GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro review

Trade in GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro Mouse

(Image credit: Future)

Many of the top gaming mice reviewed at Tom’s Guide tend to look quite similar. Typically, the main design variation among these mice is the presence of a perforated honeycomb pattern. If you’re seeking something that will undoubtedly catch the eye on your desk, allow me to present the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro.

Much like the company’s other offerings, the Mercury M1 Pro features a sci-fi aesthetic. This wireless gaming mouse stands out from any other peripheral in my collection, and its performance matches its unique look. Sporting a 1,000Hz polling rate and 26,000 DPI, it excels in first-person shooters and RPGs, while its intuitive companion software allows for easy customization. The 200-hour battery life is an added bonus.

However, the perforated design might not appeal to everyone and can be uncomfortable. Additionally, if you opt for the gunmetal gray version, you’ll need to purchase a separate receiver to enhance the polling rate to 4,000Hz.

For a comprehensive analysis, check out my full GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro review.

GRAVASTAR MERCURY M1 PRO REVIEW: SPECS

GRAVASTAR MERCURY M1 PRO REVIEW: CHEAT SHEET

• What is it? A wireless gaming mouse with a 1,000Hz polling rate and 26,000 DPI
• Who is it for? For casual gamers who also want a statement piece on their desk
• How much does it cost? The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro starts at $139 / £109, and you can get the optional 4K receiver for an additional $24 / £19
• What do we like? Its premium construction, otherworldly design, gaming performance, battery life and companion software
• What don’t we like? The mouse may be uncomfortable, you need to buy the 4K receiver separately if you buy the gray colorway, and the design might be divisive

GRAVASTAR MERCURY M1 PRO REVIEW: THE UPS

With its high-quality construction, distinctive design, impressive gaming performance, and intuitive companion software, the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro is sure to meet many gamers’ expectations.

Otherworldly design

(Image credit: Future)

Straight out of a sci-fi movie! The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro stands apart from other mice I’ve tested. With its perforated exoskeletal design and exposed RGB orb resembling a glowing scarab, it’s truly unique. The buttons also have a distinct feel, being smaller than those on other mice and perfectly fitting the width of my fingers. The front of the Mercury M1 Pro, housing the USB-C port, resembles the bumper of a sci-fi car. This mouse comes in three colors: gunmetal gray (the one I tested), yellow, and silver mist.

Premium construction

(Image credit: Future)

Once I got past the initial shock of the Mercury M1 Pro’s alien-like design, I was impressed by its excellent build quality. This mouse is exceptionally sturdy and robust. Similar to the Keychron M3 Mini 4K Metal ($99), GravaStar uses magnesium alloy for the frame, adding some weight to the mouse (3.1 ounces). Measuring 4.88 x 2.53 x 1.55 inches, it fits my medium-sized hands perfectly, and you’ll quickly get accustomed to its size.

The left and right-click buttons offer satisfying tactile feedback when pressed. The textured scroll wheel is also solid, perhaps one of the best I’ve used. The mouse’s feet are made from a low-friction, hydrophobic material that resists wear and chemicals, allowing the mouse to glide smoothly across various surfaces. Additionally, there’s a convenient dongle compartment on the underside.

Gaming performance

(Image credit: Future)

The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro features impressive gaming capabilities, with a maximum DPI of 26,000 and a 1,000Hz polling rate. By purchasing an additional receiver, you can boost the polling rate to 4,000Hz (more on that later). While the 1,000Hz polling rate is sufficient for most players, competitive gamers might prefer a mouse with a 4,000Hz polling rate that doesn’t require an additional $24 expense. For instance, the Keychron M3 Mini 4K Metal ($99) includes a 4,000Hz receiver right out of the box.

(Image credit: Future)

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing third-person RPGs like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Final Fantasy XV with the Mercury M1 Pro. Its 1,000Hz polling rate ensures smooth and responsive cursor movements, and the left- and right-click buttons register presses accurately, which is crucial in these games for executing rapid attacks in quick succession.

Additionally, the mouse features a button for on-the-fly DPI adjustments, which is particularly useful in first-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Using the GravaStar companion software, I set the highest DPI to 18,000 for close-quarter combat and knife fights, allowing me to chain headshots with pistols effectively. For sniping, I switched to a lower DPI for enhanced stability and accuracy.

Despite my initial skepticism about the smaller buttons, they didn’t hinder my performance at all. With my medium-sized hands, the buttons fit perfectly and didn’t compromise my gaming experience. The Mercury M1 Pro proved to be a reliable and solid gaming peripheral that never let me down.

Battery life

(Image credit: Future)

Just when I thought the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro couldn’t impress me more, its battery life proved to be, in a word, staggering. GravaStar claims this mouse can last up to 146 hours using the 2.4GHz dongle (1,000Hz) and up to 200 hours over Bluetooth (125Hz). Of course, these numbers are influenced by the use of RGB lighting. Additionally, a quick charge of an hour and a half can provide up to 75 hours of usage.

After my initial 15-hour session, the battery had only dipped to 90%, and this was with the RGB effects active. This observation supports GravaStar’s 146-hour claim.

Companion software

(Image credit: GravaStar)

The Mercury M1 Pro’s companion software, GravaStar (not the most imaginative name), is available exclusively for Windows and is very user-friendly.

(Image credit: GravaStar)

You can customize the mouse by remapping the five programmable buttons, assigning custom DPI settings to various button clicks, and adjusting the RGB lighting’s brightness and speed. It’s a straightforward app that gets the job done.

GRAVASTAR MERCURY M1 PRO REVIEW: THE DOWNS

The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro has few faults. Its drawbacks primarily involve pre-purchase considerations, and it may also be uncomfortable for some users.

May be uncomfortable

(Image credit: Future)

Although the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro is well-constructed, it isn’t the most comfortable mouse I’ve used. The metallic ridges are more pronounced than on other perforated mice I’ve tested, leaving noticeable indentations on my palm. After using it for eight consecutive hours, I experienced slight discomfort in my wrist and fingers. Neither the claw grip nor the palm grip felt comfortable with this mouse.

If you prefer a perforated design but are looking for better comfort, I’d suggest considering the Keychron M3 Mini 4K Metal or the Glorious Model O 2 ($99).

4K receiver sold separately

(Image credit: Future)

The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro supports a polling rate of up to 4,000Hz, essential for fast-paced and competitive gaming. However, if you prefer the gunmetal gray colorway, you’ll need to purchase the 4K receiver separately, which resembles a captivity pod from Baldur’s Gate 3, and costs an additional $24.

On the other hand, if you choose the yellow or silver mist color options, the 4K receiver is included in the box for $129. The reason for the separate purchase requirement for the gray mouse is unclear, but it’s worth noting.

For a more straightforward option, the Keychron M3 Mini 4K Metal comes with a 4K dongle included, so you don’t need to spend extra to achieve the promised performance.

Divisive design

(Image credit: Future)

This isn’t necessarily a flaw but more of a pre-purchase consideration. The GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro features a unique design that may not appeal to everyone. Perforated designs tend to attract dust and can show grime buildup, so if this bothers you, keeping a can of compressed air handy might be useful.

If you’re interested in a more straightforward design, consider the Keychron M7 ($49). It’s half the price of the Mercury M1 Pro but has a maximum polling rate of 1,000Hz.

GRAVASTAR MERCURY M1 PRO REVIEW: VERDICT

With its premium construction and futuristic design, the GravaStar Mercury M1 Pro truly stands out. Its magnesium alloy frame guarantees durability, while the exoskeletal design and RGB lighting infuse a sci-fi vibe into your setup. The mouse’s performance is equally impressive, featuring a maximum DPI of 26,000 and a 1,000Hz polling rate, with the option to upgrade to 4,000Hz (at an extra cost for the gray colorway) using a 4K dongle. Plus, you won’t have to worry about running out of power, as the Mercury M1 Pro’s exceptional battery life of up to 200 hours will keep you going for days—or even weeks.

(Image credit: Future)

It does have a few downsides, but none are significant enough to overshadow the Mercury M1 Pro’s strengths. While the distinctive design is eye-catching, it may not appeal to everyone, and the metallic ridges might not be the most comfortable for extended use. Additionally, if you choose the gray mouse, you’ll need to purchase the 4K receiver separately.

Overall, this is an excellent mouse that’s likely to please any sci-fi enthusiast.

Source: Tom’s Guide