Review of Newmen GM326 Compact 75% Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming and Office Use

Description

Compact Design and Build Quality

Testing the Newmen GM326 75% Mechanical Keyboard felt like a breath of fresh air. Its 75% layout is an absolute game changer for someone like me who’s juggling between gaming, work, and occasional travel. By trimming off unnecessary keys, it manages to save valuable desk space without compromising functionality. The compact design combined with the detachable USB-C cable makes it ideal for carrying around—whether you’re heading to the office, a gaming event, or just working from a café.

I was particularly drawn to the white chassis and ABS keycaps, which add a sleek, modern aesthetic to my setup. The two-stage adjustable tilt legs were a nice touch too. Whether I wanted a slight incline or a steeper angle for typing, the keyboard adapted perfectly. However, I did notice the plastic material felt a bit lightweight for my liking, but it didn’t feel cheap either.

Stunning RGB Backlighting

The rainbow LED backlight is undeniably one of the highlights here. With 6 backlighting colors and a whopping 20 backlighting modes, I was able to customize the keyboard to match my moods or game themes. Whether I was working late at night or gaming in a dimly lit room, the visuals were stunning.

One little hiccup I faced was with the brightness levels. While the lights were vibrant, the lack of a super dim mode for late-night use felt like a missed opportunity. That said, the customization options more than made up for it.

Hot-Swappable Red Switches

If you’re someone who’s into tweaking and personalizing keyboards, the hot-swappable feature here is a dream come true. I tested the GM326 with its default red switches, and they were an absolute joy. The linear and smooth feel translates to quick, effortless keystrokes, which is perfect for gaming.

The switches have a slight sound—not silent but far from being loud and clicky. This balance makes it great for both work and play. I also tried swapping in some tactile switches I had lying around, and the process was surprisingly straightforward. This level of customization gives the keyboard an edge over non-swappable options.

Multi-Function Knob and Indicator Lights

A standout feature for me was the multi-function knob in the upper right corner. It’s so much more than a volume adjuster—it’s a tool of convenience. Whether I wanted to tweak the sound in the middle of a game or quickly mute my audio, this knob proved to be both seamless and intuitive.

The three indicator lights were another thoughtful addition. These gave me a quick overview of essential statuses like Caps Lock, the Windows lock, and whether I had switched between Windows or Mac modes. It’s a small detail, but one that made a noticeable difference in day-to-day usability.

Key Benefits

• Compact 75% layout that saves desk space and enhances portability.
• Hot-swappable red switches for smooth, linear keystrokes with customization options.
• RGB backlighting with 20 modes, offering vibrant, dynamic lighting.
• Multi-function knob for effortless volume adjustments.
• Anti-ghosting keys, making it perfect for gamers and multi-taskers.

Areas for Improvement

• The plastic build could feel sturdier for those who prefer a more premium feel.
• Lack of a dimmer backlight option for those who work late at night.
• The keyboard might not cater well to users who prefer clicky or tactile switches out of the box.

Product Comparisons

Compared to similar keyboards like the Keychron K6 and the Razer Huntsman Mini, the GM326 holds its ground quite well. The Keychron K6 offers wireless functionality, which the GM326 lacks, but it comes at a steeper price point. On the other hand, the Razer Huntsman Mini delivers a slightly better build quality and optical switches, but it doesn’t have the hot-swappable feature, which is a huge advantage of the GM326.

For anyone who values customization and a compact design, this keyboard definitely stands out. Although the Huntsman Mini wins in terms of premium materials, the GM326 provides a more budget-friendly alternative without skimping on the essentials.

True Value

Considering everything this keyboard offers—anti-ghosting, ergonomic design, and multi-platform compatibility—it’s hard not to appreciate its value. While it skips on wireless options, the wired setup ensures zero latency, which is crucial for gamers.

The customizable RGB lighting, coupled with the hot-swappable switches, makes it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want a personalized typing or gaming experience without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for something versatile and efficient, this keyboard is worth every penny.

Additional information