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GravaStar Mercury K1 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

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 SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) at 6.1/10.

The GravaStar Mercury K1 leads on typing feel and connectivity.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) leads on customisation and layout and ergonomics.

They score the same on build quality and battery and software.

The biggest difference is connectivity, where the GravaStar Mercury K1 scores 7/10 to the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)'s 4/10.

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

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

6.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is for people who want a compact, wired keyboard with adjustable key actuation. It suits gamers and typists who like to set how far a key travels before it registers. It is a poorer fit for anyone who needs wireless connections.

Typically about £159.99 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 K1SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Typing feel25%7/106/10
Build quality20%8/108/10
Customisation20%5/106/10
Connectivity15%7/104/10
Layout and ergonomics10%5/106/10
Battery and software10%6/106/10
Overall6.5/106.1/10

Specifications

SpecGravaStar Mercury K1SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
Layout75%, 79 keys plus rotary knobTKL (tenkeyless)
SwitchesGravaStar Custom Linear, 40gf actuation, 1.5mm pre-travel, 3.5mm total travelOmniPoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic (Hall-effect), 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range
Hot-swappableYes, 3-pin and 5-pin compatiblenot listed
ConnectivityTri-mode: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB-C wiredWired, detachable USB-C cable
KeycapsPBT and PCDouble-shot PBT
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 ›

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)

  • + Actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0 mm
  • + Aluminium top plate and double-shot PBT keycaps
  • + Three tilt positions: flat, half and full
  • − Wired only, with no wireless connection on this model

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless connections
  • People who need a full-size layout with a number pad
  • Anyone who has no use for adjustable key actuation
Read the full SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) review ›

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