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GravaStar Mercury K1 vs NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

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 NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard at 5.2/10.

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

They score the same on layout and ergonomics and battery and software.

The biggest difference is build quality, where the GravaStar Mercury K1 scores 8/10 to the NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard'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

NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

5.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Newmen GM611 is a 61-key, wired 60% mechanical keyboard with quiet red linear switches. It suits buyers who want a compact, light board on a tight budget and don't need wireless or deep remapping. Anyone who wants QMK or VIA, PBT keycaps or a metal case should look at other boards.

Typically about £24.99 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 K1NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Typing feel25%7/106/10
Build quality20%8/105/10
Customisation20%5/104/10
Connectivity15%7/105/10
Layout and ergonomics10%5/105/10
Battery and software10%6/106/10
Overall6.5/105.2/10

Specifications

SpecGravaStar Mercury K1NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Layout75%, 79 keys plus rotary knob60% layout, 61 keys
SwitchesGravaStar Custom Linear, 40gf actuation, 1.5mm pre-travel, 3.5mm total travelRed, linear
Hot-swappableYes, 3-pin and 5-pin compatibleConflicting: manufacturer and Amazon UK say hot-swappable copper socket switches (only specific switches allowed); VividRepairs says no hot-swap
ConnectivityTri-mode: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wiredWired USB-C with detachable cable; TechKitInsider claims triple-mode (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz) but VividRepairs says wired-only
Firmware (QMK / VIA)not listedNo QMK or VIA support found; optional proprietary manufacturer software for macros, key rebinding and lighting
KeycapsPBT and PCBlack keycaps; plastic keycaps per Amazon UK listing; not PBT according to VividRepairs
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 ›

NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

  • + Quiet, smooth red linear switches
  • + Compact 60% layout with a light footprint
  • + Budget-friendly, with praise for value from owners
  • − Plastic build and non-PBT keycaps
  • − No QMK or VIA support found

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want QMK or VIA remapping without proprietary software
  • Anyone who needs confirmed Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless
  • Typists who want PBT keycaps, a metal case or a tactile switch feel
Read the full NEWMEN GM611 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard review ›

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