75% Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

75% mechanical gaming keyboards: room for your game, keys for your everyday life

Discover the Mercury K1 Pro, K1 and K1 Lite: linear mechanical switches, hot-swap and three connection types in a compact format. The proprietary F-row and dedicated arrow keys remain within easy reach, while you gain desk space compared to a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad.

Which K1 model is right for you?

The K1 Pro makes a striking statement with its expansive aluminum skeleton design and Kailh Speedy Mint switches. The K1 combines a more compact aluminum frame with mechanical GravaStar linear switches. The K1 Lite brings transparent plastic housings and PC keycaps to the setup. Choose not only by color, but also by layout, housing and features.

Mechanical switches instead of Hall effect

The K1 models offered here use linear mechanical switches. Their actuation point is determined by the switch and is not adjustable via software like on a Hall effect keyboard. The K1 Pro uses GravaStar × Kailh Speedy Mint with 45 gf actuation force, 1.2 mm pre-travel and 3.5 mm total travel. Depending on the version, the K1 and K1 Lite are equipped with mechanical GravaStar linear switches. These are not rapid-trigger keyboards.

The most important features of the Mercury K1 series

USB-C, 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth

Use the USB-C cable at your desk or connect the keyboard wirelessly via the 2.4 GHz receiver or Bluetooth 5.0. The model specifications list Windows and macOS. The USB polling rate is up to 1,000 Hz. This corresponds to a polling interval of 1 ms and is not an indication of the overall input latency; an identical polling rate is not guaranteed for Bluetooth.

Hot-swap for your own typing feel

Compatible mechanical 3- and 5-pin switches can be replaced without soldering. Use a suitable keycap and switch puller and check compatibility before modification. Magnetic switches from the Hall effect series are not a suitable replacement.

Gasket mount and dampening

Gasket construction and multi-layer dampening influence sound and feel. Materials, keycaps and switches also shape the result. Dampening does not make a mechanical keyboard silent. The K1 Pro uses an FR4 plate; depending on the model, the K1 and Lite use PC plates.

Battery matching the model range

According to the product data, the K1 Pro and K1 have 8,000 mAh. The K1 Lite versions offered here use 4,000 mAh. For the correspondingly specified K1/Pro models, up to around 470 hours without or around 40 hours with lighting are stated; the Lite data states around 235 or 22 hours. These are manufacturer specifications, not guaranteed runtimes. Usage, connection and lighting settings influence the result.

RGB and controls in detail

The K1 series offers 13 RGB key effects. Depending on the version, the K1 and K1 Pro add side or additional ambient lighting and a rotary knob. For the Lite, the equipment specifications differ: Crystal Aurora, Crystal Pink, Lumen Rosé and Aurora Mist are described without a rotary knob and separate side lighting. Check the specific product page instead of assuming these features apply to every Lite version.

Deliberately choose German QWERTZ

ISO-DE/QWERTZ is currently available for the K1 Pro Cyberpunk, K1 Opal White, Sakura Pink, Gradient Black and Gradient White, as well as the K1 Lite Crystal Aurora and Crystal Black. The other designs offered here use ANSI/QWERTY. A German operating system layout changes neither the key shape nor the labeling. Therefore, check the selected version before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mechanical Mercury K1 Series

Which models are available with a German ISO-DE/QWERTZ layout?

Currently, the K1 Pro Cyberpunk, K1 Opal White, Sakura Pink, Gradient Black, and Gradient White, as well as the K1 Lite Crystal Aurora and Crystal Black, are available. Be sure to select the ISO-DE/QWERTZ variant on the product page. Other designs in this selection are offered with ANSI/QWERTY.

What does a 75% layout mean?

The compact format retains a dedicated F-row and arrow keys but omits a separate number pad. The exact key count depends on the model and physical layout.

Are all the switches from Kailh?

No. The K1 Pro uses GravaStar × Kailh Speedy Mint linear switches. The current K1 and K1 Lite product specifications list mechanical GravaStar linear switches. Check the specific configuration rather than assuming a single switch brand for the entire series.

Can I replace the switches myself?

Yes. The hot-swap sockets support compatible mechanical 3-/5-pin switches without soldering. Use a suitable switch puller. Hall effect magnetic switches are not a substitute for these mechanical switches.

Are the keyboards quiet or silent?

The gasket mount and multi-layer dampening affect the sound and typing feel. They do not make the keyboard silent. The switches, keycaps, plate, and typing style also affect the noise level.

How do the batteries differ?

The K1 Pro and K1 are rated at 8,000 mAh, while the K1 Lite models offered here are rated at 4,000 mAh. Lighting and usage significantly affect battery life. Compare the manufacturer's specifications for the selected model with and without lighting.

Does every K1 Lite have a rotary knob and side lighting?

No. Crystal Aurora, Crystal Pink, Lumen Rosé, and Aurora Mist are described as having no rotary knob or separate side lighting. The specifications for Crystal Black differ. Check this configuration specifically rather than assuming the features of another Lite model.

Do these keyboards support 8,000 Hz or Rapid Trigger?

The mechanical K1 series offered here is rated for USB polling rates of up to 1,000 Hz. It is not comparable to the magnetic V series. A software-adjustable magnetic actuation point and Rapid Trigger are not part of this mechanical configuration.

Which connection can I use?

You can choose between USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless with a receiver, and Bluetooth 5.0. The USB polling rate cannot be generalized to Bluetooth. The model documentation lists Windows and macOS.