A Deep Dive: GMK Keycaps

What are GMK Keycaps?

GMK is a German manufacturer (GMK Electronic Design GmbH) that produces high-quality double-shot ABS keycap sets. Double-shot is an injection moulding technique which involves moulding 2 different coloured plastic components together. As a result, we get a durable keycap set, where the legends will never fade, on top of being ultra-sharp.

Why are GMK Keycaps So Expensive?

Yes, GMK keycaps are not affordable by any means, especially if you compare with the available offerings out there in the market. But why are people still willing to pay so much for it? Well, for this, we would have to go into the advantages of GMK keycaps.

What are the pros?

- Thick ABS (1.5mm)

Yes, there are many keycap manufacturers with thicker keycap moulds than GMK nowadays. But they still don't sound or feel as good as GMK (subjective).

- Double-shot Legends

GMK's legends are still unbeatable, and they have always been the top-dog in this area. When you're getting a GMK set, you just know that you're getting a high-quality keycap set, with ultra-sharp legends. Although a few competitors came close in terms of sharpness, majority of the users were still able to point out some inconsistency.

- Vibrant Colours

PBT keycaps are definitely not a match in colour vibrancy.

Additionally, GMK have recently came up with some special effects on keycaps that designers can use.

Other than these pros,

- Made in Germany

As these keycaps are made in Germany, manufacturing costs are unquestionably higher than those that are made in China (which is about 90%+ of keycaps). Besides, you are also paying for the legacy of Cherry profile keycaps, as GMK acquired the rights to produce them.

- Limited Runs

Almost all GMK sets have only been available to purchase for a short period of time, and you can only buy it from certain vendors across the globe. Although vendors will get some extras, the quantity is usually quite low, and will sell out eventually.

- High Aftermarket Price

Due to the short purchase period, many hobbyists, especially those who joined after the purchase period, are forced to get the sets they like only through aftermarket, resulting in coughing up 2x-5x of retail price.

All the factors above contribute to the high price of GMK keycaps, be it retail or aftermarket prices.

Enough about the pros, what are the cons?

- High Price

Duh?!

Yes, it is one of the main drawbacks of GMK keycaps, as the price alone absolutely scare many people away. Some people will never understand paying RM500+ just for a single keycap set.

- Long Fulfilment Period

At the peak of this hobby, GMK's fulfilment is about 2 years. Yes, you read that right, 2 YEARS! Can you imagine paying RM500+ for a keycap and only receiving it 2 years later? You probably would have forgotten about the purchase entirely.

The typical fulfilment period nowadays is around 4 months, which is way faster than it was, but we understand that some will still be put off by it.

- The Shine

Due to the nature of ABS, GMK keycaps will shine eventually after prolonged use. Which is the main reason many would avoid ABS altogether, and stick with PBT keycaps.

So, are GMK keycaps worth it?

Well, if you ask us, yes, it definitely is! If you have the means to get a set, and once you've experienced the feeling and sound of it, no other keycaps even come close.

But this is just our subjective opinion, if you're looking for a deep "thocky" sound profile, or if you do not like the look of shined keycaps, there are many good PBT manufacturers out there too!