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Gravastar Mercury K1 Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£120
Layout size: 75%
Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Switch type: mechanical
Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Gravastar Mercury K1 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

7.5

Very good

6.9

Good

9.7

Exceptional

3.5
Gaming
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Polling rate
24.0%
1.0
Rapid trigger
20.0%
1.0
Adjustable actuation
16.0%
10
Hot-swappable switches
12.0%
10
Onboard memory
6.5
Typing
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Wrist rest included
24.0%
10
Legend method
20.0%
10
Adjustable feet
15.0%
3.3
Typing angle
13.0%
4.0
Pre-lubed stabilizers
5.0
Programming
Score components:
30.0%
1.0
QMK support
26.0%
1.0
VIA support
18.0%
10
Mac compatibility
14.0%
10
Multi-device pairing
12.0%
10
Connection type

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Verdict

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a 75% layout mechanical keyboard featuring a distinctive die-cast magnesium alloy hollow-frame design for enhanced heat dissipation and durability. It offers versatile triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C), hot-swappable PCB sockets, and pre-lubed linear switches paired with internal sound-dampening foam layers. While it boasts a 1000Hz polling rate and customizable RGB lighting for a premium gaming experience, its high price point, significant weight, and lack of a dedicated dust cover for the open-frame chassis are notable drawbacks.

Technical Specifications of Gravastar Mercury K1

Overall score

7.5

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Switches

4.0

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Switch type

What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.

When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical

Switch feel

What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.

When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear

Switch name

What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.

When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Actuation force

What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.

When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

40 g

Min actuation distance

What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.

When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Design

5.4

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Keyboard type

What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.

When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical

Layout size

What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.

When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

75%

Layout standard

What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.

When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI

N. of keys

What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.

When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

Profile

What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.

When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard

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Connectivity & Power

9.0

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Connection type

What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.

When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

Multi-device pairing

What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.

When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.

When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

Mac compatibility

What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.

When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

Battery life

What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.

When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

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Features

8.3

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RGB lighting

What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.

When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

Per-key RGB

What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.

When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

RGB zones

What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.

When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

Underglow / side lighting

What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.

When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

Backlight direction

What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.

When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

south-facing

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Materials

7.0

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Case material

What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.

When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum

Plate material

What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.

When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

polycarbonate

Keycap material

What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.

When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT

Keycap profile

What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.

When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM

Legend method

What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.

When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Gravastar Mercury K1 vs the average keyboard

Why is Gravastar Mercury K1 better than the average keyboard?

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304 h longer battery life
Gravastar Mercury K1 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (470 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.
Importance: HIGH
Gravastar Mercury K1 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (470 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.470 h vs 166 h
0.5 mm shorter key travel
Gravastar Mercury K1 has 3.5 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 has 3.5 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.5 mm vs 4 mm
2x larger battery capacity
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a larger battery than the average keyboard (8,000 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.
What it is: Measures how much electric charge the battery can store, usually in mAh.
When it matters: When you want rough battery context behind the runtime claim instead of trusting the advertised hours alone.
Importance: HIGH
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a larger battery than the average keyboard (8,000 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.8000 mAh vs 4000 mAh
Dedicated media keys
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes separate media controls instead of hiding them behind a function layer.
When it matters: When you use media controls often and do not want to rely on function-layer shortcuts.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Underglow lighting
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Volume control wheel
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a dedicated wheel or roller for hardware volume control.
When it matters: When frequent hardware volume control matters enough that you do not want to rely on function-key shortcuts.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
21.5% higher user score
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.72 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.72 vs 8.000).9.72 vs 8
0.2 mm shorter actuation distance
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.5 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.5 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.5 mm vs 1.7 mm
304 h longer battery life
Gravastar Mercury K1 lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (470 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
2x larger battery capacity
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a larger battery than the average keyboard (8,000 mAh vs 4,000 mAh). The average keyboard has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh.
0.5 mm shorter key travel
Gravastar Mercury K1 has 3.5 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
0.2 mm shorter actuation distance
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.5 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
Dedicated media keys
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Underglow lighting
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Volume control wheel
Gravastar Mercury K1 includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.

Connectivity & Power

Why is Gravastar Mercury K1 worse than the average keyboard?

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8 fewer keys
Gravastar Mercury K1 has fewer keys than the average keyboard (79 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
1 ° higher typing angle
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (6 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
7.5 mm higher keyboard height
Gravastar Mercury K1 is taller than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
8.6% higher weight
Gravastar Mercury K1 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,060 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
8 mm thicker design
Gravastar Mercury K1 is thicker than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
6 h longer charging time
Gravastar Mercury K1 charges more slowly than the average keyboard (10 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
Older Bluetooth version
Gravastar Mercury K1 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
1.5 mm longer actuation distance
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (3.5 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
Official Gravastar K1 spec lists 3.5 mm total travel; the prior 1.5 mm value was the pre-travel, not the max travel.
4 fewer RGB zones
Gravastar Mercury K1 has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (79 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
1.5 mm longer actuation distance
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (3.5 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
Official Gravastar K1 spec lists 3.5 mm total travel; the prior 1.5 mm value was the pre-travel, not the max travel.
What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (3.5 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.3.5 mm vs 2 mm
6 h longer charging time
Gravastar Mercury K1 charges more slowly than the average keyboard (10 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
What it is: Measures how long the battery needs for a full recharge.
When it matters: When short charging windows matter and you do not want the keyboard tied to a cable for too long.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 charges more slowly than the average keyboard (10 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.10 h vs 4 h
8 fewer keys
Gravastar Mercury K1 has fewer keys than the average keyboard (79 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 has fewer keys than the average keyboard (79 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.79 vs 87
Older Bluetooth version
Gravastar Mercury K1 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.5.0 vs 5.2
1 ° higher typing angle
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (6 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
What it is: Measures the incline of the keyboard during use.
When it matters: When wrist posture and typing comfort depend on how steeply the keyboard sits.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (6 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.6 ° vs 5 °
7.5 mm higher keyboard height
Gravastar Mercury K1 is taller than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
What it is: Measures the keyboard's vertical dimension from its base to its highest point.
When it matters: When the keyboard has to fit under shelves, trays, or other tight desk constraints.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 is taller than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.46 mm vs 38.5 mm
8.6% higher weight
Gravastar Mercury K1 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,060 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.
Importance: HIGH
Gravastar Mercury K1 weighs more than the average keyboard (1,060 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.1060 g vs 976 g
8 mm thicker design
Gravastar Mercury K1 is thicker than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
What it is: Measures the keyboard's front-to-back depth or body thickness.
When it matters: When front height and overall keyboard bulk affect comfort or portability.
Importance: MEDIUM
Gravastar Mercury K1 is thicker than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.46 mm vs 38 mm

Connectivity & Power

Graphic comparison of Gravastar Mercury K1 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Gravastar Mercury K1?

Unique sci-fi 'exoskeleton' aesthetic that stands out from typical gaming keyboards.
Sturdy build quality featuring an aluminum alloy frame that feels premium and durable.
Excellent typing feel and 'creamy/thocky' sound profile due to the gasket-mounted design and multiple foam layers.
Long-lasting 8,000mAh battery that can last weeks on a single charge.
Highly responsive GravaStar x Kailh linear switches that are well-suited for both gaming and productivity.
Versatile tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired) with easy switching between Windows and Mac.
Vibrant dual-zone RGB lighting with highly customizable independent systems for keys and the keyboard edges.

What customers dislike about Gravastar Mercury K1?

Proprietary companion software is often described as clunky, difficult to use, and limited in features.
The spacebar on the standard K1 model can sound and feel hollow compared to the rest of the keys.
Software is currently only compatible with Windows, making it hard for Mac users to customize lighting or macros.
The volume rocker is not programmable, which limits its utility for some users.
Side-printed legends on the keycaps can be difficult to read if you are not a touch typist or are looking from certain angles.
Limited stock switch options; it typically only ships with one type of linear switch out of the box.
The unique 'alien leg' design on the Pro version can make the keyboard less portable and bulkier for travel.

Expert reviews

notenoughtech.com

02/09/2024

A keyboard for life! GravaStar Mercury K1

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a 75% compact mechanical gaming keyboard that features a highly durable aluminium chassis, MX-style GravaStar x Kailh linear switches, and unique side-labeled keycaps. It provides versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth and low-latency wireless mode, supported by a massive 8000mAh battery built to last weeks. Gamers and tech enthusiasts will...Read more

sypnotix.com

08/02/2025

GravaStar Mercury K1 Review - Sypnotix

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a 75% wireless mechanical gaming keyboard priced at $129.99, heavily praised by Sypnotix reviewer Alex for its distinctive, alien-spacecraft aesthetic. The review highlights several major pros, including a highly durable and premium-feeling aluminum alloy exoskeleton frame combined with a beautifully crafted plastic backplate styled to mimic spaceship...Read more

tomsguide.com

12/02/2026

GravaStar Mercury K1 review: A lean, mean typing machine

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a 75% mechanical keyboard priced at $129 that delivers an exceptional, premium typing experience with a unique minimalist aesthetic. Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy frame wrapping an ABS plastic body, it features striking side-printed, shine-through double-shot PBT keycaps and a dual independent RGB backlighting system. Typists will appreciate its...Read more

planetkey.de

30/06/2025

GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro Review – Alien Design Meets Predator Key Feel

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro is a 75% wireless gaming keyboard that stands out for its striking, sci-fi-inspired industrial design, featuring an aluminum exoskeleton frame, "alien-leg" height adjusters, and a fingerprint-resistant, RGB-backlit mirror decorative plate. Performance and typing feel are exceptional highlights, powered by a gasket-mount construction, five layers of...Read more

consollection.com

29/08/2024

GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro Review: A mechanical keyboard from the future

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro is a compact, 75% layout mechanical gaming keyboard that heavily stands out for its bold, sci-fi and mecha-inspired skeletal aluminium alloy frame. Built with a robust 5-layer internal sound-dampening structure and linear Kailh switches, the keyboard delivers an exceptionally stable typing experience with a highly satisfying tactile return and reduced...Read more

gameit.es

29/08/2024

GravaStar Mercury K1: Full Review

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a compact mechanical keyboard that features a striking, sci-fi-inspired aluminium alloy skeletal body designed to match the brand's aesthetic. On the technical side, it features linear GravaStar x Kailh switches with a 40gf actuation force, PBT double-shot keycaps, and a 5-layer internal padding structure designed to achieve a premium, dampened typing...Read more

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