GLORIOUS GLO-GMMK2-65-RGB-B GMMK 2 Compact 65% Barebones Keyboard Frame

A compact desk setup can leave little room for a full-size keyboard. The GLORIOUS GMMK 2 Compact Barebones provides a 65% frame with dedicated arrow and navigation keys, while leaving the switch and keycap choices to you.

This is a build-your-own keyboard frame, not a ready-to-type keyboard. It includes a USB-C cable and tools for fitting switches and keycaps, plus one novelty ESC keycap.

Its aluminum enclosure and plate give the frame a substantial construction, and per-key RGB lighting adds an option for a customized look. The key buying decision is whether you want to choose and install your own switches and keycaps.

Who it’s for

The GMMK 2 Compact suits people assembling a mechanical keyboard around their preferred switches and keycaps rather than buying a complete, ready-to-use board. Its 65% layout keeps arrow and navigation keys, which can be useful for gaming, writing, or everyday desktop work when you want a smaller footprint without giving up those dedicated keys. It has 67 keys and an American QWERTY layout.

It’s a great fit if you already have compatible components or want to select them separately. The frame supports 5-pin hot-swap switches, so installation does not require soldering. It might not be a great match if you want a complete keyboard out of the box: switches and a full set of keycaps are not listed among the included items.

Why it makes sense

The combination of a compact layout and dedicated arrow and navigation keys offers a middle ground between a smaller mini keyboard and a larger TKL-style board. That can help when desk space matters but you still use those keys regularly. For example, a gamer who also edits documents can keep arrow keys available without choosing a full-size layout.

The enclosure and keyboard plate are aluminum, and the included cable connects over USB-C. The package also contains switch and keycap pullers, making component installation more straightforward than sourcing those basic tools separately. Buyers have praised the frame’s solid feel and weight, while opinions on its appearance and ergonomics are mixed. Some find the compact arrangement cramped, so the layout’s key spacing and reduced size are worth considering against a roomier keyboard.

Key points

• Layout: 65% American QWERTY, with 67 keys
• Switch support: 5-pin hot-swap sockets, switches are not included
• Materials: Aluminum enclosure and plate
• Lighting: Per-key RGB
• Connectivity: USB-C, a 2M black braided USB-C cable is included
• Included: Barebones frame, switch puller, keycap puller, and one novelty ESC keycap
• Operating systems listed: Windows, macOS, and Linux

The RGB feature is present, but buyer feedback includes complaints that the LEDs look very dim. If bright lighting is a priority, that reported concern matters more than the feature name alone. Buyers also differ on whether the compact form feels comfortable, so this layout is better judged by its dedicated keys and space-saving format than by assuming it will suit every typing preference.

What to clarify

Does it come with switches and a full set of keycaps? No. It is a barebones frame, the listed package includes one novelty ESC keycap, but not switches or a full keycap set.

Can switches be changed without soldering? The frame has 5-pin hot-swap support, designed for installing compatible switches without soldering.

What connects it to a computer? It uses USB-C and includes a 2M black braided USB-C cable. Windows, macOS, and Linux are listed as compatible operating system families.

Buying verdict

Choose the GMMK 2 Compact if you want to build a compact mechanical keyboard with dedicated arrow and navigation keys, aluminum construction, and the freedom to pick your own switches and keycaps. Its barebones format is the main trade-off: buyers seeking a complete keyboard should look for a fully assembled option instead. Also weigh the mixed feedback on compact ergonomics and dim RGB before making lighting or comfort a deciding factor.