Ajazz AK980 vs GravaStar Mercury K1Screen vs Aluminum Build
Choose the Ajazz AK980 for its integrated screen and number pad, or the GravaStar Mercury K1 for its premium aluminum build and more compact form.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Ajazz AK980
Screen
- Includes a 1.14-inch TFT color screen for displaying time, battery, and GIFs.
- 96% layout provides a full number pad and arrow keys in a relatively compact form.
- Offers a choice of linear or tactile switch options, including silent variants.
Get the
GravaStar Mercury K1
Aluminum Build
Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $150.
- Constructed with an aluminum alloy exoskeleton for a premium, sturdy feel.
- More compact 75% layout (343mm wide) saves desk space.
- Vendor description highlights a unique three-sided streamer RGB lighting effect.
Your priority dictates the choice. If you need a number pad for work or want the utility and customization of a TFT screen, the Ajazz AK980 delivers exceptional value. If you prefer a denser, more portable keyboard with a premium metal build and are willing to pay more for it, the GravaStar Mercury K1 is the compelling option. Both are competent wireless boards, but they serve distinctly different user profiles.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Ajazz AK980
GravaStar Mercury K1
Connection
Wireless
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Plastic
Aluminum
Display
TFT
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Plate material
FR4
POM
Mac & Windows
No
Yes
- Ajazz AK980
- GravaStar Mercury K1
- Performance
- 4266
- Build quality
- 5067
- Productivity
- 4267
- Customizability
- 5864
- Portability
- 5792
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 8,000 mAh
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ajazz AK980 wins for office work and content creation due to its number pad and customizable screen. The GravaStar Mercury K1 is better for gaming and travel, thanks to its smaller size and aluminum build. For programming and modding, the choice is less clear, as both offer strong foundational features like hot-swap sockets and gasket mounts, leaving the decision to layout preference.
Pick the GravaStar Mercury K1
- The GravaStar Mercury K1 has a more compact 75% layout, freeing up desk space for mouse movement.
- Its aluminum alloy exoskeleton, as described by the vendor, may provide a more stable platform.
- The vendor description highlights a symmetrical stability ideal for intense gaming.
Ajazz AK980 vs GravaStar Mercury K1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 18 specs differ
Ajazz AK980
GravaStar Mercury K1
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Ajazz AK980 vs GravaStar Mercury K1: your questions
Only the Ajazz AK980 has a number pad. It uses a 96% layout that incorporates a numpad, arrow keys, and navigation cluster into a condensed form. The GravaStar Mercury K1 is a 75% layout, which omits the number pad and function row to be more compact.
No, the GravaStar Mercury K1 does not have a screen. The Ajazz AK980 is the keyboard in this comparison that features a 1.14-inch TFT color screen for displaying information like time, battery level, and custom animations.
The case material is the primary difference. The GravaStar Mercury K1 uses an aluminum alloy exoskeleton, which the vendor describes as combining strength and lightness. The Ajazz AK980 uses an ABS plastic case, which is common at its price point but less premium-feeling than metal.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. The Ajazz vendor description mentions 'all-key hot-swappable switch sockets' for easy customization. The GravaStar vendor description also confirms hot-swappable sockets that support 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The GravaStar Mercury K1 is better for a small desk due to its 75% layout. It measures 343mm in width, which is significantly narrower than the Ajazz AK980's 417mm width. The smaller footprint frees up valuable space for your mouse and other desk accessories.
Yes, both the Ajazz AK980 and GravaStar Mercury K1 list Mac and Windows support in their specifications. The Ajazz vendor page specifically notes side keys for easy switching between Win/Mac systems.
According to the vendor description, the Ajazz AK980 offers several switch options. These include Gift V2 Linear, Cyan Cloud Tactile, Silence Linear, and TTC Flaming Red Linear switches. This provides a choice between tactile and linear feels.
The GravaStar Mercury K1 is listed with linear switch options. The vendor description specifies collaborations with Kailh for switches like the Cherry Pink and Star Pink, both of which are linear type with a 40gf actuation force.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount structure. The Ajazz vendor describes a 'five-layer gasket structure' to minimize noise and achieve a sturdy tactile response. The GravaStar vendor mentions a gasket design that helps absorb vibrations. This mount style typically offers a softer, more cushioned typing feel compared to tray mount.
Both keyboards are listed with an 8000mAh battery capacity. The Ajazz vendor additionally mentions advanced low-power chips and energy-saving technology to maximize battery efficiency, but without specific runtime figures, their endurance is likely similar given the identical battery size.
No, the GravaStar Mercury K1 is actually slightly lighter. It weighs 1080g, while the plastic Ajazz AK980 weighs 1140g. The GravaStar's aluminum exoskeleton is described as combining strength and lightness, which accounts for its lower weight despite using metal.
Based on the vendor listings, both keyboards include a USB-C cable and a user manual. The Ajazz AK980 listing also specifically includes a switch and keycap puller, which is a useful tool for customization. The GravaStar package contents list does not mention a puller.
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