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GravaStar Mercury K1 vs Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

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

all judged against mechanical keyboards at a similar price

The Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard scores 7.4/10 overall, ahead of the GravaStar Mercury K1 at 6.5/10.

The GravaStar Mercury K1 leads on build quality.

The Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard leads on customisation, connectivity, layout and ergonomics and battery and software.

They score the same on typing feel.

The biggest difference is customisation, where the Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard scores 8/10 to the GravaStar Mercury K1's 5/10.

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

Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

7.4/10verdict: buy

The Keychron K10 HE is for people who want a full-size keyboard with a number pad and adjustable magnetic switches. It suits desk users who move between Windows, macOS and Linux and want QMK firmware with wireless options. It is built for a fixed desk, not a bag.

Typically about £129.99 in the UK when we researched itSearch 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

CriterionWeightGravaStar Mercury K1Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Typing feel25%7/107/10
Build quality20%8/107/10
Customisation20%5/108/10
Connectivity15%7/109/10
Layout and ergonomics10%5/106/10
Battery and software10%6/107/10
Overall6.5/107.4/10

Specifications

SpecGravaStar Mercury K1Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard
Layout75%, 79 keys plus rotary knob100% full size
SwitchesGravaStar Custom Linear, 40gf actuation, 1.5mm pre-travel, 3.5mm total travelGateron Double-rail Magnetic Switch / Keychron Ultra-Fast Lime Magnetic Switch; actuation adjustable 0.2-3.8 mm
Hot-swappableYes, 3-pin and 5-pin compatibleHot-swappable
ConnectivityTri-mode: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, wired USB-C; 1000 Hz polling rate (125 Hz over Bluetooth per user guide); switches between 3 devices
Firmware (QMK / VIA)not listedQMK firmware; Keychron Launcher web app for key remapping and macros; Windows, macOS, Linux
KeycapsPBT and PCDouble-shot PBT; Standard: Cherry profile; Special Edition: OSA profile
Battery8000mAh4000 mAh, up to 120 hours (backlight setting not stated); charging around 5 hours

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

  • + Actuation adjustable from 0.2 to 3.8 mm
  • + 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired, with three-device switching
  • + QMK firmware and a web app on all three platforms
  • − Heavy and large, so poor for travel
  • − Only Keychron's magnetic switches are supported
  • − Battery life falls with full RGB brightness

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to fit any switch type they like
  • Anyone who carries their keyboard between locations
  • Users who run full RGB brightness and want long wireless battery life
Read the full Keychron K10 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard review ›

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