The Quick Verdict on the AULA F99
If you need a feature-packed wireless mechanical keyboard without spending a fortune, the AULA F99 is a solid pick. It serves gamers, programmers, and office users well. Skip it if you use a Mac for core work and need deep software customization. Also, those needing shine-through keycaps or a super stiff board should look elsewhere. The main trade-off here is the excellent typing feel and robust battery life set against a plastic build and clunky, Windows-only software. This budget hero earns a strong 8.5 out of 10 for its value and performance.
Design, Build & Physical Fit
Running your fingers across the AULA F99 reveals its plastic casing. For its price, it feels solid enough. The chassis lacks true rigidity, showing some deck flex under pressure. This is a common trade-off in the under-$100 tier, to be honest. At 1.5 pounds, the keyboard sits firmly on a desk. Its compact 96% layout measures about 15.35 inches long by 5.75 inches wide. This means you get a full number pad and arrow keys without taking up too much space.
Two fold-out feet on the underside offer sturdy steps. They give you adjustable typing angles. This helps with wrist comfort over long use. While the general plastic feel is a bit cheap, it's what you expect. The overall footprint works well for most desktop setups.
Core Performance & Feel: AULA F99 Keyboard
Under the keycaps sit Nimbus V3 linear switches. These come pre-lubed from the factory. They have an initial actuation force of 30g. They bottom out at 45g. This makes for a light, quick press. The keystroke feel is smooth and consistent. Typing on the F99 offers a satisfying, springy, gasket-mount design. This leads to an excellent typing experience overall.
Audibly, the F99 delivers a creamy sound profile. Five layers of internal dampening materials work to cut down cavity noise. This includes IXPE pads, PORON foam, and silicone. This sound dampening gives a more premium feel than the plastic case would suggest. It counters the hollow acoustic signatures often found in budget boards. Lab tests put 2.4GHz input latency at roughly 4-6 ms. This is very good for gaming and general use. Wired mode and 2.4GHz both hit a 1000 Hz polling rate. Bluetooth drops to 125 Hz. The keyboard handles N-key rollover without issues. This means all keys register, even with many presses at once.
Looking at the keycaps, they are double-shot PBT. This means crisp legends that won't fade. However, they lack shine-through capability. This makes them hard to read in low light when the RGB is on.
Power, Battery & Connectivity of the AULA F99
Plugging the 2.4 GHz dongle into a front USB port revealed instant connection. The AULA F99 offers versatile tri-mode connection. You get USB-C wired, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0 options. The 2.4 GHz mode feels just as responsive as a wired link. Bluetooth offers solid, lag-free performance for general typing and light gaming. You can pair it with up to five devices. Switching between them uses simple FN key combinations.
Inside the board is a large 8000mAh battery. This is a major perk. With RGB lighting at moderate brightness, expect a solid week or more of use in 2.4 GHz mode. Turn RGB off, and the battery life extends drastically. Our tests show up to 53 hours with RGB on. It goes up to 400 hours with RGB off. That means weeks of usage in Bluetooth mode. A USB-C cable handles charging and wired connection. A nice touch is the dedicated slot on the keyboard for the 2.4 GHz dongle. This keeps it safe when not in use.
Controls, Software & Daily Maintenance
The AULA F99 features a multi-function knob. By default, this knob controls volume. Software lets you customize its use. You can assign it to media control, backlight adjustment, zoom, or scrolling. The board itself does not have dedicated media keys. This is a minor drawback for some.
For software, Aula provides a proprietary driver. This driver offers basic customization. You can remap keys, create macros, and control backlighting. Changes save directly to the keyboard. However, the software interface is clunky. It lacks a live layout view for custom keymaps. There is no visual indicator for layers. Critically, it is Windows-only. There is no Mac support. This means Mac users miss out on any software customization. Linux and ChromeOS work fine via standard USB HID, but without driver features.
Keeping the keyboard clean is straightforward. Keycaps are easy to remove with the included puller. The case uses plastic clips for assembly. Disassembly for deep cleaning risks damage if not careful. The manufacturer suggests checking for specific spill-resistance ratings. We recommend keeping liquids away from this board.
How the AULA F99 Compares
The AULA F99 sits in a competitive space, offering good features for its price point. It generally costs less than similar options like the Epomaker TH80 Pro or Keychron V5 Max. This makes it a strong contender for value-focused buyers.
- Versus Epomaker TH80 Pro / Keychron V5 Max: The F99 is somewhat less expensive. However, the Keychron V5 Max offers better gaming performance. Its software is also more capable and intuitive. If software matters, the F99 falls short here.
- Versus ROYAL KLUDGE RK61: The F99 has a larger 96% compact form factor. It gives you dedicated arrow keys and a number pad. The RK61 is a smaller 60% board, lacking those. The F99 also features a multi-function knob (on some F99 models, not standard) which the RK61 typically does not.
- Versus GravaStar Mercury K1: The AULA F99 has a softer, springier gasket mount. Some users might find this too bouncy. The GravaStar has a stiffer mount, which some prefer. Your preference for typing feel will guide this choice. The F99 shines in its comprehensive features at a lower cost, but it does make compromises in build and software.
What I Like & What Could Be Better
After extended testing, several aspects of the AULA F99 stand out. The typing experience is a major win. The pre-lubed linear switches and gasket mount provide a smooth, enjoyable feel. The creamy sound profile adds to this premium feel. Battery life is also excellent. Weeks of use in Bluetooth mode or a solid week in 2.4 GHz wireless with RGB on is impressive. The tri-mode connection offers great flexibility for various setups. Having a dedicated slot for the 2.4 GHz dongle is a smart detail. Hot-swappable switches mean easy customization down the line.
There are definite areas for improvement, though. The build quality, while decent for the price, uses cheaper-feeling ABS plastic. There's some noticeable deck flex. The biggest flaw is the keycaps. They lack shine-through legends. This makes them hard to read in dim lighting. The software also needs a serious overhaul. Its clunky UI, lack of Mac support, and no live layout view are significant drawbacks. Finally, for those who prefer a stiffer board, the F99's soft, flexible typing might not be ideal.
Who Should Skip the AULA F99 Keyboard
Certain buyers should look past the AULA F99. If you are a dedicated Mac user, needing robust software to customize keymaps or RGB, this keyboard is not for you. The software is Windows-only. Those who absolutely require shine-through keycaps for low-light use will find the F99 frustrating. Its legends become difficult to read in the dark. If your typing preference leans towards a very stiff, rigid board, the F99's softer, springy gasket mount might feel too flexible.
For a better Mac experience with more versatile software, consider a Keychron V5 Max. If shine-through keycaps are vital, explore options with transparent PBT or ABS keycaps. If stiffness is key, look for boards with a tray mount or a firmer gasket implementation, or even a simpler wired board with a metal frame.