Glorious GMMK Pro (75%)

The GMMK Pro established the 'gasket-mount enthusiast keyboard at accessible pricing' category when it launched in 2021, and it still delivers the best value for developers who want a customization platform rather than a finished product. The south-facing PCB, pre-installed sound dampening, and rotary encoder make it the most modifiable keyboard under $180. The catch: it ships barebones (no switches, no keycaps), so the total cost with a good switch and keycap set runs $230-280. For developers who want to build their own typing experience without entering the full custom keyboard market (group buys, months of waiting, $500+ prices), the GMMK Pro is the gateway.