How to Lube Mechanical Switches
HOW-TO
Change Top & Bottom Cases
Overview
The GMMK 3 features easily swappable top and bottom cases, allowing you to totally customize the look of your keyboard.
Go for a totally cohesive look by getting matching top and bottom cases, or create a unique aesthetic by mixing case colors, finishes, and even materials.
Compatibility Notice
GMMK 3 Bottom Cases made from plastic are only compatible with Wired GMMK 3 variants due to a lack of internal space for the required battery.
What's in the Box?
If you’ve ordered a standalone GMMK 3 Top Case, you should receive:
- 1 x GMMK 3 Top case
If you’ve ordered a standalone GMMK 3 Bottom Case, you should receive:
- 1 x GMMK 3 Bottom Case Assembly*
- 1 x Full Set of Case Feet (Depending on GMMK 3 size)
- 1 x Full Set of Case Screws (Depending on GMMK 3 size)
*Note: GMMK 3 Bottom Cases come with all necessary hardware preinstalled, including the daughterboard, side light diffusers, and feet (plastic variants only).
Tools Needed
- 1 × Screwdriver (Philips #00 if you did not keep the screwdriver included in your GMMK 3’s box)
Top Case
Swapping Top Cases
- Make sure the keyboard is unplugged and wireless keyboards are powered off before proceeding.
- Flip the keyboard over to access its underside, ideally resting it on a softer surface like a large mousepad.
- Use your fingernail or a plastic pry tool to remove the keyboard’s rubber feet inserts. The amount will vary depending on the size and case material.
a. Metal 65% & 75%: 4 Feet Positions
b. All Plastic & 100% Metal: 8 Feet Positions - Using your screwdriver, remove the keyboard’s case screws located directly beneath its rubber feet positions, and place them aside.
a. Metal 65% & 75%: 4 Case Screws
b. All Plastic & 100% Metal: 8 Case Screws - Bracing both the keyboard’ top and bottom cases, carefully flip the keyboard back over.
- Lift the keyboard’s top case up and away before setting to the side.
- Line up and set the new top case onto the keyboard.
Closing Up Your Keyboard
- Keeping the top and bottom cases pressed together, carefully flip the keyboard back over to access the case screw positions.
a. Tip: Struggling to keep everything in place while screwing the cases together? Try setting your keyboard upright, perpendicular to your desk. - Screw the top and bottom cases back together, starting with the corners before moving inward. At the start, use your hand to gently press the cases together to make the process easier.
- Congratulations!
Bottom Case
Swapping Bottom Cases
- Prep the new bottom case you intend to install by removing its rubber feet inserts and setting them to the side.
- Make sure the keyboard is unplugged and wireless keyboards are powered off before proceeding.
- Flip the keyboard over to access its underside, ideally resting it on a softer surface like a large mousepad.
- Use your fingernail or a plastic pry tool to remove the keyboard’s rubber feet inserts. The amount will vary depending on the size and case material.
a. Metal 65% & 75%: 4 Feet Positions
b. All Plastic & 100% Metal: 8 Feet Positions - Using your screwdriver, remove the keyboard’s case screws located directly beneath its rubber feet positions, and place them aside.
a. Metal 65% & 75%: 4 Case Screws
b. All Plastic & 100% Metal: 8 Case Screws - Bracing both the keyboard’ top and bottom cases, carefully flip the keyboard back over.
- Lift the keyboard’s top case up and away before setting to the side.
- Grab the keyboard’s PCBA (Plate & PCB assembly) with one hand, and slowly lift up just enough to access the cable connecting the PCB and the USB-C daughterboard.
- Use your other hand to grab the cable connected to the keyboard’s PCB near the connection point, and carefully, but firmly, unplug it. Set the PCBA aside.
- Remove the case foam sheet and gasket modules lining the keyboard’s existing bottom case, and transfer them to the new bottom case you intend to use.
a. Tip: For our guide to changing your keyboard’s typing feel using the GMMK 3’s Modular Gasket System (MGS), click here.
Closing Up Your Keyboard
- Plug the USB-C daughterboard cable back into the rear of the PCBA.
- Set the PCBA back into the bottom case while pushing the cable’s length into the recessed channel until flush with the bottom case.
- Ensure proper alignment before placing the top case back on.
- Keeping the top and bottom cases pressed together, carefully flip the keyboard back over to access the new case’s screw positions.
a. Note: If you're switching to a bottom case made of a different material, like from metal to plastic, the amount of screw positions will have changed. Use the additional case screw included with your GMMK 3 Bottom Case to ensure everything fits together perfectly.
b. Tip: Struggling to keep everything in place while screwing the cases together? Try setting your keyboard upright, perpendicular to your desk. - Screw the top and bottom cases back together, starting with the corners before moving inward. At the start, use your hand to gently press the cases together to make the process easier.
- Congratulations!
Tips & Tricks
Thocky Acoustic Pitch
Want to give your keyboard a deeper, more “thocky” acoustic pitch? Explore using a plastic bottom case that absorbs higher frequency typing sounds.
Expressive Acoustic Pitch
Want to give your keyboard a brighter, more expressive acoustic pitch? Explore using a metal bottom case that absorbs higher frequency typing sounds.
Make It Yours
To further customize your keyboard’s look, coordinate your GMMK 3’s badge and knob to accent its top and bottom cases and create an aesthetic that’s uniquely yours.
Going for a two-tone look? Black, Silver, and White cases pair effortlessly with the more unique case colors.
Additional LInks
Support
Questions or concerns regarding your Glorious GMMK 3 Top Cases and/or GMMK 3 Bottom Cases can be directed to our support team.
Note that Glorious is unable to offer comprehensive support for parts (switches, stabilizers, modding tools, etc.) purchased from other companies.
Warranty
Important Notices
- 1 year limited manufacturer warranty for Glorious RTop and Bottom Cases.
- Small objects could be swallowed.
- Keep out of reach of children below the age of 10.