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GravaStar Mercury K1 specifications and in-depth review

GravaStar Mercury K1

Manufacturer: GravaStar

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a compact 75% mechanical gaming keyboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts who seek a blend of style and functionality. Featuring RGB lighting and a customizable design, this keyboard offers a unique look alongside high-performance features.

Equipped with hotswappable switches and a durable aluminum plate, the GravaStar Mercury K1 delivers responsive key presses with its linear GravaStar x Kailh Cherry Pink switches. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz wireless connections, has a 1000Hz polling rate, and offers an impressive 470-hour battery life.

Pros
  • Compact 75% layout offers a space-saving design while retaining essential keys for productivity and gaming.
  • Hot-swappable switches provide flexibility for users to easily customize or replace key switches without soldering.
  • RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard enhance visual appeal and usability in low-light environments.
  • Includes adjustable feet and a wrist rest for improved ergonomics during extended typing or gaming sessions.
  • Supports both wireless (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz) and wired (USB) connections for versatile usage options.
Cons
  • Does not support analog input, rapid trigger, or dual actuation, limiting certain advanced gaming features.
  • Lacks support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA, reducing customization options for users who prefer deep key mapping customization.
  • No dedicated display or additional customizable features like a screen for status or media controls.
Who is this for?

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is ideal for gamers and productivity users who prioritize a compact layout, hot-swappable switches, and customizable ergonomics. The adjustable feet and included wrist rest make it suitable for long gaming or typing sessions, while the RGB lighting adds a stylish flair for those who enjoy a visually dynamic setup. With both wireless and wired connectivity options, this keyboard is flexible enough for various environments.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard may not be suitable for users who require advanced customization, as it lacks support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA for deep key mapping adjustments. It also does not support features like analog input or dual actuation, which may limit its appeal for high-end gaming or specialized use cases. Additionally, users seeking a more feature-packed display or extra media controls might find its functionality lacking.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Compact (75%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB
polling rate 1000 Hz
Mount type Gasket mount
Battery life 470 hours
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 156 mm
width 343 mm
thickness 46 mm
weight 1060 g
Bluetooth version 5
release date April 2025
warranty period 1 years

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a compact 75% mechanical gaming keyboard with a standard profile. It offers both wireless and wired connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB. Designed with a detachable cable for easy storage and portability, it also boasts a long-lasting 470-hour battery life. The keyboard features a 1000Hz polling rate for fast and responsive input, and is built with a gasket mount type for improved sound and feel during use. At 1060g and with a height of 156mm, width of 343mm, and thickness of 46mm, the keyboard is designed to be both sturdy and ergonomic.

Design:

has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic, Aluminum
Plate material Aluminum
Case colors Black, White, Pink, Gray
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✓
Backlight facing direction South-facing

The GravaStar Mercury K1 features a sleek design with RGB lighting and a backlit keyboard, creating a visually striking gaming experience. The case is made from a combination of plastic and aluminum for durability, and it comes in four colors: Black, White, Pink, and Gray. For added comfort, it includes a wrist rest and adjustable feet to customize the typing angle. The south-facing LEDs ensure the backlighting is optimized for visibility and aesthetic appeal.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✓
Switch name GravaStar x Kailh Cherry Pink linear
Actuation distance (min) 1.5 mm
Actuation distance (max) 1.5 mm
Actuation force 40 g
Total travel distance 3.5 mm

The GravaStar Mercury K1 features mechanical switches with a linear switch feel, specifically the GravaStar x Kailh Cherry Pink switches. These switches offer a 1.5mm actuation distance and a light 40g actuation force, making them ideal for fast, smooth keystrokes. With a total travel distance of 3.5mm, they also support hotswappable switches, allowing for easy customization without soldering.

Features:

has analog input ✕
has rapid trigger ✕
has dual actuation ✕
has adjustable actuation ✕
has NKRO ✓
has USB passthrough ✓
Has a display ✕
has QMK support ✕
has ZMK support ✕
has VIA support ✕

The GravaStar Mercury K1 offers several functional features, including NKRO support for simultaneous key presses and USB passthrough for convenient connectivity. While it does not support analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, or adjustable actuation, it provides a reliable and customizable typing experience. Notably, the keyboard lacks display support and does not offer compatibility with QMK, ZMK, or VIA.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type PBT, Double-shot
Keycap profile Cherry
uses a standard key layout ✓
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial ✓

The GravaStar Mercury K1 features an ANSI (United States) keyboard layout with PBT, double-shot keycaps and a Cherry keycap profile for a durable and comfortable typing experience. It uses a standard key layout and includes dedicated media keys accessible via the Fn key. Additionally, the keyboard is equipped with a rotary dial for easy volume control or other customizable functions.

Final Verdict

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a solid choice for gamers and productivity users who value a compact design and hot-swappable switches. With its customizable ergonomics, RGB lighting, and versatile connectivity options, it excels in providing a visually appealing and flexible typing experience. While it lacks certain advanced features like QMK support and dual actuation, it remains a reliable, stylish, and functional keyboard for everyday use and gaming. Overall, it's a well-rounded option for those seeking a compact, customizable mechanical keyboard.

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