If you’re in the market for a quality mechanical keyboard on a budget, you’ll find plenty of options from brands like Aula, Ajazz, Weikav, Ronin, and Mchose. However, most feature compact 65%, 75%, or TKL (80%) layouts. Finding a full-size 100% or 98% keyboard instantly limits your choices.
The Aula F99 Pro is the perfect mechanical keyboard solution. It features a versatile 96% layout and is available at an accessible price point, filling a crucial gap in the budget keyboard market.
Addressing the Need for Compact Productivity
The Aula F99 Pro specifically addresses a key void in the budget mechanical keyboard market: compact productivity. Its 100-key layout places it squarely in the 96% mechanical keyboard category, offering maximum functionality in a minimized footprint.
This model retains the full numeric keypad, including a full-size ‘0’ key. The rest of the essential function keys are strategically arranged to trim down the overall chassis size without sacrificing functionality. The keyboard also conveniently includes a dedicated volume knob.
I chose the White & Black configuration, which offers a clean, appealing aesthetic that perfectly matches my workstation style.
🛠️ Build Quality and Connectivity
The chassis is constructed from ABS plastic, yet the overall build quality feels premium and substantial due to its weight. The Type-C port and the connectivity mode switch are positioned on the back of the keyboard.
Tri-Mode Connectivity: Wireless and Wired Flexibility
The keyboard supports Tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, Wired (USB-C), and 2.4GHz wireless.
- The 2.4GHz mode is accessed via the included dongle.
- The wired mode uses the included Type-C cable.
For the lowest latency and the most responsive gaming or typing experience, I strongly recommend sticking with the wired or 2.4GHz connectivity.
🎯 Superior Typing Experience: Gasket Mount and Sound Profile
The foundation of the F99 Pro’s feel is its genuine Gasket Mount system. This innovative structure suspends the internal components using soft gasket material rather than traditional direct screw mounts.
The isolation provided by the gaskets effectively dampens harsh vibrations and reduces noise during heavy keystrokes. This setup translates into a highly desirable “bouncy, flexible typing experience” that minimizes stress and softens the bottom-out impact.
Switch Options and Sound
The Aula F99 Pro comes with two switch options: the StarArrow Switch and the Nimbus Switch V3.
I am using the StarArrow Switch, and the sound is wonderfully creamy and non-loud, providing a pleasant experience for long typing sessions. If you prefer a more “thockier” sound profile, I suggest opting for the Nimbus Switch version. Note that the F99 Pro with the Nimbus Switch often features side-printed keycaps.
🔋 Battery, Keycaps, and RGB Lighting
Long-Lasting 8000 mAh Battery
The F99 Pro boasts a massive 8000 mAh battery. It’s been over a month since my last charge, and the device is still performing perfectly with no signs of slowing down. For full disclosure, I toggle the RGB lighting based on the time of day, usually turning it off during the daytime and on only at night.
Keycaps and Lighting
The Aula F99 Pro ships with Cherry Profile ABS plastic keycaps. While the dark legends are easily visible from a distance, the keycaps are not shine-through. This means the backlight will not pass through the legends, which can make them difficult to see in complete darkness.
The keyboard features South-facing RGB LEDs and an LED bar near the Escape key, which doubles as a low-battery indicator. The RGB lighting offers pre-defined color modes selectable via the Aula Software.
💯 Verdict: A New Benchmark for Budget 96% Keyboards
The Aula F99 Pro establishes a new benchmark for budget mechanical keyboards with its feature-rich 96% layout, dedicated numpad section, and volume knob.
It should be viewed as an acoustically premium product encased in a budget shell. The integration of a Gasket Mount structure, Flex-Cut PC plate, and five layers of sound dampening is an aggressive feature set that delivers a deep, “thocky” sound profile—features that traditionally require expensive, custom modifications.
A Note on Software: The companion software is limited to Windows only. To switch between Windows and Mac modes, use the key combination FN + W for Windows and FN + E for Mac.
