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Ajazz AK820 Pro vs GravaStar Mercury K1

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mechanical keyboards at a similar price

The GravaStar Mercury K1 scores 6.5/10 overall, ahead of the Ajazz AK820 Pro at 6.3/10.

The Ajazz AK820 Pro leads on customisation and battery and software.

The GravaStar Mercury K1 leads on build quality and layout and ergonomics.

They score the same on typing feel and connectivity.

Ajazz AK820 Pro

Ajazz AK820 Pro

6.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The Ajazz AK820 Pro is for people who want a compact 75% wireless keyboard with hot-swap switches and a gasket mount. It suits desk users who want a choice of Bluetooth, 2.4GHz or USB-C connections. It is a better fit for ANSI users and those happy with Ajazz's own software than for anyone who needs QMK/VIA.

Typically about £58.64 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

GravaStar Mercury K1

GravaStar Mercury K1

6.5/10verdict: buy

The GravaStar Mercury K1 is for people who want a compact 75% wireless keyboard with an aluminium frame. It suits buyers who value a muted, cushioned sound and want to swap switches later. It is less suited to anyone who needs a specific regional layout or confirmed remapping tools.

Typically about £129 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAjazz AK820 ProGravaStar Mercury K1
Typing feel25%7/107/10
Build quality20%6/108/10
Customisation20%6/105/10
Connectivity15%7/107/10
Layout and ergonomics10%4/105/10
Battery and software10%7/106/10
Overall6.3/106.5/10

Specifications

SpecAjazz AK820 ProGravaStar Mercury K1
Layout75% ANSI (81 or 82 keys, sources conflict)75%, 79 keys plus rotary knob
SwitchesAJAZZ Gift Switch default; AJAZZ Flying Fish and AJAZZ Dreamy Switch alternatives; actuation force reported as 42g to 45g across reviewsGravaStar Custom Linear, 40gf actuation, 1.5mm pre-travel, 3.5mm total travel
Hot-swappableYes, 5-pin sockets for all switches (3-pin and 5-pin compatible per one review)Yes, 3-pin and 5-pin compatible
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz or USB-CTri-mode: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired
Firmware (QMK / VIA)Windows/MacOS compatible; QMK/VIA support unverifiednot listed
KeycapsDouble-shot PBT (sources disagree; one review says ABS)PBT and PC
BatteryUp to 4000 mAh; about 100 hours without light, 20 hours with RGB light (manual figures)8000mAh

Strengths and weaknesses

Ajazz AK820 Pro

  • + Gasket mount and a thocky sound praised by owners
  • + Hot-swap sockets for changing switches
  • + Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and USB-C connections
  • − ANSI layout rather than UK-style ISO
  • − RGB cuts battery life to about 20 hours

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need QMK/VIA firmware for remapping
  • UK users who want an ISO layout
  • People who want RGB on all day and long battery life
Read the full Ajazz AK820 Pro review ›

GravaStar Mercury K1

  • + Aluminium alloy frame praised as solid and heavy
  • + Gasket mount with foam gives muted, cushioned typing
  • + Hot-swap sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin switches
  • − Volume roller is plastic styled to look like metal
  • − Front logo placement does not blend in
  • − Backplate is plastic beneath the aluminium frame

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need a full numpad
  • Anyone who wants a loud, sharp typing sound
  • Buyers who want metal controls throughout
Read the full GravaStar Mercury K1 review ›

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