The Quick Verdict: AULA S99 Gaming Keyboard
Hybrid workers, students, and casual gamers looking for multi-device utility on a tight budget will find a lot to like. This board is not for competitive esports players. Likewise, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts needing hot-swapping or zero-latency input should look elsewhere. The core trade-off here is clear. You get excellent wireless flexibility and quiet membrane switches for a low price. But the plastic build shows slight flex, and the switches are membrane, not mechanical. Still, for its price point, it earns a solid 7.9 out of 10.
Design, Build & Physical Fit
Running your fingers across the AULA S99 reveals a plastic chassis. It's built from ABS, plastic, rubber, and silicone. This construction keeps the weight down to a manageable 2.35 lbs. However, some light flex shows when you press hard on the corners. This isn't great, to be honest, but it is typical for a keyboard in this price tier.
The keyboard measures 16.23 inches long. This means it needs a decent amount of desk space, even with its 96% compact full-size layout. It still includes a numeric keypad for data entry. The overall aesthetic leans toward a black-pink and creamy look, which some will appreciate.
Flipping the board over reveals a foldable two-stage kickstand. This lets you choose from three adjustable height angles. Getting a comfortable typing angle is important for long use, and this feature helps. The design generally supports good ergonomics for office tasks.
Core Performance & Feel
Under the keycaps sit AULA's "Green Creamy" membrane switches. It's critical to note: these are membrane switches, not mechanical. This contradicts some marketing, but our verification confirms it. They offer a smooth, buttery keystroke with a soft tactile bump. Typing feels comfortable, and the noise profile lands in the moderate range. They are significantly quieter than clicky blue switches. However, they are slightly more audible than silent red switches.
For daily tasks and casual gaming, the response time is fine. Serious esports players, though, will notice it's not as instantaneous as premium mechanical keyboards with 1000Hz polling rates. The manufacturer does not publish a wireless polling rate. This board offers multi-key rollover for standard typing speeds, which is suitable for most users.
Inspecting the keycaps, we found the printed lettering may show minor wear. This could happen after six to twelve months of heavy use. This is a common point of feedback from long-term owners. The keycaps themselves offer a pleasant tactile feel, without being too loud or noisy.
Power, Battery & Connectivity
Plugging the 2.4 GHz dongle into a front USB port revealed instant connection. The AULA S99 boasts versatile tri-mode connectivity. You get Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and a USB-C wired option. This flexibility is a major win for multi-device users. It allows switching between devices without re-pairing.
The board holds a rechargeable battery, which you charge via USB-C. A single charge provides 10 to 15 hours of continuous use with the RGB lighting active. Turning off the lights pushes battery life to over 30 hours. This means it lasts for days with typical daily use. A handy LED display gives a live readout of the battery level. However, this display is fixed and cannot be customized. We recommend using the keyboard's own USB-C cable for charging; avoid phone chargers to protect the board.
Wireless range reaches 10 meters, which is standard. The board connects to up to five paired devices at once. You toggle between them using a simple key combo. This makes it ideal for users who juggle a desktop PC, laptop, and tablet throughout the day.
Controls, Software & Daily Maintenance
Navigating audio and lighting is easy with the dual-mode rotary knob. This knob manages both volume and RGB brightness without opening software. It also switches between gaming and office modes. The keyboard also includes three programmable shortcut keys: M1, M2, and M3. These offer quick access to macros or other custom functions.
The AULA S99 supports custom RGB backlighting. You get 16.8 million colors and 16 preset dynamic effects. These are adjustable via software, screen, and shortcut. The companion software for macro setup, however, is not especially intuitive. It has a definite learning curve. For basic lighting and volume control, the knob works great.
OS compatibility is broad. The board works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It also supports Android, iOS, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles. iPads and tablets may need a wired USB-C connection and a USB adapter, though. Cleaning the board is simple enough. It carries a water-resistant rating, so minor spills are not a catastrophe.
How It Compares (Head-to-Head)
Priced in the under-$40 tier, the AULA S99 stands out against its direct competition. Many keyboards at this price point offer only wired connections or basic membrane switches. The S99, however, provides tri-mode wireless connectivity. It also features its unique green creamy membrane switches, giving it a leg up on versatility. This combination is tough to beat for the money.
Comparing it to true mechanical keyboards, the S99 operates noticeably quieter. Its green creamy switches deliver reduced noise and a smoother keystroke. This makes it a better fit for shared office spaces or late-night typing. However, it completely lacks hot-swap capabilities. This means you cannot change the switches later.
Against boards with clicky blue switches, the S99's green creamy membrane switches are a stark contrast. They offer a much softer, more muted sound. You still get tactile feedback without the loud click. The S99 shines with its versatile connection options and custom lighting compared to other budget boards.
What I Like & What Could Be Better
After extended testing, here's what truly stood out and what could see improvement with the AULA S99:
What I Like:- Smooth, Quiet Typing: The green creamy membrane switches deliver a comfortable, low-noise experience. Perfect for shared workspaces.
- Tri-Mode Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C wired options offer great flexibility for multiple devices.
- Solid Battery Life: Lasts days on a charge, especially with RGB off. Recharging via USB-C is convenient.
- Water Resistant Build: Provides peace of mind against accidental spills.
- Adjustable Typing Angles: The two-stage kickstand helps find a comfortable ergonomic position.
- Excellent Value: For its price, it packs impressive features not usually found in this tier.
- Plastic Chassis Flex: The build quality could be more rigid, as slight flex is noticeable under pressure.
- Keycap Legend Wear: Printed lettering may degrade with heavy, long-term use.
- No Hot-Swapping: Switches are soldered; you can't easily change them out.
- Clunky Software: The macro setup software is not user-friendly.
- Fixed LED Display: The battery and mode indicator display lacks customization options.
- Missing Key Functions: Some standard key combinations, like Home key functionality, are missing.
Who Should Skip The AULA S99 Gaming Keyboard
This board makes sense for many, but it's not a universal pick. If you are a professional esports player, skip the AULA S99. Its input response time, while fine for casual play, simply isn't instantaneous enough for competitive FPS. You need a dedicated gaming keyboard with a specified 1000Hz polling rate and faster mechanical switches, such as a wired Razer Huntsman Mini or a high-end Logitech G Pro X.
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will also want to pass. The AULA S99 uses membrane switches, not true mechanical ones. It also lacks hot-swap capabilities. This means you cannot swap out switches. For those seeking custom mechanical keyboards, look to brands like Keychron or Glorious for entry-level hot-swappable options.
Finally, if a premium, rock-solid build without any chassis flex is a must-have, this board falls short. Its plastic construction, while light, does show slight give. A metal-framed keyboard, like some offerings from HyperX or Corsair, would provide the rigidity you seek, though at a higher cost.