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GravaStar Mercury K1 vs Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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

all judged against mechanical keyboards at a similar price

The Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard scores 7.7/10 overall, ahead of the GravaStar Mercury K1 at 6.5/10.

The Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard leads on build quality, customisation, layout and ergonomics and battery and software.

They score the same on typing feel and connectivity.

The biggest difference is customisation, where the Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard scores 9/10 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 Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

7.7/10verdict: buy

The Keychron Q1 Max is for typists who want a premium 75% wireless board with a metal case and full control over the keymap. It suits people who work across macOS, Windows and Linux and want to swap switches without soldering. It is less suited to anyone who wants a light, low-profile board or relies mainly on Bluetooth.

Typically about £219.99 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

CriterionWeightGravaStar Mercury K1Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Typing feel25%7/107/10
Build quality20%8/109/10
Customisation20%5/109/10
Connectivity15%7/107/10
Layout and ergonomics10%5/106/10
Battery and software10%6/107/10
Overall6.5/107.7/10

Specifications

SpecGravaStar Mercury K1Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Layout75%, 79 keys plus rotary knob75%, ANSI, with knob
SwitchesGravaStar Custom Linear, 40gf actuation, 1.5mm pre-travel, 3.5mm total travelGateron Jupiter Red, Brown or Banana; hot-swappable
Hot-swappableYes, 3-pin and 5-pin compatibleYes; sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches
ConnectivityTri-mode: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wired2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), wired; 1000 Hz polling on 2.4 GHz and wired, 90 Hz on Bluetooth
Firmware (QMK / VIA)not listedQMK with VIA support; Keychron Launcher web app for remapping and macros; macOS, Windows and Linux
KeycapsPBT and PCKSA double-shot PBT, not shine-through (ANSI/UK)
Battery8000mAh4000 mAh; rated up to 180 hours with backlight off

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 Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

  • + Full aluminium CNC case with gasket mount
  • + QMK/VIA firmware and hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
  • + UK-ISO layout available, with 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes
  • − Heavy at about 1.72 kg, and thick
  • − Stabiliser rattle reported on some units
  • − Bluetooth polls at only 90Hz and can stutter

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a light keyboard to carry between desks
  • People who rely mainly on Bluetooth and need a high polling rate
  • Anyone who wants a full-size or tenkeyless layout
Read the full Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard review ›

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