KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare GravaStar Mercury K1 vs Keychron K2 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 75% wireless keyboards with different core philosophies. The GravaStar Mercury K1 emphasizes long battery life and a distinctive gasket-mounted design, while the Keychron K2 HE focuses on cutting-edge magnetic switch technology and extensive software control. The decision is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity and hot-swappable sockets, but cater to distinct priorities in performance, sound, and user experience.

66
GravaStar Mercury K1 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
99
Keychron K2 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
4.6 (68)
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1080 g
  • Sized at 46 x 343 x 156 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Has Linear, Magnetic switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1743 g
  • Sized at 30 x 127 x 41 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin case
  • Features PBT, ABS, PC keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.2
  • Build Quality: 67.2
  • Productivity: 66.6
  • Customizability: 64
  • Portability: 92.3
Scores
  • Performance: 93.3
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 96.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 81.4
Name
GravaStar Mercury K1
Name
Keychron K2 HE
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, JIS
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Wood, ABS, Resin
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS, PC
Dimensions
46 x 343 x 156 mm
Dimensions
30 x 127 x 41 mm
Weight
1080g
Weight
1743g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, especially gamers, tinkerers, and power users, the Keychron K2 HE is the more capable and future-proof investment due to its unparalleled switch technology and software ecosystem. Choose the GravaStar Mercury K1 if your primary need is a stylish, well-built wireless keyboard with exceptional battery life for daily use and travel, and you are satisfied with standard linear switches.

GravaStar Mercury K1

  • +Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Lighter weight (1080g) enhances portability.
  • +Gasket mount structure for a potentially more cushioned typing feel.
  • +Aluminum alloy case construction for durability.
  • +Features a unique, streamlined aesthetic with a three-sided RGB streamer effect.
  • −Only available with linear Kailh switch options.
  • −Lacks advanced gaming features like adjustable actuation or rapid trigger.
  • −No mentioned support for QMK, VIA, or similar firmware customization software.
  • −Uses a POM plate, which may offer a different sound signature than more common materials.

Keychron K2 HE

  • +Advanced Gateron double-rail magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm).
  • +Full support for QMK and VIA open-source firmware for deep customization.
  • +Includes gaming features like Rapid Trigger, Analog Mode, and Last Key Priority.
  • +Extensive sound-dampening with EVA foam, EPDM foam, a silicone pad, and PET film.
  • +Offers a wide variety of case materials (Resin, Aluminum, Wood, ABS) and extensive ISO layout support.
  • −Heavier weight (1743g) reduces portability.
  • −Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the GravaStar K1.
  • −Magnetic switch compatibility is limited to specific Gateron double-rail models only.
  • −Uses a tray/plate mount, which may provide a different typing feel than gasket mount.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K2 HE is the clear choice for gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its high-performance magnetic switches, extensive software support, and advanced features. The GravaStar Mercury K1 wins for travel thanks to its lighter weight and larger battery, making it more portable. For general office use, both are competent, with the K2 HE offering better international layout support and the K1 providing longer battery life.

GamingKeychron K2 HE
  • •The Keychron K2 HE features a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • •It includes gaming-specific features like Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation points (0.2-3.8mm), and Last Key Priority (LKP).
  • •Its magnetic switches with TMR sensors are designed for ultra-fast response and stability.
OfficeTie
  • •Both keyboards support Mac and Windows systems and offer tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired).
  • •The Keychron K2 HE offers extensive ISO layout support for international users.
  • •The GravaStar Mercury K1's 8000mAh battery provides longer wireless usage between charges.
ProgrammingKeychron K2 HE
  • •The Keychron K2 HE supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •It features N-key rollover for accurate simultaneous key presses.
  • •The vendor description mentions programmable layers and the ability to save different layouts for macOS and Windows.
TravelGravaStar Mercury K1
  • •The GravaStar Mercury K1 is significantly lighter at 1080g compared to the Keychron K2 HE's 1743g.
  • •Its larger 8000mAh battery reduces the frequency of required charges on the go.
  • •It has a slightly more compact depth (156mm vs 132mm for the K2 HE Standard Version).
ModdingKeychron K2 HE
  • •The Keychron K2 HE is available as a DIY kit/barebones option and features screw-in PCB stabilizers.
  • •It has a layered sound-dampening suite including EVA foam, EPDM foam, a silicone pad, and PET film.
  • •It supports extensive firmware customization via QMK and VIA, unlike the GravaStar.
Content CreationKeychron K2 HE
  • •The Keychron K2 HE's Dynamic Keystrokes feature allows assigning up to 4 actions per key based on press depth for macro efficiency.
  • •Its programmable knob support and multimedia keys can streamline editing workflows.
  • •The QMK/VIA support allows for creating complex shortcuts and layers tailored to creative software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$114
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

100
$104
Lemokey P1 QMK/VIA Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey P1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$129
WOBKEY Rainy 75 Pro Keyboard
WOBKEY Rainy75 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

93
$119
Rainy 75 WOBKey Keyboard Kit
WOBKEY Rainy75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

87
$149
Minilo98 Pro
Varmilo Minilo98 Pro
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

90
$139
Luminkey65 65% Keyboard - Image: 4
LUMINKEY Luminkey65
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$149
Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount