Prepare to be polarized: The GravaStar Mercury V75 Pro is a gaming keyboard that dares to be different, and it might just be the most solid piece of tech you'll lay your hands on this year!
In the ever-growing universe of gaming peripherals, GravaStar has made a bold entrance into the Australian market, showcasing a lineup of gaming keyboards that are, to put it mildly, unlike anything you've seen before. We've spent the last few weeks putting the Mercury V75 Pro through its paces, and let me tell you, there's a whole lot to admire. From its refreshingly unique aesthetic to its absolutely stellar build quality, the V75 Pro confidently stands toe-to-toe with some of the most high-end options currently available.
However, it's not all smooth sailing. I did encounter a few frustrations with the customization software, and I'll be honest, that incredibly distinctive, almost alien-like design might not be everyone's cup of tea. But here's where it gets interesting...
Design: A Love-It-or-Hate-It Masterpiece
Honestly, describing the design of the V75 Pro is like trying to explain a dream – you really need to see it to believe it. I've heard whispers that its angular, almost arachnid-inspired form could be unsettling for those with arachnophobia. Personally, when I first unboxed it, I was struck by a more Xenomorph-esque vibe, with its strange contours and sharp, pointed legs. It's definitely a conversation starter!
And there's no escaping it; the vast majority of GravaStar's keyboard collection sports this same, audacious look, with only minor color variations. We got our hands on the Special Edition Neon Graffiti variant. This one is individually numbered and carries a slightly higher price tag than the standard Cyberpunk and Iron Purple models, arguably amplifying the visual 'chaos' to a new level.
Over the past couple of weeks, I've actually found myself warming up to this unconventional design. But make no mistake, it's a design that will divide opinions. If you lean towards a more minimalist setup or envision this keyboard gracing your office space, the V75 Pro might simply be a non-starter based on aesthetics alone. It's a keyboard that's both intricate and loud, and whether that's a good thing or not is purely subjective.
Build Quality: Where the Real Magic Happens
Now, let's talk about something a bit less controversial, or at least, more universally appreciated: the build quality. I'll likely mention this a few times because it's crucial: with a starting price of A$346.74, the V75 Pro firmly plants itself in the premium segment of the market. A significant reason for this is its robust aluminum frame. It feels incredibly solid and substantial, complemented by a high-quality plastic base that keeps the overall weight manageable where it matters.
Weighing in at 1.09 kg, it's just a smidge heavier than other aluminum-framed keyboards like the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (which is just under 1.07 kg), but the difference is virtually imperceptible. It's also worth highlighting the 5 layers of acoustic foam nestled within, which do a commendable job of dampening vibrations from every key press, leading to a more satisfying typing experience.
And this is the part most people miss... The actual aluminum frame is noticeably chunkier than, say, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL. This is undoubtedly due to the more elaborate design, which is anything but minimalist. Even the key legends are emblazoned across each key in large capital letters, practically filling the entire surface. On the top right, you'll find a handy customizable switch that, by default, controls your PC's volume.
The keyboard's distinctive legs can be folded inwards for a lower profile or outwards for a more elevated stance. While I personally prefer the latter, I also love that the RGB lighting extends right to the tips of these legs, adding an extra layer of visual flair.
Flipping the keyboard over, you'll discover a USB-C port for its wired connection. Alongside it are two unique switches. The one on the left (labeled RT/N) is for enabling or disabling the Rapid Trigger function, which significantly enhances typing fluidity. The switch on the right (WIN/MAC) allows users to seamlessly switch between operating system presets, adapting the default Option/Windows and Command/ALT keys to suit your specific device.
Inside the box, you'll find a USB-A to USB-C cable, a clever 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller, a cleaning brush and cloth, and 4 extra Gravastar x Gateron Magnetic Jade Gaming Switches. It's a comprehensive package. However, my final point on the hardware is the wired-only connectivity.
While I completely understand the benefits for competitive gaming, I do believe that a premium keyboard at this price point should offer the option for wireless usage. It's incredibly convenient for decluttering your desk, and as I'm typing this review, it would be a little easier to use without the cable getting in the way when peak responsiveness isn't the top priority.
Performance: Precision Engineered for Victory
When it comes to performance, the Mercury V75 Pro truly shines. With an 8000Hz USB polling rate and a 256K scanning rate, latency is slashed to an astonishing 0.125ms. This makes it an exceptional starting point for gamers seeking that crucial edge in highly competitive environments.
The included GravaStar x Gateron Magnetic Jade Gaming Switches offer a more linear feel compared to louder, clickier switches. They've been engineered for adjustable actuation in 0.1mm increments, starting from an incredibly low 0.005mm. This is another phenomenal achievement for competitive gamers, though it can make general typing a bit challenging, leading to occasional accidental key presses.
As mentioned earlier, the Rapid Trigger Mode, easily toggled via the dedicated switch on the back, virtually eliminates key reset times. This means a key doesn't need to travel its full upward path to be registered for another press. The impact of this feature is highly dependent on the games you play, but it undeniably boosts the overall responsiveness of the keys.
Finally, there's the Last Keystroke Prioritisation (LKP) + Snap Click feature. This intelligently prioritizes your most recently pressed key, ensuring smooth directional changes and providing gamers with more precise and dedicated inputs. These advanced features undoubtedly elevate the V75 Pro among the more premium keyboards I've had the pleasure of reviewing. At its core, it all comes down to the Hall Effect switches.
While I apologize if you've heard me rave about this before in other reviews, Hall Effect switches utilize magnetic sensors for positioning. This allows for incredibly precise pinpointing of actuation points for each individual key. It's a fantastic technology that I believe should be a standard feature on every premium keyboard, so I'm thrilled to see it here.
Software: Functional, but Could Use a Polish
The GravaStar app is conveniently accessible directly through your web browser on the GravaStar website. I do commend the keyboard for working flawlessly right out of the box, without requiring any initial firmware updates or software installations.
The software itself can be used online or downloaded for offline use on your PC. While it's certainly functional, it feels a bit like an afterthought. You can perform many desired actions, such as adjusting actuation points and customizing per-key RGB lighting. These settings can even be saved individually across four distinct profiles.
But here's where it gets controversial... The software's background appears to dynamically adjust to match your keyboard's color scheme. For me, this resulted in an overly 'graffiti-like' aesthetic that felt a bit too busy and distracting amidst the various menus and prompts. Furthermore, at the time of this writing, my antivirus software flagged the local software download as potentially malicious. This might indicate a lack of certain security standards, but I sincerely hope this is addressed soon.
Verdict & Value: A Solid Investment for the Dedicated Gamer
The GravaStar Mercury V75 Pro is, quite literally, an incredibly solid keyboard. It presents a fantastic option for competitive gamers looking to gain an advantage, and the switches offer a genuinely satisfying daily typing experience.
While the visual style of the Mercury V75 Pro is undeniably unique and, as we've discussed, not universally appealing, I can't let that detract from how exceptionally good this keyboard feels to use. So, the big question is: are you brave enough to embrace the design?
If the striking aesthetic doesn't deter you, or if you, like me, come to appreciate its distinctive charm, then there's more than enough here to justify the V75 Pro as one of the top contenders in its price bracket.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights:
* Solid performance with lightning-fast response times.
* Sturdy build quality that screams premium.
* Fantastic Hall Effect switches offering unparalleled precision.
* Unique, head-turning design that stands out from the crowd.
Lowlights:
* Software design is a bit too loud and messy for some tastes.
Manufacturer: GravaStar
Price: A$346.74 – A$375.64 (for the Special Edition Neon Graffiti variant)
Available: Now
What do you think about the GravaStar Mercury V75 Pro's radical design? Is it a masterpiece or a miss? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your thoughts!
