Glorious Custom Gaming Keyboard - GMMK 85% Percent TKL Barebone - USB C Wired Mechanical Keyboard Kit - RGB Hot Swappable Switches & Keycaps - Black Metal Top Plate

First off, it's a floating key design. This means there is no bezel around the switches. That look was popular with gaming keyboards a few years ago. Custom keyboard enthusiasts generally frown upon it now.That out of the way, at 55 dollars this board is a good buy. It feels solid. The weight is from 3 cheap metal blocks stuck in the case, not from thick, high-density structural materials like some high-end boards But the weights don't move around, and are only visible with the case open.My board is modified. I replaced the included foam with thicker neoprene foam. I left the stabilizers stock, as they seemed to be adequately lubed. If you're doing your first build, they might not bother you. They're better than those on cheap, standard/gaming keyboards. But if you're looking for good sound, you might want to consider modifying or replacing the stabilizers.With Kailh Pro Purple switches, the look, sound, and feel of this board is something I'm proud of. I've gotten compliments on it several times.I you're looking to build your first budget mechanical keyboard and don't want to go with a more enthusiast entry level board, I say go for it. This is a great platform to start with. If I couldn't build another board and had to use this one indefinitely, I think I'd be quite happy with it. But building custom keyboards is addictive. I've already ordered some higher-end entry-level boards to explore the hobby further. I'm going for more thock next time.

First, let me start off with the fact that I got this on the Black Friday deal for $19.99. So that in itself is just a great deal for a DIY keyboard. I was very surprised that this kit actually came with a thin (and I mean thin) layer of foam in the bottom of the board. It also had another thicker type insert that I personally have never experienced in a kit. It is a heavier/rubbery type of padding with all of the holes for the mounting stems cut out. There are 2 metal plates added for weight that can be removed at your discretion. This board is quite customizable for what it is. It's a very slim body in a floating keycap style. I will say that putting in the switches on this board was the most difficult that I have ever come across so far. It did come with a nice, braided cable that is USB C also. All in all, I would highly recommend this board kit to anyone who is looking to get into building their first keyboard, even at the current price.

To say this is the best barebones keyboard for the price out there would be an understatement. Arrived with two keycaps, switch puller and keycap removal puller. Along with a 4-6 feet cable, not sure exactly. The cable is braided very nice, long, and durable. Now let’s talk about the actual keyboard itself. It has a awesome durable frame, good elevation clips to put it on a angle, and it’s super beautiful. No big logos anywhere, and has a silver outlining. The stabilizers are awesome, insane. They all come Pre-Lubed which is outstanding for this price, and they are nice stabilizers in general. Although the left shift stabilizer popped, which basically it’s like the sound of it stock. It doesn’t effect it working wise. It will though change the sound of it so it sounds like a regular old stabilizer. That’s OK, as long as you have a good switch to pair it with. I used Gateron Yellows lubed, and they sound just immaculate. They were super easy to pop in, but one of them if you misplace the switch, the one or two pins bend which isn’t good. You can try bending them back, but it could be hard depending on how bent it got. I do think the RGB could use a tiny, tiny bit of help. Don’t get me wrong, the software is awesome. But not that. When you turn it on with no switches, it’s super bright, not with switches. I used Gateron Yellows lubed and Gateron switches have the standard opening for the RGB, but it still doesn’t shine through with colored HK gaming Gateron Lubed Yellows. I highly recommend getting the GMMK switch test pack along with this, so you can hear them in the board itself and choosing which one you like, you can’t find Gateron yellows in the Test Pack, but you can find switches like, Kailh Coppers, Kailh Box Brown, Kailh White Box, Kailh Red box, Gateron Blue, Gateron Green, and a few more. The pack also comes with O-rings as well. I honestly believe the Drop Barebones Keyboards are good, but not for the hefty price, (Around 170-200$) so I really think, this is a great option for people that wanna build but don’t wanna solder and program. Thank you for your time.