Glorious has unveiled the GMMK Eternal, a new mechanical gaming keyboard featuring a 96-percent layout with three-layer sound insulation. A molded silicone layer and two layers of PU foam encase the circuit board and are designed to replace the typical clattering sound of budget keyboards with a deeper, richer “thock” sound. The GMMK Eternal is now available for 99.99 euros from Glorious and select retailers.
In a nutshell: 96-percent layout with numeric keypad, three-layer sound insulation to reduce clatter, hot-swap sockets with pre-installed Fox switches, per-key RGB via Glorious CORE, price 99.99 euros.
A familiar trade-off with gaming keyboards
Anyone who buys a gaming keyboard knows the trade-off: Budget models often rattle and produce a tinny echo as soon as you type a little harder. Those who opt for a TKL layout instead to save desk space have to do without a numeric keypad and function keys. And if you want a truly premium typing experience, you’ll quickly end up with custom keyboards costing several hundred euros. The new GMMK Eternal from Glorious’ “Eternal” series—which already includes the Model O Eternal mouse and the GHS Eternal headset—aims to fill exactly this gap.
Three Layers to Prevent Rattling
Inside the keyboard is a molded silicone layer, supplemented by two layers of PU foam that encase the circuit board from above and below. This combination is designed to dampen the metallic echo and cavity resonance that make many entry-level keyboards sound unpleasant. According to Glorious, this results in a deeper and “more satisfying” thock sound that should be noticeable with every keystroke. Whether this actually performs as well in practice as significantly more expensive custom builds remains to be seen without a test unit, but the idea behind it is the same as that of semi-custom keyboards from the enthusiast scene.
96-Percent Layout: A Numeric Keypad Without Compromise
The 96-percent layout retains the numeric keypad, function key row, and all standard keys of a full-size keyboard, yet takes up noticeably less desk space. For anyone who relies on the numeric keypad but doesn’t want to go straight for a full-size keyboard, this is a clear advantage over TKL keyboards, where volume and function keys are usually accessed via key combinations.
Hot-Swap Switches and Fox Switches
The GMMK Eternal comes equipped with mechanical Glorious Fox switches, which, according to the manufacturer, are rated for 50 million keystrokes. Thanks to hot-swap sockets, these can be swapped out for other MX-compatible switches without soldering; a suitable tool for removing keycaps and switches is included. Convenient: A defective or simply unwanted switch can be replaced in just a few minutes, without any soldering iron or DIY effort. Glorious’ own GMMK series, such as the GMMK from the keyboard configurator, has also relied on this modular principle for years.
RGB Lighting and Glorious CORE Software
The customization doesn’t stop at the switches: a detachable USB-C cable, interchangeable keycaps, and per-key RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors round out the package. Using the Glorious CORE software, you can set up macros, key assignments, and RGB effects on Windows; macOS and console users can connect the keyboard but cannot configure it via the software. Anyone who has already explored the RGB options on other Glorious peripherals, such as the Model D gaming mouse, will quickly find their way around CORE.
Technical Specifications of the Glorious GMMK Eternal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Layout | 96% (including numeric keypad and function key row) |
| Sound insulation | Silicone layer + 2 layers of PU foam around the circuit board |
| Switches | Glorious Fox (pre-installed), hot-swappable for MX-compatible switches |
| Switch lifespan | 50 million keystrokes (manufacturer’s specification) |
| Lighting | Per-key RGB, 16.8 million colors |
| Connection | Detachable USB-C cable (USB-C to USB-A) |
| Software | Glorious CORE (Windows) |
| Accessories | Switch and keycap tool |
| Warranty | 2 years, 45-day return policy (manufacturer’s specification) |
| Color | Black |
| Price (MSRP) | 99.99 euros |
Price and Availability
The GMMK Eternal is now available on gloriousgaming.com and at select retailers worldwide; the suggested retail price is 99.99 euros. Pricing and availability through local retailers in Germany have not yet been announced at launch.
Conclusion
On paper, the GMMK Eternal strikes exactly the balance that many buyers have been missing: a full layout, muted sound, and hot-swap switches—all for under 100 euros. Whether the sound insulation actually measures up to more expensive custom keyboards in everyday use will only become clear in a hands-on test. Should we receive a review unit of the GMMK Eternal, we’ll share our hands-on impressions here.
