Review: GMK87 Mechanical Keyboard Barebones Kit
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the perfect build that offers both flexibility and performance. The GMK87 Barebones Kit is designed to cater to those who appreciate customization without sacrificing quality. With its solid construction, hot-swappable, and sleek aesthetics, this kit ensures that you can fully personalize the look of your keyboard to match your desk setup or aesthetic preference.
Pricing
In terms of affordability, the GMK87 Barebones Kit is priced at around S$70+ (about US$55+). This puts it in the mid-range bracket for mechanical keyboard kits, offering excellent value for its premium build and customizability. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for your next project or someone seeking a quality mechanical keyboard experience, this price range is competitive for the features provided.
Where to Buy
The GMK87 Barebones Kit can be purchased from:
- For those in Singapore and South East Asia
- Shopee: Select from a wide range of online sellers and use vouchers and coupons. Worth to check it out especially during the sales period.
- Lazada: Select from a wide range of online sellers and use vouchers and coupons. Worth to check it out especially during the sales period.
- For international
- AliExpress: For those in and outside of Singapore, AliExpress offers various options which which suit the wallet.
- Amazon: Occasionally, you can find mechanical keyboard kits available through Amazon.
I had gotten my GMK87 Barebones kit (Black) from Lazada for about S$40 (~US$30) during the sales period. There is also a White version but I decided to go with a different color this time since I already have quite a few white mechanical keyboards. If I knew the black version would be such a magnet for fingerprints I would have chosen the white one. But that is a smaller little downside as the board on the whole is pretty solid and good.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The GMK87 Barebones Kit comes packaged neatly, with all components carefully organized. Right out of the box, the kit feels good and not too heavy at about 0.7kg, since the case is made out of polycarbonate. The minimalist design ensures it will fit well in any workspace, and the TKL (Tenkeyless) layout provides a balance between functionality and compactness, perfect for those who want more desk space without giving up essential keys. The screen and knob are a nice tough to the mechanical keyboard.
Unboxing and Build
Build Quality and Design
Polycarbonate is a durable and resilient material. It’s resistant to impact and shattering, making it a good choice for keyboards that might experience rough handling or frequent transportation. However, it is generally not as robust as metals like aluminum or steel, so while it can withstand everyday use, it may not be as resistant to heavy impacts or extreme conditions.
What I do appreciate is that being a polycarbonate keyboard, the GMK87 is typically lighter than its metal counterparts. This makes it
easier to move and adjust but may also contribute to a less substantial
feel compared to the heavier keyboards. The heaviest mechanical keyboard I have is the Rainy75 (at almost 2kg), followed bu the Flesports MK750. That said, the GMK87 may be lighter but it is still a good build based on it's materials and feels more substantial than mechanical keyboards made out of solely plastic such as my Sumreda Sk82.
Although the black version I got is a magnet for fingerprints, it does have that sleek aesthetic appeal. I would say that the hot-swappability is a major selling point for those who love to experiment with different switches. It supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, which means you can try out a variety of mechanical switches (linear, tactile, or clicky) without the need for soldering. This makes the GMK87 perfect for both seasoned builders and newcomers who want to explore the world of mechanical switches.
Typing Experience
While the GMK87 is a barebones kit and does not come with switches or keycaps, the flexibility in choosing your preferred components is one of its greatest strengths. Pairing it with Gateron Brown switches, for instance, could provide a satisfying tactile experience for those who enjoy feedback without the loud click of blue switches. The hot-swap feature makes this easy, allowing for switch changes based on your typing needs.
I had paired mine with the Pantheon "This Switch Is Called" Linear Switches, along with cute shark keycaps.
[Pantheon “This Switch Is Called” Linear Switches: A Deep Dive into Smooth Typing]
The keyboard also comes equipped with stabilizers, which are pre-installed and surprisingly well-lubed out of the box. They help reduce rattling on larger keys like the spacebar, providing a quieter and more consistent typing experience.
Sound Test
Customization and Compatibility
Customization is where the GMK87 shines. Beyond the switches and keycaps, the barebones kit allows for full RGB backlighting with customizable lighting modes that can be programmed through software. Whether you prefer subtle under-glow or vibrant colors, the lighting on this kit is versatile and adds a fun touch to the overall look
It also has a knob for volume and a screen which you can use the Image Tool to add your own .gif animations to truly make the keyboard your own.
Overall, the GMK87 Barebones Kit offers a fantastic foundation for building a custom mechanical keyboard. Being relatively lightweight, hot-swappable, and full RGB customization make it an excellent choice for both new builders and experienced enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a casual typist or someone who spends hours a day at the keyboard, the GMK87 gives you the flexibility to craft the exact typing experience you’re after. For anyone seeking a relatively durable, sleek, and highly customizable TKL keyboard kit, this is one that should not be missed.
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