98% Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

98% mechanical gaming keyboards: For your gaming and everyday work

Numpad, function keys and a 1.65-inch color TFT display in a densely packed layout: The GravaStar Mercury K98 series combines a mechanical typing feel with versatile features. Choose the K98 Pro in Phantom Black or the K98 in Pastel Haze and Translucent Smoke Gray. Whether gaming, working with spreadsheets or completing daily tasks, the important keys remain right at hand.

Why a 98% layout?

If you regularly enter numbers but don't want a full-sized keyboard with keys spread far apart, the 98% format is a practical choice. It integrates the numpad into a compact key arrangement. The actual case dimensions differ, however: The K98 measures 425 × 151 × 48 mm, while the K98 Pro measures 460 × 170 × 62.5 mm. Therefore, check not only the format but also the space available on your desk.

K98 or K98 Pro: Choose based on features, not just color

The K98 Pro features an aluminum alloy exoskeleton, mechanical UFO linear switches, an 8,000 mAh battery and up to 8,000 Hz via USB-C and 2.4 GHz. The K98 combines a plastic case with mechanical Stardust linear switches, 4,000 mAh and 1,000 Hz via USB. Both model series offer tri-mode connectivity and a TFT display, but they are not technically comparable.

The most important features of the Mercury K98 series

Mechanical linear switches with their own character

The K98 Pro uses lubricated mechanical GravaStar UFO linear switches with 40 gf actuation force, 1.6 mm pretravel and 3.6 mm total travel. The K98 uses lubricated mechanical GravaStar Custom Stardust linear switches with 40 gf, 2.0 mm pretravel and 3.6 mm total travel. These are not Hall Effect switches. The Translucent Smoke Gray version is not advertised as a silent keyboard.

TFT display instead of OLED

All three available designs feature a 1.65-inch color TFT display with 142 × 428 pixels. It is not an OLED display. Configuration is done via the web driver; Windows and macOS are supported according to the model documentation.

Three connections, different polling rates

Choose USB-C, the 2.4 GHz receiver or Bluetooth. The Pro supports Bluetooth 5.4 and up to 8,000 Hz via USB-C and 2.4 GHz. The standard K98 uses Bluetooth 5.1 and lists 1,000 Hz via USB and 133 Hz via Bluetooth. 8,000 Hz corresponds to a polling interval of 0.125 ms, not the total input latency. The Pro's 8K rating does not apply to Bluetooth or the standard K98.

Battery and runtime suited to the operating mode

K98 Pro: 8,000 mAh, according to the manufacturer, up to 166 hours in 2.4 GHz 8K mode without or 19 hours with standard lighting. At 2.4 GHz and 1,000 Hz, up to 228 or 20 hours are listed; via Bluetooth up to 228 or 21 hours. K98: 4,000 mAh, up to 44 or 26 hours in 2.4 GHz mode, up to 45 or 26 hours via Bluetooth. Charging time according to the data sheet: around ten hours for the Pro, around five for the K98. The actual runtime depends on usage and settings.

Materials, gasket design and lighting

Gasket structure and multi-layer damping affect the feel and sound, but do not make a keyboard silent. Phantom Black combines an aluminum alloy with PBT keycaps containing PC components, 19 ARGB key effects and five RGB side lighting effects. Pastel Haze uses a plastic case and thermosublimated PBT keycaps; Translucent Smoke Gray uses semi-transparent PC keycaps. Both K98 versions offer twelve RGB key effects.

Deliberately choose German QWERTZ or ANSI

The K98 Pro Phantom Black is available with ISO-DE/QWERTZ or ANSI/QWERTY. K98 Pastel Haze and Translucent Smoke Gray are currently offered with ANSI/QWERTY. A different operating system layout does not change the physical key arrangement or the labeling. For a German layout, explicitly choose the ISO-DE variant of the Pro.

Additional features are model-dependent

The K98 Pro lists Snap Tap (SOCD), Mod-Tap and TGL. Check your game or tournament rules before activation. The standard K98 does not support these features according to the data sheet. N-Key Rollover and web configuration are features of both model series. Hot-swap is listed for the K98 with suitable mechanical switches; always check the compatibility specifications of your model.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Mercury K98 Series

Which K98 is available with a German QWERTZ layout?

Currently, the K98 Pro Phantom Black is available with ISO-DE/QWERTZ or ANSI/QWERTY. The K98 Pastel Breath and Translucent Smoke Gray are offered with ANSI/QWERTY in this selection. German software key mapping does not replace a physical ISO-DE key layout.

Do all models offer 8,000 Hz?

No. The K98 Pro offers up to 8,000 Hz via USB-C and 2.4 GHz, not via Bluetooth. The standard K98 is rated at 1,000 Hz via USB and 133 Hz via Bluetooth. Polling rate and total input latency are different values.

Is the display an OLED?

No. The K98 and K98 Pro feature a 1.65-inch TFT color display with 142 × 428 pixels.

Are the UFO switches on the K98 Pro magnetic?

No. The K98 Pro uses mechanical UFO linear switches. The UFO designation alone does not mean Hall Effect. The standard K98 uses mechanical Shooting Star linear switches. A magnetically adjustable actuation point and Rapid Trigger are not supported for these models.

Is Translucent Smoke Gray a silent keyboard?

This version is not advertised as a silent keyboard here. It uses lubricated mechanical linear switches. The gasket structure and dampening affect the sound but do not make the keyboard silent.

How long does the battery last?

This depends on the model, connection, polling rate, and lighting. The Pro has 8,000 mAh and, according to the manufacturer, reaches up to 166 hours without lighting or 19 hours with standard lighting in 2.4 GHz 8K mode. The K98 has 4,000 mAh and lists up to 44 or 26 hours via 2.4 GHz. Actual runtimes may vary.

Does every K98 support Snap Tap or Mod-Tap?

No. Snap Tap (SOCD), Mod-Tap, and TGL are specified for the K98 Pro. The standard K98 does not support them according to the datasheet. Check the rules of your game or tournament before using such additional features.

Can I change the switches on the K98?

The K98 supports hot-swapping for suitable mechanical switches. For Translucent Smoke Gray, suitable mechanical 3-/5-pin switches are expressly specified. Use a suitable puller and check compatibility before modification. Hall Effect magnetic switches are not a substitute.

Is the 98% format also suitable for work?

Yes. The numeric keypad, F-row, and arrow keys make it easier to switch between gaming, typing, and entering numbers. The exact key layout depends on the selected layout. Also check the case dimensions, as the Pro is larger than the standard K98.