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Monday, 3 August 2026

TCL flexes its gaming TV chops with new Mini LED monitors

TCL flexes its gaming TV chops with new Mini LED monitors

TCL’s TVs tend to be pretty good for gaming, so it should come as little surprise that the brand now has a range of PC monitors for getting your game on. Four new TCL gaming monitors have just landed in Australia, each using some variation of Mini LED technology.

Ranging from $499 for the Full HD 25G54 Mini LED model to $1,599 for the flagship 4K 32R84 QD-Mini LED display, there’s a bit of versatility throughout the range. Most of the differences between each model come down to factors like resolution, brightness, and port availability. Basically, the more you pay, the sharper and brighter the monitor is, along with more ports.

Aside from the sharpest resolution of the bunch, the TCL 32R84 also sports the most premium specs. Its panel houses 1,400 dimming zones for light control, with the QD-Mini LED backlights producing up to 1,400 nits of peak brightness.

Specifically for gamers, the monitor supports up to 165Hz refresh rates, a 1ms response time, and supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync technologies to combat lag and screen tearing.

Built into the TCL 32R84 are two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 slot, and several USB ports. If your laptop supports USB-C charging and display connectivity, you can connect it directly to the monitor via one cable.

Of the four monitors, the smallest 25G54 is the only one that uses vanilla Mini LED versus QD-Mini LED tech. According to the specs, the difference isn’t huge — the monitor covers 93 per cent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, compared to the 95 or 96 per cent of the other models — but it’s a difference nonetheless.

TCL’s mid-range options, like the 27G64 and 32G64 models, use a ‘QHD’ resolution (2560 x 1440). This puts them more within reach of mid-range PC gamers who target 1440p gaming.

TCL gaming monitor range price

Consistent with TCL’s TV strategy, its new gaming monitors are competitively priced for the features on offer. All but the flagship model cost less than $1,000, keeping prices within reach of most gamers.

Here’s how much each monitor costs in Australia:

At the lower end, it’s one of the more affordable Mini LED entry points, while gamers with bigger wallets can still seek out high-end features.

The post TCL flexes its gaming TV chops with new Mini LED monitors appeared first on GadgetGuy.


Why a travel router is essential for your next trip

Why a travel router is essential for your next trip

Having access to safe and reliable internet is now just another normal part of travelling. Whether it’s work or a holiday, you need that online connection to do everything from booking tickets to managing your budget, and more. And of course, you know public Wi-Fi can be incredibly dodgy, safety-wise. Which is where a travel router like TP-Link’s Roam 7 comes in.

A travel router is designed to connect your devices – that’s devices plural – to public Wi-Fi, whether that’s in a hotel, airport, local shopping centre, or somewhere even sketchier. The router cuts that risk way, way back, and it makes using your gear more convenient too.

TP-Link’s Roam 7 is a great example of a travel router, thanks to its multiple modes and robust set of security features. It’s one of the best ways to access the internet on the road.

Public Wi-Fi isn’t always safe

It’s always best to assume that public Wi-Fi is never safe, but even if some places ARE okay, there are just too many opportunities for malicious actors to mess with your network access.

You have no control over a public Wi-Fi network, and no way of seeing what else is connected. The data you send over that network isn’t private and could be intercepted. As for free internet in general? Well, you know what they say: if you’re not paying for it, you’re the product. An undefended device can end up spammed with ads, infected with adware, or worse.

TP-Link Roam 7 connecting to a person's laptop wirelessly

That’s the security side of things, but the other frustration with public Wi-Fi is having to set up a new connection for each one of your devices. Phone, tablet, laptop, maybe a camera too – it’s a pain. And speaking of cameras or game consoles, these devices might struggle to connect at all, because they can’t access the custom login screens that some public and hotel Wi-Fi networks use.

Yes, you can use your phone as a hotspot, and bypass public Wi-Fi for a much more secure private data link via your mobile data provider or their overseas partner. But this almost always gets really expensive, really fast.

Anyway, you don’t need to give up on public Wi-Fi to stay safe and juggle multiple devices. This is where a travel router comes in.

How a travel router solves the problems of public Wi-Fi

A travel router like the TP-Link Roam 7 can massively boost the security of your connection, by sitting in between your device and the public Wi-Fi network. But it’s not just about security: a travel router lets you connect multiple devices, all through a device YOU own. Routers like the Roam 7 take connections from your phone, tablet, laptop, and of course the devices of anyone you’re travelling with.

TP-Link Roam 7 connected to laptop

Think of it as a gateway between public networks and your devices. It doesn’t have to be Wi-Fi only, either. Some hotels provide an Ethernet connection: plug that in to the router (if it has an Ethernet port, like the TP-Link Roam 7 does) and you’re away. In either case, the router keeps your devices from connecting to an unsecured network directly, and adds in the layer of security – and anonymity – public networks lack.

Travel routers like the Roam 7 are compact (13 x 9.3 x 3.8 cm); they just slip into a pocket of your luggage like any other device. So you can take them on any sort of travel.

A travel router for work, play and everyday

If you’re travelling for work, the router is going to come in handy at the airport and when using hotel Wi-Fi. Or anywhere you need to connect your laptop to data – and maybe your phone too if you’re trying to save on roaming costs.

When you’re on holiday, meanwhile, it’s the multi-device functionality that really makes a travel router worthwhile. TP-Link’s Roam 7, for example, can connect up to 90 devices at once. This makes it ideal for even a large family travelling together, everyone with their own phones, second screen, cameras, and maybe a games console or two.

TP-Link Roam 7 held in someone's hand

Also, it’s worth mentioning, you don’t have to actually be travelling to get benefit from a travel router. Even down your local shopping centre or at your local library, a device like the Roam 7 can be a boon for both security and flexibility.

So just to recap, the main benefit of a travel router like the TP-Link Roam 7 is threefold:

Security: The router creates a private network, using the latest security protocols, and it sits between your device and the public internet.

Privacy: The router can support use of a VPN for an extra layer of privacy, and encrypt your online activity, making it virtually impossible for anyone else connected to the same public network to see your activity or intercept any of your personal information.

Flexibility: You connect the travel router to the public network one time. Then you can connect as many of your devices as you like to the travel router. No repetitive signing in or fiddling with Wi-Fi details and passwords.

How TP-Link Roam 7 solves travel Wi-Fi

Not all travel routers are created equal, of course, which is why the TP-Link Roam 7 keeps getting mentioned in this article. It’s a powerful Wi-Fi 7 router, but in a form factor that you can easily take anywhere.

Since it’s Wi-Fi 7, the Roam 7 can give you up to 3.6Gbps of combined speed, across 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. Sure, your average public free network is nowhere near that fast, but that’s changing. Speeds at the Jannah Burj Al Sarab hotel in Abu Dhabi, for example, are up to 1.2Gbps Wi-Fi. Yeah, that’s an outlier, but it’s the shape of the future, and it’s coming faster than you think. So why not be ready?

TP-Link Roam 7 travel router diagonal front view

The Roam 7 also prioritises versatility. Along with Wi-Fi, there are two Ethernet ports (including a high-speed 2.5G WAN port). This means you can use hotel Ethernet and a wired device at the same time, or two wired devices with the Roam 7 connected via Wi-Fi. There’s also a USB 3.0 port for sharing files from a hard drive or tethering mobile data from your phone/cellular modem. Plus, a USB-C power port lets you run it off a power bank.

When it comes to security, the Roam 7 is locked down tight, which gives you peace of mind on the road. It also supports VPNs including OpenVPN and WireGuard.

And the Roam 7 handles all your devices, no matter how overstuffed your gadget bag is. Okay, the limit is 90 simultaneous connections, but if you’re maxing that out? Just buy a second router for 90 more!

Make a travel router your suitcase staple

For work and play, a travel router is the smart way to access internet away from home. And not just for travel – any time you need to connect to a public network of some kind and can’t be guaranteed of a safe and secure connection otherwise.

The TP-Link Roam 7 brings enough security, customisation, and versatility, to turn any hotel room into an internet-connected home office, or even just an entertainment and chill hub, like your living room. Having safe and reliable internet away from home is a must. That’s why your travel router should be one of the first things you pack.

Learn more about the Roam 7 via TP-Link’s Australian website.

The post Why a travel router is essential for your next trip appeared first on GadgetGuy.


Robots doing your laundry? The future is closer than you think

Robots doing your laundry? The future is closer than you think

Robot appliances can do all sorts of things around the house, but they haven’t mastered doing our laundry. Not yet, at least. Ecovacs recently showed off a concept robot that picks up your dirty clothes, puts them in the washing machine, and sets it all going for you.

It was part of a recent tour of Ecovacs’ headquarters in China attended by Australian media, where the company showed a behind-the-scenes glimpse at its in-development robot technologies.

One of the demos showed “Ba Jie”, an upright robot that acts as a laundry butler of sorts. It wheels around rooms, using an extendable arm to pick up clothes strewn around the home, and then automatically starts the washing machine once it’s all loaded.

Ba Jie is still in a concept phase at the moment, but it’s a cool idea that could take care of one more household chore.

Valens Quinn travelled to China as a guest of Ecovacs.

The post Robots doing your laundry? The future is closer than you think appeared first on GadgetGuy.


Sunday, 2 August 2026

TP-Link’s sub-$1,000 robot vacuum can cut through hair tangles

TP-Link’s sub-$1,000 robot vacuum can cut through hair tangles

Most of the time, it’s the high-end, all the bells and whistles varieties of robot vacuums that claim the spotlight. It’s cool to see what the latest robot technologies can do, but they’re not always within the budget of everyday households. Targeting that more affordable tier is TP-Link’s $899 Tapo RV50 Omni, a robot vacuum with several self-cleaning features.

It wasn’t that long ago that robot vacs with self-emptying and cleaning docks would fetch a price far above $1,000. Now, it’s more common to see sub-$1,000 robot appliances that don’t need constant manual emptying, but the Tapo RV50 Omni still seems to offer a lot for its relatively affordable price.

For one, its included base station empties the robot’s dustbin each time it docks. Built into the system is a cutting brush that detangles any hair or fur picked up along the way. Plus, the station also washes the robot’s mop pads and then dries them with 50°C air.

Tapo RV50 Omni living room dirty floor
If your floors are this dirty, a robot vacuum might be the least of your worries. Image: Tapo.

“Most people love the idea of a robot vacuum until they have to clean it,” said Neville Wang, Managing Director, TP-Link Australia and New Zealand. “With the RV50 Omni we wanted something that genuinely looks after itself, from the tangle-free brush to a dock that washes and dries its own mops, so it keeps working in the background of a busy home.”

TP-Link lists up to 12,000Pa of suction power for the Tapo RV50 Omni, which won’t set any world records, but it’s on par with more affordable mid-range robot cleaners. It also has two spinning mop pads that rotate at 180RPM while applying up to 8N of downward pressure.

On paper, the RV50 Omni looks like a well-featured robot vacuum for the price. It’s out now in Australia via Tapo’s online store. Above all, it’s good to see more competition in Australia’s sub-$1,000 robot vacuum market.

The post TP-Link’s sub-$1,000 robot vacuum can cut through hair tangles appeared first on GadgetGuy.


Cheapest SIM plans in Australia: Compare from $12 per month

Cheapest SIM plans in Australia: Compare from $12 per month

Are you looking to save on your phone bill? We’ve rounded up the cheapest SIM plans from a range of different carriers to help you find the best price. If you’re unsure about whether a SIM-only mobile plan is what you need, our quick guide to SIM only mobile plans will get you up to speed.

Generally speaking, if you don’t want a new phone or a lock-in contract, a SIM plan is the way to go. It’s easy to get what you need without paying for excess features. Unlimited phone calls and text messages usually come standard, with data and international roaming the main points of difference. If you do want a phone, however, check out the current deals on phone plans, including discounted handsets.

We update this article monthly, so bookmark this page to keep up to date with the cheapest SIM plans. Prices update in real-time, meaning you get the latest deals available in Australia right now. You can also use a custom search to choose a plan that suits your exact needs.

All of the plans featured in this article include an expiry period of at least 28 days. You can purchase a SIM plan with a shorter recharge window, ideal for travellers who only need a bit of data while visiting Australia.

Want to save on your internet bill, too? Check out the cheapest NBN plans to save even more money. You can also compare the best Telstra SIM-only plans, Vodafone SIM-only plans, and Optus SIM-only plans.

Contents

Cheapest SIM plans

Postpaid

SpinTel is currently the cheapest postpaid SIM plan, costing $12 per month for the first six months. The plan uses the Optus 5G network, including 25GB of data. Once the discounted period ends, SpinTel’s plan costs $23 per month.

Not far behind is a $12.50 per month offer from Pivotel, discounted for six months from its usual $25 price. Using Vodafone’s 4G network, the plan comes with 30GB of data each month. Another cheap option comes from Dodo, with its Small Mobile Plan priced at $14 per month for the first six months. 25GB of data comes included, along with a 5G Optus connection. After discounts, Dodo’s plan costs $25 per month ongoing.

If you’re keen on a postpaid SIM plan on the Telstra network, Tangerine currently sells the cheapest option. Its $30 monthly plan costs $20 per month for the first three months, with 60GB included each month for the first six months (30GB applies afterwards). Keep in mind that this Tangerine plan only uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G networks, so check the coverage map before locking anything in.

Prepaid

Buckle up for a multi-part deal: Yomojo sells the current cheapest prepaid SIM plan, but it’s not a fixed price the entire time. It only costs $1 for the first month, followed by a $12.45 monthly price through to the sixth month. Afterwards, Yomojo’s plan costs $24.90 per month on regular pricing. It nets you an Optus 4G Plus connection and 29GB of monthly data.

Only slightly more expensive are prepaid SIM plans from iiNet and TPG, both using the Vodafone 4G network. For the first six months, each plan costs $12.50 per month, and then $25 each month after, with 25GB of data included. OnePass Mobile also costs $12.50 for the first six recharges; it uses a 28-day cycle rather than the monthly billing of the above plans.

On the Telstra network, the cheapest current prepaid SIM plan is $23 from Aldi Mobile on a 30-day renewal. Aldi uses Telstra’s wholesale 4G network while bundling 12GB of data.

Cheapest 5G SIM plans

5G coverage reaches more of Australia than ever, bringing with it faster download speeds. Phones compatible with 5G are also increasingly affordable, making it easier to access high-speed networks.

In some cases, 5G plans can cost more, but as you’ll see below, they can also be among the cheapest.

Postpaid

Most of the cheapest postpaid 5G SIM plans follow the same trend as above; SpinTel ($12 per month) and Dodo ($14 per month) are currently the clear standouts.

Outside of discounts, postpaid 5G plans start from $23 per month, so it’s a reasonably affordable tier.

Prepaid

On the prepaid side of the fence, OnePass Mobile currently sells the cheapest 5G prepaid SIM plans, starting at $12.50 per 28-day renewal and 22GB of data. Lyca Mobile, on the Vodafone 5G network, is similarly cheap, priced at $15 per 28 days for the first six recharges, including a large 50GB allocation. Afterwards, it costs $30 every 28 days.

Boost Mobile is the cheapest Telstra-based prepaid SIM plan with 5G access, priced at $28 per 28-day renewal. It includes a relatively small 8GB allocation, albeit with a 21GB introductory offer that applies to the first three recharges. Boost is also the only MVNO with access to the full Telstra network, reaching further than most other telcos.

For a bit more data on the Telstra network, Aldi Mobile and Ezee Mobile include 29GB per 30-day recharge for $29. Both rely on Telstra’s wholesale network, so check the coverage map to be sure if your area is covered.

Depending on your data needs, you can generally pick up a 5G prepaid plan for $25 per recharge.

Cheapest 365-day SIM plans

If you know what you need over a longer period and want to save money in the process, a 365-day SIM plan might do the trick. Simply pay once per year, and get a bank of data to use with unlimited calls and texts. It’s a cost-effective way of paying your phone bill for basic internet users who aren’t big downloaders.

At the time of writing, Kogan Mobile tops the list of cheapest 365-day SIM plans, charging $149 for a Vodafone 4G connection and 140GB of data. Post-discount, Kogan’s plan costs $179.90 per 365 days.

Looking at Optus connections, OnePass Mobile is the cheapest long-term option. At the moment, OnePass Mobile’s 280GB plan costs $169 for the first recharge, down from its regular $250 price. Even at full price, that’s still less than a dollar per gigabyte, if data is a priority.

Want a 365-day SIM plan on the Telstra network? Boost Mobile sells the cheapest option at $250, which includes 295GB with the first recharge. Subsequent recharges cost $300 and come with 195GB of data. That’s less data than the 215GB you get with Everyday Mobile’s $250 plan, albeit limited to Telstra’s 4G network.

What you need to know about SIM only plans

It’s fairly easy to change your SIM plan provider. Even more so with the rise of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, letting you change plans almost instantly with a compatible device. Instead of requiring a physical card, eSIM stores network information directly in your phone.

Irrespective of which service provider you go with, the actual network used will be either Optus, Telstra or Vodafone. Many of the cheapest SIM plan providers are mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This refers to carriers that use the network infrastructure of another company.

Boost Mobile is a popular MVNO that has full access to Telstra’s network, reaching 99.5% of Australians. Not every MVNO includes a network’s full coverage, so it’s worth checking a company’s website to ensure your area is serviced.

In terms of how much data you should choose, data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that Australians generally pay for more than what they need. On average, Aussies use 10.2GB of phone data per month, so it’s likely you could get away with a smaller allowance that costs less.

It also depends on how much you stream and download content using your phone. If you mainly use home or office Wi-Fi and don’t stream much, stick with a cheaper plan.

Postpaid versus prepaid

There are a couple of slightly different SIM plan options to choose from. Postpaid refers to plans that operate on a monthly billing cycle, where you pay at the end of each cycle. Postpaid SIM plans generally don’t involve a lock-in contract, so you can freely swap if your needs change or a better deal comes along. If you hit your data cap for a month, your telco might limit speeds until the next cycle or charge extra costs, so check the fine print beforehand.

Prepaid, on the other hand, sees you pay at the start of each cycle for a fixed number of days. Most prepaid SIM plans have a 28-day expiry cycle instead of a full month. Shorter expiries are also available if you need a SIM while travelling, making it a flexible option. The upside is that if you go over your data limit, you won’t incur extra costs. A lot of prepaid plans don’t automatically recharge by default but you can set up auto-recharge manually, with some telcos offering discounts or bonuses if you do so.

Phone number portability

The SIM changeover process takes about 10 minutes of your time or even less if you choose an eSIM. You will receive instructions to visit a website, provide your details, prove your identity (online) and then insert your new SIM.

Note you will have a choice to migrate your existing mobile number or choose a new one. About 15 minutes later, you should be up and running. However, the documentation will indicate it may take up to 24 hours and be affected by working hours.

Best network coverage

Network coverage is one of the most important factors to consider when buying any phone plan. Low prices and all the data in the world don’t mean much if you can’t get a signal. Fortunately, Australia’s mobile phone network coverage is more competitive than ever because of the TPG Telecom and Optus partnership.

Telstra still boasts the broadest network coverage, reaching 99.7% of the Australian population. Optus and Vodafone aren’t far behind, covering 98.5% and 98.4% respectively. Optus expects to rapidly expand its 5G network, so expect plenty of competition in the next couple of years.

TelcoOverall network coverage5G network coverage
Telstra99.7%95%
Telstra wholesale98.8%75%
Optus98.5%80.5%
Vodafone98.5%Not advertised

More important than percentages is whether your location has coverage. Recent changes to the rules governing coverage maps mean that all Australian telcos now use the same standardised definitions, which is aimed at making comparisons easier and more like-for-like. Here’s where you can find each of the major telcos’ network maps:

The best way to find out if a plan suits you is to try one for a month. Lock-in contracts are largely a thing of the past, so it’s easier than ever to try one provider and swap if it doesn’t work out.

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GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro review: More than just a sci-fi showpiece

GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro review: More than just a sci-fi showpiece

8.2

Keyboards come in all shapes and sizes these days, and it’s very easy to forget which brand of keyboard you are looking at. After all, they are just a bunch of keys all lined up in different colours and configurations. GravaStar is certainly an exception.

It’s hard to compare GravaStar with most keyboard brands, as they combine high-end specs and features with a super unique sci-fi aesthetic. It almost looks like its keyboards are from another planet, as is the case with the GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro.

Table of contents

First impressions

This is my first experience using a GravaStar keyboard, and I must admit, I found it hard to focus on anything other than its unique styling. I had to force myself to put that aside and spend some time looking at everything the Mercury V60 Pro delivers.

When first unboxing the keyboard, I was somewhat conflicted. Maybe I am old-fashioned, or maybe it’s the designer in me, but I much prefer a minimalist approach to my keyboards. Some clean lines and a boxy finish are all I am after. The Mercury V60 Pro is anything but simple. As I mentioned, it comes with over-the-top styling, replacement keycaps for every single key, and two accessory boxes with tools and replacement switches. Not your simple plug-and-play keyboard by any means. Regardless, it had piqued my interest. I was truly excited to test this one out.

GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro specifications and price

Dimensions325 × 125.8 × 41 mm
Weight860 g
ConnectivityWired USB connection
SwitchesHall Effect switches
4 x Extra Switches (GravaStar UFO Magnetic Gaming Switches)
Switch total travel distance: 3.5mm
Polling RateUp to 8,000 Hz
Lighting16 Modes, Dual Systems, Multi-Zone RGB Lighting
Price (RRP)$399.99 
Warranty12-month limited hardware warranty
Official websiteGravaStar website

Design

With every other brand making keyboards that look the same as the last, GravaStar quickly caught my attention. I didn’t actually recognise the brand name as much as I recognised the out-there styling of the product. I had seen these keyboards online and always thought to myself “wow, that’s unusual”. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to use and review a GravaStar product that I finally put it all together. If I had to sum up the styling of GravaStar, think of either an overlord or a baneling from StarCraft 2.

I got my hands on the Mercury V60 Pro Deluxe Edition Dual Keycap Gift Box Set, and as you have probably guessed, this comes with a lot of bits and pieces. As I mentioned, I wasn’t sold when I first took the keyboard out of the box. Yes, it had that ultra sci-fi look to it. And yes, it was like no other keyboard I had ever touched. But I felt it was somehow disappointing. Like there was something missing. Plugging in the V60 Pro and using it for the first time was a pleasure. The performance was clearly not the issue. It had to be the aesthetics putting me off. I couldn’t put my finger on it. I also noticed it was hard to read the keys under certain lighting. The grey lettering on shiny silver keys reflected light, making them appear blank.

The build of the keyboard felt sturdy and durable with an aluminium construction. It’s a rather small keyboard with a 60% form factor. This can create challenges for me as I typically use something larger. The outer frame boxes in the keyboard layout and only has one additional button on the top right for switching profiles with a single press. The keys also present with a bit of additional flair spread throughout the keyboard. There is a black logo key as the Esc key in the top left, a black Enter key and a rather unique space bar with the word “Clutch” scribed on it. I like most of these little embellishments, yet the space bar is a strange one. I can live with it though.

Keys and switches

As I dived deeper into exploring the keyboard, I came across the replacement keycaps. Now, most keyboards don’t come with replacement keycaps at all, so having a full set of replacements is an eye-opener. These keycaps were also translucent, meaning the RGB lighting would shine through them. I suddenly had a renewed sense of hope.

Changing out some of the keys and customising the look of the keyboard brought this thing to life. As it turns out, the original keycaps were blocking the RGB lighting from shining through. Without any transparency, not even the lettering, the keyboard felt a little dull to me. But once I had my custom setup sorted with some translucent keys in place, I finally felt the joy this keyboard provides. It now had a balance between the sturdy ​aluminium construction, the alien-esque styling and the techy RGB lights shining through.

Switch replacements were also a breeze with the handy tools included. The hot-swappable design allows for quickly and easily changing between the magnetic hall effect switches and the four replacement UFO magnetic gaming switches.

For the most part, the switch change helps with a few different areas. Stem stability, or how much a switch stem moves side to side inside its housing, is a big factor. It also offers smoother travel as well as a bit of a sound difference. It’s not huge, but it is noticeable. I ended up using the four replacement switches for my WASD movement keys as I feel I get the most use out of those keys in my day-to-day gaming.

Performance

The polling rate is one of the first things I check when looking at a gaming keyboard. This is the rate at which the keyboard sends data to your computer per second, meaning it’s a measure of how responsive the device is. The Mercury V60 Pro has an impressive 8000Hz polling rate paired with 256kHz key position scanning. All of this adds up to an incredibly smooth gaming experience with basically instant keyboard latency. Your typical gaming keyboard works within the range of 1-10 ms, where the Mercury V60 Pro comes in at an impressive 0.125ms. It goes to show GravaStar has performance in mind just as much as aesthetics.

I do like the ability to have multiple profiles that I can easily change between. There are even some preset configurations for different games like CS:GO, which is a nice touch. The browser-based software was easy to use when adjusting actuation point and rapid trigger settings. There is also a handy Travel Test feature to help with your adjustments.

The sound of the keyboard is also something I consider rather important. The sound of the keys certainly adds to the satisfaction of using the product, and thus the overall feeling you get when using it. The Mercury V60 Pro has a rather satisfying click to it. It isn’t too loud or obnoxious, but it certainly has a satisfying click. It’s crisp while also sounding almost smooth with little to no keystroke vibrations. Overall, I would say I enjoyed the sound, and it only enhanced my gaming experience.

Lighting and software

Interestingly, there is no software for this keyboard. Well, there isn’t any installation at least. There is only a web-based driver system, which is a little foreign to me. Maybe it’s a good thing? I personally like controlling all of my gaming peripherals from a software hub. This would typically let me control multiple gaming peripherals within the one software. So having a web browser-style settings page for just this keyboard isn’t what I’m used to. Maybe there is some benefit for those who change computers often or take their keyboard with them to gaming cafes.

As I touched on above, the lighting of the V60 Pro really comes to life once you change out some of the keycaps. With 16 dynamic modes and dual-zone controls broken up between the key backlighting and side ambient lighting, this keyboard shines. Creating your own look is very much a running theme with this keyboard, and the lighting is no different.

You can even adjust things like the effect speed, which is rather fun. If you prefer not to use the software, you have the option of using some keyboard shortcuts as well. You can change colour modes of either section and adjust speed, colour or brightness all from the keyboard using a combination of keys. For example, Fn + Tab switches the colour of the keyboard backlight.

Who is the GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro for?

The GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro is no doubt a premium keyboard. And with that comes a rather large price tag at $399 in Australia. For a keyboard in this price range, I would expect high-end specs, and the V60 Pro delivers. 8k polling, 0.125ms latency and high-end Hall Effect magnetic switches put this beauty right up there. It also comes with a lot of customisation options that are sure to appeal.

For this set of features, the Mercury V60 Pro is for gamers looking for both high-end specs for dominating the competition and a flashy sci-fi-style gaming weapon they can adjust as they see fit.

GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro
Built for competition and style, the GravaStar Mercury V60 Pro is quite the unique keyboard that won't go unnoticed on your desk.
Features
8
Value for money
7
Performance
10
Ease of use
8
Design
8
Positives
Incredibly low latency
Full set of replaceable keys
Unique sci-fi look
Sturdy build
Negatives
Web based software only
A little expensive
8.2

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