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GravaStar Mercury K1 vs MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

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 MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES at 6.2/10.

The GravaStar Mercury K1 leads on typing feel, build quality and connectivity.

The MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES leads on customisation, layout and ergonomics and battery and software.

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

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The MSI FORGE GK310 with red switches is a wired, full-size mechanical keyboard that MSI lists for gaming. It suits buyers who want a numpad, RGB backlighting and hot-swap sockets without wireless features. People who need Bluetooth, a compact layout or open firmware should look at other boards.

Typically about £25.99 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 K1MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES
Typing feel25%7/106/10
Build quality20%8/106/10
Customisation20%5/107/10
Connectivity15%7/105/10
Layout and ergonomics10%5/106/10
Battery and software10%6/107/10
Overall6.5/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecGravaStar Mercury K1MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES
Layout75%, 79 keys plus rotary knob104 / 105 / 108 keys (different by language); UK ISO shape not confirmed by MSI
SwitchesGravaStar Custom Linear, 40gf actuation, 1.5mm pre-travel, 3.5mm total travelMechanical red, linear, rated 60 million keystrokes
Hot-swappableYes, 3-pin and 5-pin compatibleYes, 3-pin switches swappable without soldering
ConnectivityTri-mode: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wiredWired USB 2.0, 1.8 m cable; no wireless or Bluetooth
KeycapsPBT and PCnot listed
Battery8000mAhnot listed

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 ›

MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES

  • + Hot-swap sockets take 3-pin switches without soldering
  • + Owners report a solid, sturdy feel
  • + Plug-and-play USB setup with no battery
  • − Wired only, with no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz
  • − Full-size body is 442 mm wide
  • − Linear red switches only in this version

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless
  • Anyone who needs QMK or VIA firmware remapping
  • People with limited desk space who want a compact layout
Read the full MSI FORGE GK310 - RED SWITCHES review ›

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