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GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite specifications and in-depth review

GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite

Manufacturer: GravaStar

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite is a compact 75% mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and tech enthusiasts. Featuring hot-swappable switches and a sleek build, it combines functionality and aesthetics. With RGB lighting and a variety of color options, it offers a customizable experience tailored to individual preferences.

Key specifications include a 1000 Hz polling rate, a mechanical switch type with a 2mm actuation distance, and a battery life of up to 470 hours. The keyboard features a detachable cable, adjustable feet, and a wrist rest for added comfort. Its Bluetooth 5.0 support and multiple connection options, including 2.4GHz wireless and USB, make it versatile and adaptable for different setups.

Pros
  • Compact 75% layout makes the keyboard more space-efficient while retaining essential keys.
  • Hot-swappable switches allow users to easily customize the typing experience without soldering.
  • RGB lighting and backlit keys enhance the visual appeal and can be customized for a personalized setup.
  • Rotary dial adds convenient control for volume or media adjustments without interrupting workflow.
  • Includes a wrist rest for added comfort during long typing or gaming sessions.
  • USB passthrough provides an additional port for easy access to peripherals.
Cons
  • No support for Mac-specific keys may limit compatibility for Mac users.
  • Lacks features like analog input, dual actuation, and adjustable actuation that could enhance gaming performance.
  • No QMK, ZMK, or VIA support limits advanced customization options for key mapping.
  • The keyboard is not designed with a display feature, which might be a drawback for some users looking for a more interactive experience.
  • Weighs 850g, which could be considered heavy for a compact keyboard.
Who is this for?

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite is well-suited for gamers or typists looking for a compact and versatile keyboard with hot-swappable switches and RGB lighting. Its 75% layout allows for efficient desk space usage while still offering essential keys. The inclusion of a rotary dial adds convenient media control, and the long battery life of 470 hours makes it ideal for extended sessions without frequent recharging. Additionally, the USB passthrough is a practical feature for users who need to quickly connect peripherals like a mouse or headset.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard may not be the best choice for users who require extensive key customization or specific features for advanced gaming. The lack of QMK or VIA support limits key remapping flexibility, and the absence of features like dual actuation or adjustable actuation might hinder performance for certain competitive gaming scenarios. Furthermore, it is not designed with Mac-specific keys, making it less suitable for Mac users who need full compatibility with their system's native shortcuts.

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 850 g
Bluetooth version 5
release date April 2025
warranty period 1 years

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite is a compact 75% mechanical gaming keyboard that offers both wireless and wired connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB. It features a 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive performance and a battery life of up to 470 hours. The keyboard has a detachable cable for convenience, a gasket mount for a unique feel, and a standard keyboard profile. It is designed with a height of 156mm, width of 343mm, and a thickness of 46mm, weighing 850g. Notably, it does not feature Mac-specific keys, and comes with a 1-year warranty.

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 Lite features a sleek design with a combination of plastic and aluminum materials for both the case and plate. It offers vibrant RGB lighting with south-facing LEDs for an appealing backlit effect. The keyboard is available in a variety of colors, including black, white, pink, and gray. Additional design elements include adjustable feet for better ergonomics and an included wrist rest for added comfort during extended use.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✓
Switch name GravaStar x BSUN Linear
Actuation distance (min) 2 mm
Actuation distance (max) 2 mm
Actuation force 40 g
Total travel distance 3.6 mm

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite features mechanical switches with a linear feel, specifically the GravaStar x BSUN Linear switches. These hot-swappable switches offer an actuation distance of 2 mm with an actuation force of 40g, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. The total travel distance is 3.6 mm, making it suitable for those who prefer a quick, low-resistance keypress.

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 Lite includes several notable features, including NKRO support for unlimited key presses and a USB passthrough for added convenience. However, it does not support analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, adjustable actuation, or any display functionality. Additionally, it lacks support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA customization.

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 Lite features an ANSI (United States) layout with PBT, double-shot keycaps and a Cherry keycap profile, ensuring durability and a comfortable typing experience. It uses a standard key layout and includes media keys accessed via the Fn key. Additionally, the keyboard is equipped with a rotary dial for convenient volume or media control.

Final Verdict

The GravaStar Mercury K1 Lite is a well-crafted compact mechanical keyboard, ideal for gamers and typists who value hot-swappable switches and customizable RGB lighting. With its versatile connectivity options and long battery life, it offers a practical solution for those seeking a feature-rich, space-efficient setup. While it lacks advanced customization options like QMK support or adjustable actuation, it remains a strong choice for users looking for a straightforward and visually appealing mechanical keyboard.