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Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£90
Avg. price in US: ~$90
Layout size: 75%
Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Switch type: mechanical
Polling rate: 8000 Hz

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

7.6

Very good

7.2

Very good

9.4

Exceptional

6.0
Gaming
Score components:
28.0%
10
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
8.9
Typing
Score components:
28.0%
10
Wrist rest included
24.0%
9.0
Legend method
20.0%
10
Adjustable feet
15.0%
4.4
Typing angle
13.0%
10
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

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite is a 75% layout (80-key) mechanical keyboard featuring a striking, futuristic PVC skeleton design with transparent PC keycaps and per-key RGB lighting. Built on a gasket-mounted structure with a 5-layer sound-dampening foam system, it utilizes custom GravaStar x BSUN linear switches (40gf actuation, 2mm pre-travel) to deliver a soft, 'creamy' typing experience. Main pros include its versatile tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, and wired USB-C), hot-swappable 3/5-pin PCB, and a substantial 4,000mAh battery providing up to 666 hours of life with lights off. However, common cons include a lightweight plastic chassis that may exhibit more flex than aluminum counterparts and proprietary customization software that is currently limited to Windows users.

Technical Specifications of Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite

Overall score

7.6

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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

5.0

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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

45 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

5.9

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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

8.1

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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

6.5

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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

9.5

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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

plastic

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

PC

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 Lite vs the average keyboard

Why is Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite better than the average keyboard?

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8x higher polling rate
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has a higher polling rate than the average keyboard (8,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a polling rate of 1,000 Hz.
What it is: Measures how often the keyboard reports input to the computer each second.
When it matters: When low input delay matters and you want the keyboard reporting to the PC as often as possible.
Importance: HIGH
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has a higher polling rate than the average keyboard (8,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a polling rate of 1,000 Hz.8000 Hz vs 1000 Hz
0.4 mm shorter key travel
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has 3.6 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 Lite has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.6 mm vs 4 mm
Underglow lighting
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite 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 Lite includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
69 h longer battery life
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (235 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 Lite lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (235 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.235 h vs 166 h
18% higher user score
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.44 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 Lite has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.44 vs 8.000).9.44 vs 8
Includes wrist rest
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 17% of keyboards include a wrist rest.
What it is: Shows whether a wrist rest is included in the box instead of needing to be purchased separately.
When it matters: When long typing or gaming sessions make wrist support more important.
Importance: HIGH
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 17% of keyboards include a wrist rest.
44.4% cheaper
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite is cheaper than the average keyboard (£90 vs £130).
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite is cheaper than the average keyboard (£90 vs £130).£90 vs £130
12.9% lower weight
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite weighs less than the average keyboard (850 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 Lite weighs less than the average keyboard (850 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.850 g vs 976 g
Includes wrist rest
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 17% of keyboards include a wrist rest.
12.9% lower weight
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite weighs less than the average keyboard (850 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
69 h longer battery life
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite lasts longer on a charge than the average keyboard (235 h vs 166 h). The average keyboard lasts 166 h on a charge.
8x higher polling rate
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has a higher polling rate than the average keyboard (8,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a polling rate of 1,000 Hz.
0.4 mm shorter key travel
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
Underglow lighting
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.

Connectivity & Power

Why is Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite worse than the average keyboard?

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7 fewer keys
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has fewer keys than the average keyboard (80 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
7.5 mm higher keyboard height
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite is taller than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
8 mm thicker design
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite is thicker than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
0.5 ° higher typing angle
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (5.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
1 h longer charging time
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite charges more slowly than the average keyboard (5 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.
Older Bluetooth version
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
82 fewer RGB zones
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (1 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 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 Lite has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
82 fewer RGB zones
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (1 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 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
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has fewer RGB zones than the average keyboard (1 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.1 vs 83
7 fewer keys
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has fewer keys than the average keyboard (80 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 Lite has fewer keys than the average keyboard (80 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.80 vs 87
1 h longer charging time
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite charges more slowly than the average keyboard (5 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 Lite charges more slowly than the average keyboard (5 h vs 4 h). The average keyboard takes 4 h to charge.5 h vs 4 h
Older Bluetooth version
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite 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 Lite 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
7.5 mm higher keyboard height
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite 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 Lite 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 mm thicker design
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite 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 Lite is thicker than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.46 mm vs 38 mm
0.5 ° higher typing angle
Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (5.5 ° 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 Lite has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (5.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.5.5 ° vs 5 °

Connectivity & Power

Graphic comparison of Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite?

Bold and unique 'alien' futuristic design that stands out from generic keyboards
Excellent 'creamy' or 'thocky' sound profile due to 5 layers of sound-dampening foam and gasket-mounted design
Smooth and responsive typing experience with pre-lubed GravaStar x BSUN linear switches
Versatile tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wired USB-C)
Highly customisable with a south-facing hot-swappable PCB supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches
Vibrant and bright RGB lighting, enhanced by transparent PC keycaps in some models
Practical features like a 4,000mAh battery with an integrated battery level indicator (Fn + B)

What customers dislike about Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite?

Proprietary companion software is often described as difficult to navigate, 'trash,' or Windows-only
Keycap quality can be inconsistent, with some users finding the legends or slogans like 'Be Cool. Play It' to be poorly designed
The lightweight PVC frame can feel flexible or exhibit 'twist' compared to the heavier aluminium Pro version
Lacks the physical volume control knob found on the standard K1 and K1 Pro models (replaced by a Delete key)
The transparent PVC material is highly prone to showing fingerprints and smudges
Limited stock switch options for users who prefer tactile or clicky feedback out of the box

Expert reviews

gadgetoid.com

29/08/2024

Review: Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite in Transparent Black", "Gravastar Mercury K1 Lite in Transparent Black Reviewed

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite (Transparent Black) is an affordable, entry-level mechanical keyboard ($90 MSRP) featuring a bold, "alien-spaceship" design made from lightweight PVC plastic. On the positive side, the keyboard offers great tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired) with a well-styled magnetic USB dongle, hot-swappable "Crystal Black" linear switches,...Read more

tomsguide.com

06/03/2025

GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite review - Tom's Guide

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite is a well-built 75% mechanical keyboard priced at $89 / £89, featuring a lightweight 1.87lb PVC case wrapped around a sturdy chassis. It provides an excellent, fast typing experience and responsive casual gaming performance due to its hot-swappable GravaStar x BSUN linear switches. These require only 40g of force to activate and have a 2mm pre-travel...Read more

Video reviews

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