GMK104 Barebones Keyboard Kit with Screen & Knob, QMK/VIA, Tri-Mode Gasket Hot Swap RGB Full Size DIY (Black) Review (2026)

What a barebones kit means here

This kit ships as a barebones board, meaning the case, PCB, plate and gasket mounting hardware are included, but switches and keycaps are not, so buyers choose and add those separately to finish the build. Listings describe the PCB as hot-swappable and compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, which covers the large majority of mechanical switches sold for hobbyist keyboards. This approach suits people who already have preferences about switch feel and keycap profile, or who want to try one of the many linear, tactile or clicky switches on the market rather than being locked into whatever switches a prebuilt keyboard ships with.

Screen, knob and full-size layout

A standout feature on this kit is the built-in TFT screen paired with a metal rotary knob, which the listing describes as showing real-time information such as the clock, battery level and connection mode, while the knob doubles as a volume and screen control. Full-size 104-key layout keeps the numpad, function row and dedicated arrow keys, which suits spreadsheet work, coding with heavy number entry, or games that use many keybindings across the full board. Few kits at this level combine a full-size layout with a screen and knob, which is part of what sets this kit apart from smaller, screen-less full-size options.

Connectivity and battery

The board supports tri-mode connectivity, covering Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless via a USB dongle, and wired USB-C, letting one keyboard pair with multiple devices and switch between them or fall back to a wired connection when the battery runs low. Listings describe a 4000mAh battery, which is a relatively large capacity for a keyboard and should support extended wireless use between charges, though actual runtime will vary with backlighting brightness and screen use. Because the kit is barebones, this connectivity and battery hardware come pre-installed in the case, so builders do not need to wire up their own battery or radio module.

Programming with QMK and VIA

QMK and VIA support means every key, plus the knob, can be remapped or assigned macros through VIA's graphical configurator without needing to compile custom firmware, which is a meaningfully more approachable path than older keyboards that require flashing raw QMK code. This makes the kit friendly to builders who want deep customization, such as layered function keys or media controls on the knob, without a steep technical learning curve. Gasket mounting between the plate and case is also included, which is a construction style enthusiasts favor for a softer, more cushioned typing feel compared to plate designs bolted directly to the case.

Total cost and who it suits

Because this is a full-size 104-key barebones kit, finishing a build means buying 104 switches plus a matching keycap set, which for full-size boards typically costs more in total than completing a smaller 60% or 65% kit, where far fewer switches and caps are needed to fill out the layout. That makes this kit best suited to builders who specifically want a full-size layout with a numpad and are willing to invest in a complete switch and keycap set to match the kit's screen, knob and wireless feature list. Anyone newer to custom builds, or working with a tighter budget, may find a smaller pre-lubed kit, or a prebuilt keyboard, a simpler and cheaper way to get a similar hot-swap experience without the added cost of sourcing a full-size set of parts.

Frequently asked questions