Introduction
Glorious expands its peripheral lineup with the GMMK Eternal, a wired mechanical gaming keyboard targeting users looking for a streamlined typing and gaming tool.
The GMMK Eternal features standard mechanical switches and a 1,000 Hz polling rate. It comes equipped with bright backlighting, double-shot ABS keycaps, onboard profiles, and macro-recording via Glorious Core software. With a hot-swappable PCB and three layers of sound-dampening material, it is available in black with Glorious Fox MX linear switches for $99.99.
Design and Construction
The GMMK Eternal is a wired mechanical gaming keyboard with a compact 96-percent layout. It integrates a full function row, arrow keys, and a 10-key numberpad into a tighter footprint by omitting traditional navigation keys. It features a minimalist design with edge-to-edge keys, virtually no bezel, a black anodized aluminum top plate, and a black ABS plastic bottom case.
The keyboard measures approximately 14.6 inches wide by 4.8 inches deep, and stands 1.7 inches thick at its highest point including keycaps. This makes it slightly smaller than typical 96-percent layouts, accommodating double-shot ABS keycaps in an OEM profile.
Despite its compact footprint, the layout retains separation between the alphanumeric cluster and the arrow keys, while Function keys are grouped into sets of four. Five navigation keys are positioned next to the Function row and above the numberpad.
Weighing 1.94 pounds (879 grams), the board features enough heft to stay stable during intense gaming sessions while remaining portable enough for travel.
The bottom case features debossed shiny Glorious branding, anti-slip rubber strips, and two sets of plastic flip-out feet for angle adjustment. Connectivity is handled via a centrally located USB-C port.
In the box, the keyboard ships with a 6-foot rubber-coated USB-C to USB-A cable and a 2-in-1 combination keycap and switch puller.
Typing and Gaming Experience
The keyboard utilizes a hot-swappable PCB compatible with both 3- and 5-pin switches. It comes pre-built with pre-lubed Glorious Fox linear switches requiring a 55g actuation force, offering smooth, stable keypresses rated for 50 million clicks.
Three layers of sound-dampening material—comprising a molded silicone layer and two PU foam layers around the PCB—contribute to a deeper acoustic profile. The case remains solid and free of pinging noises during fast typing sessions.
The included OEM profile keycaps feature textured, cupped tops with shine-through legends and secondary side-printed white labels, providing comfortable ergonomics without requiring a dedicated wrist rest.
Performance during typing and gaming tasks remains reliable, with accurate response times once users adjust to the compressed spacing around the arrow keys.
Software and Customization
Configuration is managed through Glorious Core peripheral software, which supports onboard storage for up to three hardware profiles.
Glorious Core allows users to adjust polling rates, input latency, lighting timers, and switch between Windows and Mac modes. Key remapping is supported up to two layers deep alongside an integrated macro manager.
The north-facing PCB supports bright RGB backlighting with 17 built-in presets and per-key customization options.
The Bottom Line
While it lacks specialized eSports features like magnetic switches or rapid trigger actuation, the GMMK Eternal delivers a well-rounded typing and gaming experience. Combining hot-swappable switches, clean RGB lighting, and solid acoustic dampening at a sub-$100 price point, it stands out as a strong value option in the mechanical keyboard market.
