while aiming to feel more space-friendly than a traditional full-size layout. If that compromise matches your routine, you’ll probably feel at home faster than with a more minimal design.
What it is and why you’d want it
The Glorious GMMK 2 Full Size (96%) is a mechanical gaming keyboard with a compact-but-not-too-compact 96% layout and an English QWERTY arrangement. The standout theme here is flexibility: the board is designed for hot-swappable switches (so you can change switches without soldering) and it also supports compatible keycaps. On top of that, you get per-key RGB, so your custom lighting isn’t limited to a single zone.
Where this becomes interesting is if you’re the type of buyer who wants a keyboard you can evolve. You start with the included pre-lubed Glorious Fox linears, then later you try other switch options—Glorious even mentions a Switch Sample Pack for exploring alternatives.
Where it shines day to day
This keyboard leans into “desk feel” and everyday stability. The aluminium upper frame is positioned as both premium and more rigid, and the keyboard’s weight plus rubber-like anti-slip sliders are meant to reduce movement mid-game.
The exterior gets a matte metallic finish thanks to how the aluminium is polished, and the anodised aluminium is described as resistant to scratches and corrosion. That’s a more sensible durability pitch than boards that only look good in photos.
For lighting, per-key RGB means you’re not stuck with generic effects. If you also plan to swap in different double-shot ABS keycaps, the platform is set up for that kind of styling.
Switches and customisation: the real selling point
This is a hot-swap board with connectors made to install 5-pin switches. The included switches are Glorious Fox (linear) and are pre-lubed, with a transparent top intended to support bright, accurate RGB.
It’s worth noting a limitation: hot-swap is a convenience feature, but “what you get” still depends on what type of switches and keycaps you ultimately choose. If you only want a one-and-done keyboard and have zero interest in experimenting, you may not fully use what makes this model different.
Also, keycap compatibility is mentioned specifically for Glorious keycaps with the GMMK 2 96% line — that’s useful guidance, but it also suggests you should double-check any non-Glorious keycap set you’re considering.
Key layout reality check (96% isn’t for everyone)
A 96% design can be a clever middle ground, but it does come with trade-offs. Glorious states that the keyboard distribution is full modified in a way that aims to keep the numeric section without going down to a smaller form factor, but it also mentions that the distribution may vary from images.
So if you’re very sensitive to exact key placement—especially around the num area—keep that in mind before you buy. On a practical level, the micro-experience you should expect is this: you’ll have the convenience of the num pad during spreadsheets, quick number entry, or games that benefit from it, while the overall footprint should still feel more manageable than a traditional full-size board.
Tech details worth knowing before you commit
- Type: Mechanical gaming keyboard (with hot-swap switch sockets)
- Layout: English QWERTY, 96% / Full Size (96%) design
- Frame: Aluminium frame
- Switches (included): Glorious Fox (linear), pre-lubed, with transparent cover for RGB
- Hot-swap support: Designed for 5-pin switches
- Lighting: Per-key RGB
- Keycaps: Double-shot ABS keycaps are referenced as part of the customisation direction
- Full NKRO: Mentioned as supported
Who it suits (and who should look elsewhere)
It’s a good fit if you want a mechanical keyboard that feels more substantial than entry-level plastic boards, you like per-key RGB, and you want a platform where you can change switches later without soldering. It also makes sense if you regularly use the num pad but don’t want the desk footprint to feel like a huge full-size keyboard.
It’s not the best choice if you’re the kind of buyer who only wants plug-and-play with no interest in switch/keycap experimentation. It might also be a bit risky if your buying decision depends on exact key placement matching a particular picture—Glorious notes the distribution may vary from images.
Final verdict
Should you buy it? If your priority is a sturdier-feeling 96% mechanical board with hot-swap flexibility and per-key RGB, the Glorious GMMK 2 Full Size (96%) looks like it earns its place. The aluminium frame, anti-slip design choices, and the included pre-lubed Fox linears give it a reasonable “ready out of the box” starting point, while the 5-pin hot-swap approach keeps future upgrades realistic.
But if you want a basic keyboard experience and don’t care about customisation, you may find it more involved than you actually need. In that case, a simpler non-hot-swap option could be a better match for your style of use.
Mini FAQ
What switches does it come with?
It comes with Glorious Fox (linear) switches that are pre-lubed, with a transparent cover to support RGB.
Is the keyboard hot-swappable?
Yes—its hot-swap connectors are designed for installing 5-pin switches.
Does it have per-key RGB?
Yes, it’s per-key RGB, so lighting can be controlled key-by-key.
What layout is it?
It’s English QWERTY, using a 96% / Full Size (96%) layout approach designed to keep a num pad without going fully traditional full-size.
Are the keycaps customisable?
Glorious mentions compatibility with keycaps (including double-shot ABS in its ecosystem direction) for the GMMK 2 96% platform, and that you can install keycaps that fit the supported compatibility.