AULA F99 Pro vs GravaStar Mercury K196% Layout vs 75% Compact
Choose the AULA F99 Pro for a full-featured, value-focused 96% layout, or the GravaStar Mercury K1 for a more compact, premium aluminum build.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
AULA F99 Pro
96% Layout
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 96% boards under $100.
- 96% layout includes a number pad and arrow keys in a compact form.
- Includes a programmable rotary knob for media or custom controls.
- Vendor-listed five-layer sound dampening with specific foams and films.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
GravaStar Mercury K1
75% Compact
Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $150.
- Compact 75% layout saves considerable desk space.
- Constructed with an aluminum alloy case for a premium feel.
- Features a unique, vendor-described 'three-sided streamer' RGB lighting effect.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a number pad, value detailed acoustic tuning, or want a knob for controls, the AULA F99 Pro delivers exceptional functionality for its price. If your priority is a minimalist, premium aluminum keyboard that maximizes desk space and portability, the GravaStar Mercury K1 is the better investment, albeit at a higher cost.
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.
AULA F99 Pro
GravaStar Mercury K1
Layout size
96%
75%
Case material
ABS
Aluminum
Knob
Yes
No
Weight
1,023 g
1,080 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Sound dampening
Yes
No
- AULA F99 Pro
- GravaStar Mercury K1
- Performance
- 6666
- Build quality
- 6267
- Productivity
- 8367
- Customizability
- 6664
- Portability
- 6392
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 8,000 mAh
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The AULA F99 Pro wins in scenarios demanding maximum key functionality, such as office work, programming, and content creation, thanks to its number pad and knob. The GravaStar Mercury K1 is the clear choice for travel due to its smaller 75% footprint. For gaming, the core features are similar enough to call a tie. Modders may favor the F99 Pro for its explicitly detailed acoustic foams and flex-cut PCB.
It's a tie
- Both feature gasket mount designs for a balanced typing feel.
- Both offer tri-mode connectivity with 2.4 GHz wireless for low-latency options.
- Both use linear switches, which are commonly preferred for gaming.
AULA F99 Pro vs GravaStar Mercury K1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 19 specs differ
AULA F99 Pro
GravaStar Mercury K1
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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AULA F99 Pro vs GravaStar Mercury K1: your questions
The AULA F99 Pro is designed with more focus on acoustic dampening, listing five specific layers of foam and film to reduce echo. The GravaStar K1 uses a gasket mount and POM plate which can also provide a pleasant typing feel, but its vendor description does not detail similar internal sound-dampening materials.
No. The GravaStar Mercury K1 uses a 75% layout, which omits the number pad, function row, and navigation cluster to achieve a much smaller size. The AULA F99 Pro uses a 96% layout that retains the number pad.
Yes, both the AULA F99 Pro and the GravaStar Mercury K1 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change mechanical switches without soldering. The GravaStar K1 vendor page specifically notes compatibility with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Both keyboards are listed with an 8000mAh battery capacity. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, RGB brightness, and connection mode, but on paper, they should offer comparable wireless endurance.
The AULA F99 Pro is suitable for gaming, offering tri-mode connectivity with a 2.4 GHz option for low latency, a gasket mount for stability, and linear switches. Customer reviews on the vendor page mention it feels suitable for games and has good response speed.
The key material difference is the case. The AULA F99 Pro uses an ABS plastic case, while the GravaStar Mercury K1 uses an aluminum alloy case. The K1's plate is made from POM, whereas the F99 Pro uses a PC (polycarbonate) plate.
Yes. The AULA F99 Pro is customizable with the AULA Driver software, according to the vendor description. This software allows for key mapping, RGB effect customization, and macro creation.
The GravaStar Mercury K1 is more portable. Its 75% layout measures 343mm in width, which is 47mm narrower than the 390mm wide AULA F99 Pro. This makes the K1 significantly easier to fit in a backpack or laptop bag.
Both come with linear switches. The AULA F99 Pro offers a choice between LEOBOG Nimbus V3 or Star Arrow linear switches. The GravaStar Mercury K1 uses custom Kailh linear switches, with options like Cherry Pink or Star Pink.
Yes, both keyboards feature RGB backlighting. The AULA F99 Pro specifically uses south-facing RGB LEDs, which can improve compatibility with certain aftermarket keycaps. The GravaStar K1 vendor highlights a unique 'three-sided streamer' lighting effect.
A gasket mount is a design where the plate holding the switches is suspended on soft gaskets within the case, rather than being screwed directly in. Both keyboards use this mount, which aims to dampen vibrations and provide a softer, more consistent typing feel.
Yes, slightly. The GravaStar Mercury K1 weighs 1080 grams, while the AULA F99 Pro weighs 1023 grams. The K1's aluminum construction contributes to its higher weight despite its smaller size.
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