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Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£170
Avg. price in US: ~$180
Layout size: 75%
Connection type: USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Switch type: mechanical
Polling rate: 1000 Hz

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

7.9

Very good

7.5

Very good

9.6

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
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

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Verdict

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro is a 75% layout (79 keys) wireless mechanical keyboard featuring a striking aluminum alloy skeletal exoskeleton and integrated "alien leg" kickstands for adjustable typing angles. It boasts a premium gasket-mounted design with five layers of sound-dampening foam, hot-swappable sockets supporting 3-pin/5-pin switches, and a tactile volume control knob. Performance is driven by custom GravaStar x Kailh linear switches (typically 45g actuation, 1.2mm pre-travel) and a massive 8,000mAh battery offering up to 470 hours of use via tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, or USB-C). Main pros include its highly unique sci-fi aesthetic, exceptional out-of-the-box typing acoustics, and dual-zone RGB lighting systems; however, notable cons include proprietary software that is often cited as unintuitive, a lack of VIA/QMK support for advanced remapping, and a premium price point compared to standard gaming boards.

Technical Specifications of Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro

Overall score

7.9

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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

4.2

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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

5.2

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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

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

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

FR4

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 Pro vs the average keyboard

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

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304 h longer battery life
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Underglow lighting
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro 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 Pro includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Volume control wheel
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro 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 Pro includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 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 Pro has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
19.8% higher user score
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.58 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 Pro has a higher user score than the average keyboard (9.58 vs 8.000).9.58 vs 8
Includes wrist rest
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro includes a wrist rest, the average keyboard does not. 17% of keyboards include a wrist rest.
304 h longer battery life
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro has 3.5 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
Dedicated media keys
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro includes dedicated media keys, the average keyboard does not. 20.7% of keyboards include dedicated media keys.
Underglow lighting
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro includes underglow lighting, the average keyboard does not. 31.6% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Volume control wheel
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.

Connectivity & Power

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

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8 fewer keys
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro has fewer keys than the average keyboard (79 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
20.9% higher weight
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro weighs more than the average keyboard (1,180 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
19.1 mm higher keyboard height
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro is taller than the average keyboard (57.6 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
19.6 mm thicker design
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro is thicker than the average keyboard (57.6 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
60 mm wider width
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro is wider than the average keyboard (415 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
0.5 ° higher typing angle
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro has a higher typing angle than the average keyboard (5.5 ° vs 5 °). The average keyboard has a typing angle of 5 °.
Adjustable to 6.
6 h longer charging time
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro spec lists 3.5 mm total travel; the prior 1.2 mm value was the pre-travel, not the max travel.
4 fewer RGB zones
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro spec lists 3.5 mm total travel; the prior 1.2 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro 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
20.9% higher weight
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro weighs more than the average keyboard (1,180 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 Pro weighs more than the average keyboard (1,180 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.1180 g vs 976 g
19.1 mm higher keyboard height
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro is taller than the average keyboard (57.6 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 Pro is taller than the average keyboard (57.6 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.57.6 mm vs 38.5 mm
30.8% more expensive
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro is more expensive than the average keyboard (£170 vs £130).
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro is more expensive than the average keyboard (£170 vs £130).£170 vs £130
19.6 mm thicker design
Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro is thicker than the average keyboard (57.6 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 Pro is thicker than the average keyboard (57.6 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.57.6 mm vs 38 mm

Connectivity & Power

Graphic comparison of Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro 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 Pro?

Unique sci-fi 'alien skeleton' aluminum alloy design that stands out on any desk
Exceptional typing experience with factory-lubricated Kailh Speedy Mint linear switches described as 'creamy' and 'buttery smooth'
High-quality sound profile with five layers of sound-dampening foam and a gasket-mount design to reduce metallic pings
Massive 8,000mAh battery life providing up to 470 hours of use (with RGB off)
Robust tri-mode connectivity including 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, and wired USB-C
Functional and sturdy 'spider leg' adjustable feet that allow for multiple typing angles
Vibrant dual independent RGB systems (per-key and edge lighting) for deep customization

What customers dislike about Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro?

Polarising aesthetic that may be too 'bold' or 'gimmicky' for traditional users
Proprietary companion software is often described as non-user-friendly, basic, and prone to UI scaling issues
Lacks open-source support (QMK/VIA), which limits advanced key remapping for power users
Premium price point that may be hard to justify compared to similar mechanical boards
Non-translucent keycap legends make it difficult to use in dark environments without external light
Embedded logo/screen elements cannot be personalized, which some users consider a 'missed opportunity'
Potentially difficult customer support experience according to some user reports

Expert reviews

sypnotix.com

08/02/2025

GravaStar Mercury K1 Review (Covers Pro features) - Sypnotix Note: Some reviews, such as Sypnotix, focus on the K1 series but discuss the Pro features...

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a $129.99 75% mechanical gaming keyboard distinguished by its aggressive, alien spacecraft-inspired aesthetic. Built on a premium, heavy aluminum alloy exoskeleton frame, it features side-engraved, front-facing PBT gradient keycaps paired with unified south-facing RGB illumination that completely avoids edge bleeding. Performance-wise, the keyboard...Read more

pcunboxing.com

27/11/2024

GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro Special Edition Cyberpunk Review - PCUnboxing

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro Special Edition (Cyberpunk version) is a 75% layout mechanical keyboard featuring 79 keys and a multi-functional audio scroll wheel. It is distinguished by its eye-catching, alien-bionic cyberpunk design made with a dual-layer frame consisting of an outer metal-painted forged aluminum alloy and a plastic base. The keyboard provides excellent...Read more

the-gadgeteer.com

29/08/2024

Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro mechanical keyboard review: Beautiful and solid design", "Review of the Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro mechanical keyboard – Beauti...

The Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro is a unique mechanical keyboard that features a highly distinct, sci-fi-inspired aesthetic resembling a robotic crab. Built with a solid aluminum alloy frame, this 79-key gasket-mounted keyboard is highly praised for its exceptional responsiveness, solid build quality, and lack of sleep-mode lag during daily tasks. It offers robust triple-mode...Read more

geardiary.com

15/05/2025

GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro Keyboard Review - Gear Diary

The Gear Diary review of the GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro highlights its robust, sci-fi aesthetic, featuring an aluminum skeleton frame with unique articulating legs, alongside a comfortable, "buttery" typing experience driven by hot-swappable Kailh Linear switches. Performance is further enhanced by an 8,000 mAh battery and dual-zone RGB lighting, offering solid 75% layout...Read more

trustedreviews.com

29/04/2025

GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro Review - Trusted Reviews

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Gravastar Mercury K1 Pro highlights a 75% wireless gaming keyboard with a distinct sci-fi design, high-quality build, and excellent acoustics, complemented by vibrant RGB lighting and pudding keycaps. It is praised for its smooth, custom linear switches and outstanding 8,000 mAh battery life. Conversely, the review notes drawbacks, including...Read more

tomsguide.com

16/10/2024

GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro review - Tom's Guide

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Pro is an outstanding 75% wireless mechanical keyboard that stands out for its futuristic, sci-fi design, resembling something out of a movie set with its distinctive adjustable spider legs and an aluminum alloy body. Priced at $149 / £116, it delivers an exceptional typing and casual gaming experience, boasting a 1,000Hz polling rate for latency-free...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 striking 75% compact mechanical keyboard that blends a futuristic, sci-fi "mecha" aesthetic with high-performance hardware. Built with a rugged aluminum alloy skeleton frame, it weighs over 1 kg and features adjustable claw-shaped feet inspired by the brand's iconic Mars speakers. Performance is driven by custom linear Kailh switches with a 45gf...Read more

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