What defines a perfect keyboard? For some, it’s the precision of factory-lubricated switches and stabilizers, whereas others deal with noise insulation for a quieter typing expertise. Excessive-quality supplies, considerate design, and a sensible kind issue are equally essential concerns. Assembly various preferences and mixing performance with compact dimensions is not any small activity, however AULA’s F99 Professional addresses these challenges with its well-crafted 98% format.
Due to Mechlands for sending us this Keyboard for assessment.
AULA, a distinguished identify in gaming peripherals, has constructed a robust repute for delivering inexpensive but well-equipped merchandise. Fashions just like the F87 Professional and F75 have demonstrated the model’s dedication to efficiency and worth, incomes optimistic suggestions from customers. The F99 Professional continues this development with superior options, together with tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and quite a lot of coloration choices and swap configurations, making it appropriate for various wants.
The AULA F99 Professional combines considerate engineering with refined aesthetics, providing a flexible resolution for each players and professionals. Its strong construct high quality and user-friendly options spotlight AULA’s consideration to element, whereas its ergonomic format ensures consolation and performance. This assessment explores the F99 Professional’s capabilities and why it represents a compelling selection for anybody looking for a dependable and feature-rich keyboard.
Unboxing
The packaging contains a minimalist design, using a tender cardboard field with a modern black end. The again of the field supplies detailed info, together with the model, product mannequin, and key specs. The distinguished F99 Professional brand on the entrance enhances its visible attraction and ensures simple identification.
Contained in the field, the contents are thoughtfully organized, starting with a fast operation information positioned on prime. The keyboard is securely protected by a clear plastic cowl, making certain its situation stays flawless throughout transit. Extra equipment embody a USB-C to USB-A cable, a 2.4 GHz wi-fi USB receiver, a keycap and swap puller, 4 further StarArrow switches, and a complete instruction guide for seamless setup and operation.
Design
The AULA F99 Professional contains a well-designed look, highlighted by a particular keycap coloration scheme that maintains a balanced and refined look. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect selection for customers preferring a extra understated aesthetic. The keyboard makes use of a 96% format, which features a rotary knob and an extra key. This format preserves the performance of a standard 108-key keyboard, together with the numpad, whereas providing a extra compact kind. The result’s a space-saving design that also supplies ample customization choices.
The AULA F99 Professional is available in a number of engaging coloration choices, together with Blue White Black/White Black Gray, Black Inexperienced, Black (Facet-Printed), and Blue (Facet-Printed). I obtained the Black Inexperienced variant, which contains a modern black shell complemented by white, inexperienced, and black keycaps, together with a grey-black knob. This mixture creates a balanced and vigorous coloration tone that isn’t too darkish, including a contemporary and energetic vibe. The opposite coloration schemes are equally interesting, providing quite a lot of seems to be to go well with totally different preferences.
The construct high quality is excellent, that includes a refined frosted end that provides a classy contact. The ABS plastic casing is each resilient and sturdy, designed to face up to each day put on and tear. The keyboard’s weight contributes to a premium really feel, a rarity at this worth level, and eliminates the light-weight, flimsy sensation typically present in price range fashions. This substantial construct ensures the keyboard stays securely in place throughout use, offering a steady typing expertise.
The rotary knob within the prime nook of the keyboard provides a sensible and considerate contact. For a price range mannequin, the inclusion of a devoted quantity management is spectacular, and AULA has executed it successfully. The knob provides a clean rotation with satisfying clicks, offering a tactile response. Along with adjusting quantity, the knob additionally controls the RGB lighting brightness and modifications the RGB modes, providing enhanced performance with out the necessity for operate keys. This function contributes to a extra seamless and versatile consumer expertise.
On the again of the system, you’ll discover a USB Sort-C port together with a lever that lets you swap between connection modes: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz, and wired. There’s additionally a devoted slot for the USB receiver, all of that are barely offset to the left of the middle. When related by way of Bluetooth, the system helps pairing with as much as three gadgets without delay, with seamless switching between them utilizing particular key mixtures. Sign transmission is clean and instantaneous, with no noticeable delay. As an alternative of a devoted button for switching between Home windows and Mac modes, customers can toggle between them utilizing FN+W for Home windows and FN+E for Mac.
The inclusion of the RGB strip is a notable design function that continues to realize reputation. Positioned between the ESC and F1 keys, it provides a vibrant show with spectacular brightness and saturation. Whereas visually placing, its performance stays considerably primary, providing just a few preset glow modes and colours, in addition to an indicator for charging standing. It could be nice to see extra options, equivalent to dynamic lighting that responds to music quantity, and a wider vary of coloration choices to reinforce customization.
The Caps Lock and Num Lock indicators are uniquely designed with a white LED positioned beside the respective keys. Whereas useful, the sunshine subtly bleeds onto the principle backlight layer throughout use, which may detract from the general aesthetic attraction of the keyboard.
The ergonomics of the keyboard are thoughtfully designed, with all edges rounded for a clean and cozy really feel. The entrance edge stays stage, making certain that customers can sort comfortably with out the necessity for a wrist relaxation or adjustable legs. The 2-level adjustable legs, a timeless function, provide handy customization of the keyboard’s tilt angle and are geared up with rubber inserts to forestall slipping. Moreover, rubber gaskets on the underside of the keyboard guarantee it stays firmly in place, whether or not on a textured jacquard mat or a clean tabletop.
Gasket Mounted
The AULA F99 PRO incorporates a gasket mount design, successfully isolating the important thing switches from the case and decreasing vibrations. This function enhances the general responsiveness of the keyboard, leading to a smoother and extra exact typing expertise. Every keystroke feels extra tactile, offering customers with an pleasant and satisfying really feel throughout extended typing classes.
To additional enhance its typing acoustics, the AULA F99 PRO is provided with 5 layers of sound-dampening supplies. The mixture of sandwich foam, IXPE swap pad, PET sound-enhancing movie, backside foam, and a silicone case pad works collectively to eradicate undesirable echoes, producing a cleaner and extra constant sound profile whereas sustaining a snug typing expertise.
The F99 PRO’s single-slot flex-cut PCB and PC plate are engineered to ship a softer typing really feel, avoiding the tough noise typically related to much less versatile supplies like aluminum or stainless-steel. The added flexibility of the PC plate contributes to a richer, deeper sound. Moreover, the hot-swappable PCB provides customers the comfort of simply changing switches with out the necessity for soldering, permitting for fast customization to match private preferences.
Keycaps & RGB LEDs
The AULA F99 PRO impresses with its well-crafted set of two-color PBT keycaps, that includes original-height, closed-character designs with an opaque end. The keycaps exhibit a advantageous texture and a dry, satisfying contact. With a concave floor and ergonomic stepped design, they provide a snug typing expertise, making certain each a way of precision and a safe grip. The PBT materials enhances sturdiness, being wear-resistant and oil-resistant, making the keycaps a sensible and long-lasting selection for customers.
This keyboard is on the market in a number of interesting coloration mixtures, together with Blue White Black/White Black Gray, Black Inexperienced, Black (Facet-Printed), and Blue (Facet-Printed). The Black Inexperienced variant, which I reviewed, stands out with its modern black physique and contrasting inexperienced, white, and black keycaps. Facet-printed keycaps, a rising development globally, are a notable function right here. Facet-engraved PBT keycaps, crafted utilizing double injection molding and warmth sublimation processes, are sweat-proof, fade-resistant, and supply a softer tactile really feel. This design not solely enhances sturdiness but additionally permits the keyboard’s lighting to shine by, delivering a definite and classy consumer expertise.
The AULA F99 PRO’s lighting system is one other spotlight, boasting a full-range RGB backlight and an independently adjustable RGB gentle bar. Providing quite a lot of lighting modes and customization choices, it caters to each aesthetic preferences and useful wants. The lighting is straightforward to regulate, with settings for brightness, coloration, and dynamic velocity. The RGB gentle bar enhances the general attraction, that includes twin show modes that elevate the visible expertise. The sunshine is neither overpowering nor uninteresting, placing an ideal steadiness with its vivid but tender glow.
With its vibrant colours, clean dynamic results, and versatile lighting playability, the AULA F99 PRO creates an immersive ambiance for work or gaming. This consideration to element within the lighting system enhances the keyboard’s general design, delivering each performance and magnificence. For customers looking for a steadiness between aesthetics and efficiency, this keyboard proves to be a superb selection.
Starstarry Switches
The AULA F99 PRO is a flexible mechanical keyboard that includes Starstarry Switches, permitting customers to swap any keycap or 3/5-pin swap to go well with their preferences. Its 95% format and N-key rollover guarantee all keystrokes are precisely registered, even throughout demanding duties. The gasket construction enhances responsiveness, reduces key vibration, and dampens noise whereas sustaining tactility, providing a clean and exact typing expertise for gaming {and professional} use.
The Starstarry Switches present a linear design with an preliminary strain of 32gf and a bottom-out pressure of 55+3gf, delivering a light-weight but responsive contact. With a complete key journey of three.5+0.3mm and conduction at 1.8±0.3mm, the switches steadiness consolation and performance. Pre-lubrication ensures a clean typing expertise, whereas the 60-million keystroke lifespan ensures long-term sturdiness. These switches are well-suited for prolonged use, making them very best for each players and workplace customers.
With clean lighting transitions, vibrant colours, and dynamic results, the AULA F99 PRO delivers a well-rounded expertise. The N-key rollover ensures dependable efficiency throughout fast-paced eventualities, whereas the reasonable gentle brightness and considerate design make it snug for lengthy classes. Whether or not for gaming or skilled typing, this keyboard combines performance with visible sophistication.
Software program
The F99 Professional pairs seamlessly with AULA’s Driver software program, enabling customers to reinforce their keyboard’s performance by a set of customization choices. Though not as superior as trade leaders like VIA or QMK, the AULA software program supplies a user-friendly platform for important tweaks. It caters to quite a lot of wants, placing a steadiness between performance and ease.
RGB lighting customization is a standout function throughout the software program, providing an array of colours, dynamic patterns, and adjustable speeds. Customers can craft customized lighting profiles to match their preferences, making it simple to change between distinct setups for work and gaming. This flexibility provides a layer of personalization that appeals to each informal customers and fanatics.
The software program additionally consists of macro creation instruments, simplifying repetitive duties and enhancing effectivity. Customers can assign macros to any key, streamlining work capabilities or gaming shortcuts. Moreover, the choice to regulate debounce time is a beneficial asset for players, making certain sooner response charges throughout aggressive play. These options collectively place the F99 Professional as a flexible keyboard appropriate for a variety of purposes.
Connectivity
The AULA F99 Professional impresses with its versatile triple-mode connectivity, providing Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wi-fi, and wired choices, making it a standout in its worth vary. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures seamless connections throughout gadgets like laptops, tablets, and smartphones, with the flexibility to toggle between three paired gadgets effortlessly. For gaming or duties demanding low latency, the two.4 GHz wi-fi mode supplies a near-instant, steady connection utilizing a USB dongle cleverly saved in a magnetic compartment. When a wired setup is required, the USB-C connection delivers dependable efficiency whereas charging the keyboard, catering to prolonged classes with out interruptions.
Battery
The 8000mAh battery delivers spectacular longevity, catering to each gaming fanatics and customers targeted on productiveness. Its excessive capability ensures prolonged use with out the necessity for frequent recharging, whether or not you’re using Bluetooth mode or the two.4 GHz connection. Even with RGB lighting set to reasonable brightness ranges, the keyboard maintains constant efficiency over lengthy durations. For prolonged classes, the choice to attach by way of USB-C whereas charging provides a sensible resolution, making certain uninterrupted use.
The big battery capability does end in barely longer charging occasions, which can require some planning. Nonetheless, the prolonged battery life greater than compensates for this, providing dependable performance over weeks of reasonable use. This steadiness of efficiency and practicality makes the keyboard a superb selection for many who want reliable, long-lasting peripherals.
Use Expertise
Typing on the AULA F99 Professional is the place this keyboard actually excels. Outfitted with Starstarry linear switches, it delivers a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke expertise. In contrast to tactile switches, these don’t have the pronounced bump however as a substitute present a clean, straight-down movement, good for fast typing and gaming classes. The absence of the attribute “click on” makes it quieter, whereas its responsiveness ensures an pleasant expertise for each day use.
The light-weight nature of the switches additional enhances consolation, with an actuation pressure of simply 30g and a bottom-out pressure of 45g. This low resistance makes the F99 Professional an acceptable selection for lengthy hours of typing or gaming. Whether or not you’re targeted on productiveness or immersed in gameplay, the quiet and easy keypresses cater to customers who worth each efficiency and diminished pressure on their fingers.
Including to this refined typing expertise is the flex-cut PCB and gasket mount design. This considerate building creates a cushioned, softer really feel for every keystroke, successfully decreasing the sharpness typically related to price range mechanical keyboards. The refined bounce provides a tactile depth, whereas the minimized vibrations and enhanced acoustic profile contribute to a deeper, extra satisfying “thock” that elevates the general expertise for fanatics.
Conclusion
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I am Jani, a devoted Tech Author and Reviewer at Xiaomitoday. With a ardour for exploring and dissecting the most recent in know-how, my mission is to convey you insightful and complete critiques that empower your decision-making within the fast-evolving world of devices and tech.
