Are GMK Keycaps Worth The Price?

Last Updated on September 30, 2023

As a keyboard enthusiast, you might have come across GMK keycaps and wondered whether they are worth the premium price. In this article, we’ll explore the features and benefits of GMK keycaps, and help you decide are GMK keycaps worth the price?

What Are GMK Keycaps?

GMK Keycaps are high-quality keycaps made by the German company GMK Electronics. They are made of thick, double-shot molded ABS plastic, which provides a high level of durability and longevity.

Double-shot molding is a process in which two layers of plastic are injected into a mold at different times, creating a two-color keycap with legends that will not wear off over time. The legends are made of a different color plastic than the rest of the keycap and are molded into the keycap itself.

GMK keycaps are known for their vibrant colors, sharp legends, and consistent quality. They are highly sought after by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for their excellent craftsmanship and durability. Additionally, they are compatible with a wide variety of switches and keyboard layouts, making them a versatile choice for keyboard customization.

GMK Electronics has been producing high-quality keycaps since the 1980s and has become a respected name in the mechanical keyboard community. GMK keycaps are produced in limited runs, which adds to their exclusivity and collectibility. As a result, GMK keycaps often command a premium price in the aftermarket, and it’s not uncommon for certain sets to sell for hundreds of dollars or more.

Overall, GMK keycaps are a popular choice for those looking to upgrade the look and feel of their mechanical keyboards with high-quality, durable keycaps.

GMK Keycaps: What Makes Them Different

Here are some of the features that make GMK keycaps stand out:

1. Double-shot molding: GMK keycaps are made using a double-shot molding process, which involves injecting two different types of plastic into the mold. The first shot creates the lettering or legends on the keycap, while the second shot creates the keycap itself. This process ensures that the legends will never fade or wear away over time, as they are physically a part of the keycap and not simply printed on top.
2. Thick, sturdy construction: GMK keycaps are made from thick, high-quality ABS plastic that is designed to withstand years of heavy use. The keycaps are also highly resistant to scratches, cracks, and other types of damage.
3. Unique color schemes and Attractive designs: GMK keycaps are available in a wide range of unique and eye-catching color schemes, making it easy for users to customize the look of their keyboard to their liking.
4. Texture: GMK keycaps have a slightly textured surface that feels great to the touch and provides a secure grip when typing.
5. Compatibility with most mechanical keyboards: GMK keycaps are designed to be compatible with a wide range of mechanical keyboards, so users can easily swap them out for their existing keycaps.
6. Limited production runs: GMK keycaps are typically produced in limited quantities, which makes them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. This also means that some keycaps can be difficult to find and can command high prices on the secondary market.

Overall, GMK keycaps are highly prized for their high-quality construction, unique design options, and compatibility with most mechanical keyboards. While they can be expensive, many enthusiasts believe that the investment is worth it for the improved typing experience and personalized look they provide.

Why Are GMK Keycaps So Expensive?

GMK keycaps command a premium price due to several key factors that underline their superior quality and meticulous craftsmanship. These factors play a pivotal role in the higher cost associated with GMK keycaps:

1. Exceptional Quality and Craftsmanship

GMK keycaps are celebrated for their exceptional quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Each keycap undergoes a rigorous manufacturing process, ensuring precision and perfection in every aspect of its design.

2. Materials Matter

What sets GMK keycaps apart is the use of high-quality materials, notably durable ABS plastic. This choice not only enhances their longevity but also provides a tactile feel that enhances the overall typing experience. However, the utilization of premium materials adds to the overall production cost.

3. Limited Production Runs

GMK adopts a strategy of limited production runs, often as part of exclusive group-buy campaigns. This deliberate scarcity frequently drives up the price, as demand consistently outstrips availability.

4. Manufacturing Mastery: The Double-Shot Molding Process

GMK’s manufacturing prowess is highlighted by its employment of a double-shot molding process. This intricate method involves injecting two different layers of plastic to create the legends on the keycaps. This not only ensures that the legends won’t fade over time but also adds to the production cost.

5. Collectibility and Rarity

GMK regularly introduces unique, limited-edition keycap sets designed to cater to collectors and enthusiasts. The rarity of these sets, coupled with their aesthetic appeal, significantly increases their market value.

6. Licensing Fees

GMK’s collaborations with popular franchises result in one-of-a-kind keycap designs that attract fans of these themes. However, the premium pricing reflects the substantial licensing fees associated with these partnerships. Despite the higher cost, enthusiasts treasure the personalized touch these sets bring to their keyboards.

7. Brand Reputation

GMK’s unwavering dedication to quality and authenticity has earned it a stellar reputation within the mechanical keyboard community. Enthusiasts willingly pay a premium for GMK keycaps, recognizing the added value they bring to the typing experience. GMK’s focus on intricate designs, meticulous detail, and high-quality materials solidify its status as a top-tier manufacturer in the competitive keycap market.

8. Unique Cherry Profile

GMK keycaps’ popularity is bolstered by their unique Cherry profile, characterized by a comfortable height and thickness that enhance the typing and gaming experience. GMK’s commitment to authenticity, using genuine Cherry tooling, sets them apart from imitators. Additionally, the thickness of the plastic contributes to a distinctive “thock” sound, further elevating their desirability.

9. Acquisition Challenges

Acquiring GMK keycaps can be a time-consuming endeavor, often requiring participation in online communities and enduring lengthy waiting periods for group buys to fulfill. This process demands dedication and effort from enthusiasts, contributing to the premium pricing.

10. Aftermarket Flipping

An aftermarket exists for reselling highly sought-after group buy products, including GMK keycaps. Savvy individuals capitalize on limited availability and high demand by purchasing keycaps during group buys and later selling them at a profit. This practice can significantly drive up the price for those seeking to acquire GMK keycaps on the secondary market.

11. Resilience of Used Keycaps

Even in the secondhand market, used GMK keycaps command high prices due to their enduring appeal and limited supply. Many enthusiasts find the investment worthwhile for the enhanced typing experience and personalized aesthetics these keycaps offer.

Are GMK Keycaps Worth it?

After delving into the factors contributing to the premium price of GMK keycaps, it’s only natural to question whether they truly justify the investment. At first glance, the idea of spending a substantial sum on what essentially amounts to colored pieces of plastic for your keyboard may seem extravagant. However, the true value of GMK keycaps lies in their exclusivity, the distinctive designs produced through each group buy, and the willingness of buyers to pay a premium for these unique pieces.

In fact, the demand for these luxurious keycaps is so robust that even if you find yourself not particularly fond of them, you can often resell them at a price equal to or even higher than your initial purchase. This speaks volumes about the desirability and enduring value associated with the GMK brand, making it a potentially more sensible investment than a brand new car that immediately depreciates by 30% as soon as you drive it off the dealership lot.

Moreover, GMK keycaps are unrivaled in terms of precision and quality. Each cap is meticulously crafted and designed to fit snugly onto the keyboard, resulting in a typing experience that is both comfortable and visually pleasing. However, it’s worth noting that after extensive use, the keycaps may develop a shiny appearance and lose some of their original luster.

Of course, there are inherent risks when purchasing items through group buys or the aftermarket. During the initial stages of most group buys, the product is still in the conceptual phase, and the final product may differ from what was initially presented in rendered images. Additionally, there’s always the potential for scams if you fail to order from a reputable vendor. Therefore, conducting thorough research on the vendor’s credibility is crucial before committing to a purchase.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in GMK keycaps is a matter of personal preference and budget. While they may not be a necessity for everyone, those who prioritize luxury and exclusivity in their typing experience may very well find the price well worth it.

Pros and Cons of GMK Keycaps:

Pros of GMK Keycaps:

GMK Keycaps are highly favored among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts for several compelling reasons:

• Premium Material: GMK keycaps are meticulously crafted from premium ABS plastic, renowned for its exceptional durability, resistance to wear and tear, and the ability to retain vibrant colors over time.
• Double-Shot Molding: These keycaps undergo a sophisticated double-shot molding process, ensuring that the legends (the characters printed on the keycaps) maintain their pristine appearance, free from any signs of wear or fading.
• Vibrant Customization: GMK offers a vast spectrum of vibrant colors, providing keyboard enthusiasts with extensive customization options to match their individual aesthetic preferences.
• Unique Artistry: Collaborations with talented designers result in intricate and exclusive keycap designs, adding an element of uniqueness and desirability that appeals to keyboard aficionados.
• Collectible Appeal: GMK keycaps are considered collectible items within the keyboard community. Rare and limited edition keycaps often command high prices in the aftermarket, further enhancing their allure.

Cons of GMK Keycaps:

While GMK keycaps enjoy a strong reputation, there are several drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of:

• Premium Pricing: GMK keycaps typically come with a relatively high price tag, which may be a limiting factor for budget-conscious buyers. Prices can range from $180 to $200 or even higher, sometimes approaching the cost of hot-swappable mechanical keyboards.
• Shiny Appearance Over Time: With extended use, GMK ABS keycaps may develop a shiny and greasy appearance. While some may appreciate the worn look, others might find it impacts the keycaps’ aesthetics and legibility.
• Extended Waiting Periods: Acquiring GMK keycaps often entails significant waiting periods due to their production process, which relies on group buys reaching minimum order quantities (MOQ) before production commences. These waiting times can stretch to weeks or even months.
• Limited Availability: GMK keycaps are released in limited quantities, frequently as part of group buys or interest checks. Locating specific keycap styles and colors can be a challenge, necessitating active involvement in the community or relevant groups.
• Compatibility Constraints: GMK keycaps are primarily designed for Cherry MX-style switches, potentially posing compatibility issues with non-standard layouts or switches that require modification. This limitation may restrict their versatility for certain users.

In conclusion, GMK keycaps offer a blend of premium quality, customization, and collectibility that appeals to keyboard enthusiasts. However, their premium pricing, susceptibility to a shiny appearance, waiting periods, limited availability, and compatibility constraints should be considered when making a purchasing decision.

GMK Keycaps Price

The cost of GMK keycaps can fluctuate based on several factors, including the intricacy of the design, the number of keys included in the set, and the overall demand. In general, GMK keycap sets with intricate designs or extensive key coverage tend to command higher prices compared to simpler sets with fewer keys. Additionally, sets that are in high demand or are considered rare can also carry premium price tags.

Here are some illustrative examples to provide a sense of the price range for GMK keycap sets:

• GMK Red Samurai: Featuring a striking red and black color scheme with Japanese-inspired legends, this set encompasses keycaps for a full-size keyboard (104 keys) and is typically priced around $180 USD.
• GMK Minimal: With a simple, minimalist design comprising white keycaps and black legends, this set is tailored for tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards (87 keys) and typically retails for around $130 USD.
• GMK WoB (White on Black): This set boasts white legends on black keycaps, appealing to those who prefer a classic, understated aesthetic. It includes keycaps for a full-size keyboard (104 keys) and is typically priced around $160 USD.
• GMK Serika: Sporting a retro-inspired color scheme with teal, pink, and white keycaps and Japanese legends, this set covers a full-size keyboard (104 keys) and is generally available for around $170 USD.
• GMK Olivia++: Featuring a pink and gray color scheme with white legends and designed by the popular mechanical keyboard streamer Olivia, this set includes keycaps for a TKL keyboard (87 keys) and typically retails for around $160 USD.

GMK Keycaps Price Comparison with Other Keycap Brands

GMK keycaps are known for their premium quality and distinctive designs, which often result in a higher price point compared to other keycap brands. Here’s a comparison of GMK keycaps with some popular keycap brands along with their average price ranges:

• GMK: $100 – $200
• ePBT: $70 – $150
• Ducky: $50 – $100
• Tai-Hao: $30 – $60
• HyperX: $20 – $50
• Razer: $20 – $50
• Corsair: $20 – $50

While GMK keycaps tend to be pricier, they offer superior quality and a greater degree of customization. If you’re seeking a premium keycap set that provides longevity and an exceptional typing experience, GMK keycaps are an excellent choice.

Balancing Cost and Quality

GMK Keycaps have earned their stellar reputation primarily due to their exceptional quality. They are manufactured using a precise technique called double-shot molding. This method entails injecting two layers of plastic into a mold to create keycaps with legends (letters, numbers, symbols) that remain vivid and sharp over extended periods. This process not only ensures long-lasting legends but also enhances the keycaps’ aesthetic appeal.

In terms of cost, GMK Keycaps tend to be on the higher end compared to other keycap materials like ABS and PBT. The price of GMK Keycaps can fluctuate depending on factors such as design, color, and compatibility, typically ranging from $100 to $200 for a complete set.

Despite the premium price, many keyboard enthusiasts willingly invest in GMK Keycaps due to the remarkable quality and aesthetic charm they bring. GMK Keycaps are renowned for their vibrant and unique color schemes, often drawing inspiration from popular culture, nature, and various creative themes.

Furthermore, their compatibility with a wide range of mechanical keyboards adds to their appeal, making them a versatile and favored choice for a broad user base.

In summary, GMK Keycaps offer a compelling balance between cost and quality. While they may come with a higher price tag, their superior craftsmanship, compatibility, and distinctive designs make them a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize the overall look and feel of their mechanical keyboard setup.

Where to Buy GMK Keycaps?

Website	Shipping	Availability	Details
MechanicalKeyboards	Worldwide	Wide	MechanicalKeyboards.com is a well-known online store specializing in mechanical keyboards and accessories, offering a wide range of GMK keycaps with worldwide shipping.
Drop	Worldwide	Limited	Drop (formerly Massdrop) is a community-driven online marketplace featuring various products, including GMK keycaps. They have a limited keycap selection but ship worldwide.
NovelKeys	Worldwide	Limited	NovelKeys, known for mechanical keyboard switches and accessories, offers a limited GMK keycap selection alongside unique custom sets, with worldwide shipping available.
KBDfans	Worldwide	Wide	KBDfans, an online store based in China, offers a diverse range of mechanical keyboard products, including a large selection of GMK keycaps, and provides worldwide shipping.
CannonKeys	Worldwide	Limited	CannonKeys offers mechanical keyboard products, including GMK keycaps, with a limited selection at any given time. They offer worldwide shipping.
Dixie Mech	Worldwide	Limited	Dixie Mech specializes in custom mechanical keyboard products, including GMK keycaps, with a limited selection available at any given time. Worldwide shipping is offered.
Mechgroupbuys	Worldwide	Limited	Mechgroupbuys is a community-driven online marketplace offering various mechanical keyboard products, including GMK keycaps, with a limited selection and worldwide shipping.
r/mechmarket	Varies by seller	Varies	r/mechmarket, a subreddit, allows users to buy, sell, and trade mechanical keyboard products, including GMK keycaps. Shipping and availability vary by individual sellers.
Amazon	Worldwide	Limited	Amazon offers a limited selection of GMK keycaps, typically sold by third-party sellers. Shipping and availability vary by seller, making it an option for specific keycap sets.

In summary, the choice of where to buy GMK keycaps depends on your specific requirements. For a wide selection, consider MechanicalKeyboards.com, KBDfans, or NovelKeys. If you’re interested in unique and custom keycap sets, NovelKeys and Dixie Mech are reputable options. Drop, CannonKeys, and Mechgroupbuys have more limited selections but can still be valuable for finding specific sets.

If you’re hunting for rare or hard-to-find keycaps, r/mechmarket offers a diverse range, though shipping and availability depend on individual sellers. Amazon, while offering a limited selection, can be useful if you’re seeking a particular set and are open to buying from third-party sellers.

GMK vs PBT Keycaps: A Comparison

GMK and PBT keycaps are highly sought-after choices in the world of mechanical keyboards, each offering unique attributes that cater to diverse preferences and needs.

• Durability: GMK keycaps, crafted from ABS material, may develop signs of wear and shine over time. In contrast, PBT keycaps are designed to withstand heavy usage without exhibiting wear or fading, making them an excellent choice for those seeking long-lasting keycaps.
• Typing Experience: GMK keycaps provide a soft and comfortable typing experience, characterized by a smoother keypress. On the other hand, PBT keycaps offer a more tactile and textured feel, making them ideal for users who prefer a pronounced keypress sensation.
• Sound: GMK keycaps produce a high-pitched and distinct sound during typing, while PBT keycaps result in a deeper and more muted sound, which can impact the overall auditory experience.
• Aesthetics and Customization: GMK keycaps shine in terms of aesthetics, offering a wide range of colorways and themes, allowing for extensive customization. PBT keycaps offer slightly fewer customization options compared to GMK but still provide a variety of choices without compromising quality.
• Compatibility: Both GMK and PBT keycaps are compatible with Cherry MX-style switches, ensuring versatility and compatibility with a wide range of mechanical keyboards.
• Availability: GMK keycaps are known for their limited production runs, enhancing their collectible allure and creating an exclusive aura around them. In contrast, PBT keycaps, while not as limited, excel in affordability and are widely available.
• Price: GMK keycaps are often considered pricey, while PBT keycaps are typically more affordable, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Ultimately, the choice between GMK and PBT keycaps hinges on individual preferences, financial considerations, and the desired typing experience. GMK keycaps appeal to those who prioritize aesthetics and customization, while PBT keycaps offer durability, tactile feedback, and lasting value, making them a preferred choice for many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Determining GMK Keycap Compatibility with Your Keyboard:

Ensuring compatibility between GMK keycap sets and your keyboard is crucial before making a purchase. Here’s how you can determine if GMK keycaps will work seamlessly with your setup:

1. Cherry-Style Switches Compatibility: GMK keycap sets are designed to be compatible with switches that feature a Cherry stem. This includes Cherry MX switches and their clones, such as Kailh and Gateron. GMK employs authentic Cherry molds in their production, ensuring a precise fit and finish on genuine Cherry switches.
2. Exclusive Switches Consideration: If your keyboard uses proprietary switches like Logitech Romer G or Razer switches, unfortunately, GMK keycap sets may not be compatible. These first-party switches have unique designs that differ from Cherry-style switches, preventing a seamless fit.
3. Adherence to Manufacturer Recommendations: To ensure compatibility, it’s advisable to stick with keycap sets produced by the same manufacturer as your switches or those known to be tested and compatible with your specific switch type.
4. Keycap Set Layout Compatibility: GMK keycaps are primarily designed to fit standard ANSI layout keyboards. If your keyboard features a non-standard layout, such as a split spacebar or extra function keys, some keycaps may not fit correctly. Therefore, it’s essential to verify keycap compatibility with your particular keyboard layout before making a purchase.

In summary, if your keyboard utilizes Cherry MX-style switches and follows a standard ANSI layout, GMK keycaps should be compatible. However, it’s advisable to double-check compatibility, especially if your keyboard deviates from these standards or uses proprietary switches, to ensure a seamless fit for your keycap set.

Are GMK Keycaps Smooth Or Textured?

GMK keycaps predominantly feature a smooth surface, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience. However, it’s worth noting that some GMK keycaps are intentionally textured, offering a rough or gritty feel that enhances grip and tactility on the keyboard.

The choice of surface texture varies depending on the specific GMK keycap set and its design. Smooth surfaces are favored for a clean and modern aesthetic, while textured keycaps may be incorporated to complement particular themes or designs.

Furthermore, GMK keycaps can also come with different finishes, such as glossy or matte, which can influence the overall tactile sensation. Regardless of texture or finish, GMK keycaps are meticulously crafted to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, attesting to their high-quality design and attention to detail.

Conclusion

In our exploration of GMK keycaps, we’ve ventured into the world of elite keycap enthusiasts, dissecting the substantial price tags attached to these coveted items and scrutinizing their worthiness as an investment. The verdict? GMK keycaps undeniably shine in terms of quality, standing tall with their Cherry profile and utilization of robust ABS plastic. They’ve rightfully earned a reputation as one of the finest keycap materials and profiles in the market, and enthusiasts are willing to go the extra mile, both financially and through persistent efforts, to secure them.

However, the allure of GMK keycaps transcends material quality. Their exclusivity and the fervent demand they generate bear a resemblance to the collectible phenomena seen in sports cards or action figures. Consequently, it’s not surprising that the right set of GMK keycaps can potentially yield a profit of more than double the initial investment within a year.

In conclusion, if you’re intrigued by GMK keycaps and the surrounding hype, it’s well worth exploring them firsthand. Despite their premium price tags and the challenges of acquisition, GMK keycaps maintain their status as a sought-after and treasured item in the realm of mechanical keyboards, potentially making them a valuable addition to your collection. These keycaps, with their premium appearance, unique tactile experience, and exceptional durability, undoubtedly offer a premium touch to your mechanical keyboard.

Furthermore, GMK’s limited edition sets are highly sought after, with enthusiasts staying up late, paying a premium, and enduring months of waiting to acquire them. Ultimately, whether a high-end GMK keycap set is worth your investment in terms of both money and time is a decision that lies entirely in your hands.