AULA F99 Review: Is This Budget 96% Wireless Keyboard Worth It?
The AULA F99 is a 99-key, 96% wireless mechanical keyboard with a numpad, a gasket-mounted body and an 8,000 mAh battery. AULA ships it with pre-lubed LEOBOG linear switches, hot-swappable sockets and three connection modes. The official store lists it at $69.90, down from a $114.90 list price (checked October 11, 2026).
Plenty of shoppers call it a full-size board because it keeps the number pad. Strictly speaking, the F99 packs the navigation keys tightly beside the numpad, so it is shorter than a 104-key keyboard. That compact packing is the whole pitch: you keep the number keys and give up less desk space.
How we built this review. GearZon has not tested this keyboard, and we will not pretend otherwise. We combined the official AULA F99 store page, the hands-on APH Networks review of the F99 Pro, the RTINGS listing for the AULA F99/F75 and retailer spec sheets. Every spec in the table below names its source, and anything we could not confirm is marked as unpublished rather than guessed.
AULA F99 Specs and Quick Verdict
The AULA F99 is a budget tri-mode keyboard that targets people who need a numpad without a huge board. Here is the short version before we go deeper.
| Spec | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Model | AULA F99 tri-mode mechanical keyboard | AULA Store |
| Layout | 96%, 99 keys with numpad | AULA Store |
| Mounting | Gasket mount with 5-layer sound dampening | AULA Store |
| Switches | Pre-lubed LEOBOG linear (Reaper on the Blue&White version), hot-swappable, 3-pin and 5-pin compatible | AULA Store |
| Keycaps | PBT; Cherry-style profile reported on the F99 Pro | AULA Store, APH Networks |
| Case | Plastic (ABS with a PC plate on the F99 Pro unit APH tested) | APH Networks |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz dongle, Bluetooth with up to 3 paired devices, wired USB-C | AULA Store, APH Networks |
| Battery | 8,000 mAh; APH measured 54+ hours of wireless use on the F99 Pro | AULA Store, APH Networks |
| Lighting | South-facing RGB, 16+ effects | AULA Store |
| Extras | Two-stage kickstand, side function shortcut keys | AULA Store |
| Weight | About 1.2 kg (1,205 g on the F99 Pro) | APH Networks |
| Size | About 407 x 139 x 42 mm (F99 Pro) | APH Networks |
| Polling rate | Not published | AULA Store |
| Price | $69.90 sale, $114.90 list (US store, October 11, 2026) | AULA Store |
- Keeps a full numpad in a 96% footprint
- Gasket mount and five dampening layers give a soft, deep sound per APH Networks
- Hot-swappable with 3-pin and 5-pin switch support
- 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices) and wired USB-C
- Large 8,000 mAh battery, 54+ hours measured on the F99 Pro
- PBT keycaps, kickstand and side shortcut keys at a low sale price
- Plastic case that feels less premium than metal boards
- Hard to open for internal mods, per APH Networks
- Driver key-assignment page is tedious for big remaps
- Polling rate and latency are not published
- Independent testing of the standard F99 is thin
- GearZon has not tested this keyboard yet
AULA F99 vs F99 Pro: Which One Should You Buy?
AULA sells two near-identical boards, and most independent coverage tested the Pro. The standard F99 is the cheaper model. The F99 Pro adds a rotary knob, which the store page spells out in its product name.
| Feature | AULA F99 | AULA F99 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 96%, 99 keys | 96%, 99 keys |
| Rotary knob | Not listed | Yes |
| Mounting and dampening | Gasket, 5 layers | Gasket, 5 layers |
| Battery | 8,000 mAh | 8,000 mAh |
| Connectivity | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Independent coverage | Thin | APH Networks review |
If you never use a volume wheel, take the standard F99 and spend the savings on better switches or a wrist rest. If the price gap is only a few dollars, the knob is worth having for volume and media control. Check both listings on the day you buy, because AULA runs frequent sales.
Design, Layout and Keycaps
The F99 looks like a classic gasket board dressed in soft colorways. Most of the interesting choices sit in the layout and the materials, so we take them one at a time.
The 96% Layout With a Numpad
A 96% board squeezes the navigation cluster against the numpad to save width. APH Networks measured the F99 Pro at roughly 407 mm wide, which is noticeably shorter than a typical 104-key board. You keep the arrow keys and the number pad, but the right Shift and arrow cluster sit closer together than on a full-size layout.
That trade suits spreadsheet work, accounting, coding with numeric shortcuts and anyone who types codes all day. Gamers who never touch a numpad may prefer a TKL such as the Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid or a 75% board like the MCHOSE Ace 75, which free up even more mouse space.
Plastic Case, Weight and Build
The case is plastic. APH Networks describes an ABS shell with a polycarbonate plate on the F99 Pro and lists a weight of about 1,205 g. The reviewer also says the plastic frame lowers the perceived build quality and that the board is difficult to open, which matters if you plan internal mods.
The weight is a small upside. A board over a kilogram stays put on the desk during fast keypresses, and the two-stage kickstand lets you pick a typing angle that suits your wrist. If you want a metal body instead, our AULA AG75 Pro review covers a more premium, faster option at a higher price.
PBT Keycaps and Colorways
AULA lists PBT keycaps on the F99 page. PBT usually resists shine better than ABS and gives a slightly grainier feel under the fingertip. APH Networks reports a Cherry-style profile on the Pro, and notes that side-printed keycap sets cost extra.
Colorways lean playful: blue, white and purple on one version, and a white, blue and black mix on another. Because the Reaper switch is tied to the Blue&White version on the store page, check which switch comes with the color you want before ordering.
Side Shortcut Keys and RGB Lighting
The F99 puts function shortcuts on the side of the case. AULA lists them as side function shortcut keys, and its photos show mode switch keys beside the USB-C port. In practice that means you can change between 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired use without hunting for an Fn combination.
Lighting is south-facing RGB with 16+ effects. APH Networks found the brightness comfortable and the preset list long. South-facing LEDs can cast uneven light through Cherry-profile keycaps on the bottom row, so expect a slightly different glow than on north-facing boards.
Switches, Typing Feel and Sound
Stock Linear Switches
The F99 ships with pre-lubed LEOBOG linear switches, and the Blue&White version carries the Reaper switch. AULA does not publish actuation force or travel on the product page, so we will not quote numbers we cannot source. APH Networks tested a StarArrow-type switch on the Pro and said the out-of-the-box experience was strong.
The sockets accept both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, which opens the door to almost any MX-style switch you already own. If you want a lighter or heavier feel, the swap takes a minute with the included puller.
Gasket Mount and Sound
The body combines a gasket mount with five layers of sound dampening and, on the Pro tested by APH Networks, a flex-cut PCB. The reviewer described the sound as creamy, clacky and marbly, which is the kind of soft, deep tone budget gasket boards aim for. The same review gives the F99 Pro a 7.0 out of 10 overall, praising value and calling out the plastic frame.
We cannot give you our own sound test yet, so treat those descriptions as a guide rather than a guarantee. A plastic shell can add hollow resonance if the dampening is poor, so a thin layer of tape or foam is the first mod to try if you notice any ping.
AULA Driver Software
You configure the F99 with the AULA driver, which you download from the official AULA download page. It handles key remapping, macros and lighting. It is not a browser-based VIA or QMK tool, so you cannot reuse a layout from another board.
APH Networks called the key-assignment page tedious when you need to change many keys at once. Reviews describe the driver as a desktop app, so check your operating system before you buy if you work on a Mac or Linux machine. For simple needs such as one macro or a swapped Caps Lock, the driver is enough.
Battery and Connectivity
8,000 mAh Battery Life
The F99 carries an 8,000 mAh cell, which is large for a wireless keyboard at this price. Retail and review coverage quote manufacturer figures of roughly 53 hours with RGB on and several hundred hours with the lights off, but we could not verify those numbers independently. The one measurement we trust comes from APH Networks, which logged over 54 hours of wireless use on the F99 Pro.
Battery life depends heavily on LED brightness and effect choice. Turn the lighting down or off and you should stretch the same battery across weeks of office use. Plan on charging over USB-C and keep the cable handy, since the board also works wired.
2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and USB-C
Three modes cover most setups. The 2.4 GHz dongle is the pick for gaming and fast typing, Bluetooth pairs with up to three devices for laptop, tablet and phone, and the USB-C cable gives you a wired fallback while charging. APH Networks noted that switching between Bluetooth devices is quick.
AULA does not publish the polling rate or latency, and neither does the product page for the standard F99. That is the main reason we would hesitate to call it a competitive esports board. Wait for measured latency data, or check the RTINGS entry for the AULA F99/F75, before you rely on it for twitchy shooters.
Gaming and Everyday Use
For casual gaming the F99 is a comfortable fit. Linear switches suit smooth, repeatable presses in MOBAs, RPGs and strategy games, and the numpad gives you extra bindable keys for sims and MMOs. The 2.4 GHz mode keeps wireless lag low enough for most players, although we have not measured it.
Competitive FPS players should look at faster, adjustable boards. The AULA AG75 Pro and the ATK RS6 Ultra both target 8K polling with magnetic switches, which the F99 does not offer. For a mouse that matches a clean wireless desk, see our Logitech G PRO X Superlight 2, Pulsar X2F and Razer Basilisk V4 Pro reviews, or read the gaming mouse buying guide to pick one by grip.
For office work the F99 shines more. The numpad, Bluetooth multi-device switching and soft sound make it a calm daily keyboard, and the large battery means you rarely think about charging. If you want a chair that keeps up with long typing days, our Herman Miller x Logitech Embody review is worth a look.
AULA F99 Price and Alternatives
On its official store AULA lists the F99 at $69.90 after a clearance discount from $114.90. APH Networks quoted about $86 to $90 for the F99 Pro at the time of its review. Sales change often, so confirm the live price before you buy. Not sure how much to spend overall? Our guide on how much you should spend on a mechanical keyboard sets realistic budgets.
| Keyboard | Layout and focus | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| AULA F99 | 96%, numpad, gasket, tri-mode | Best value if you need a numpad |
| AULA AG75 Pro | 75%, Hall Effect, 8K polling | Read the AG75 Pro review |
| MCHOSE Ace 75 | 75%, Hall Effect | Read the MCHOSE Ace 75 review |
| Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid | TKL, Hall Effect, esports | Read the G PRO X TKL Rapid review |
| YUNZII RT75 Pro | 75%, wireless 8K Hall Effect | Read the YUNZII RT75 Pro review |
If you want to see how an esports-focused rival handles the same budget question, our SteelSeries vs Razer comparison and the Logitech Pro X3 SUPERSTRIKE review show how peripheral makers justify higher prices.
Verdict: Should You Buy the AULA F99?
The AULA F99 is a very good value if you want a numpad, a wireless connection and a soft, deep sound. Its weak points are the plastic case, tedious software and missing latency data. At the sale price it undercuts most 96% boards, which is what earns the score below.
| Buy it if | Skip it if |
|---|---|
| You need a numpad but want less width than a 104-key board | You want a metal case or a premium feel |
| You want hot-swap sockets for switch experiments | You need deep VIA or QMK customization |
| You switch between laptop, tablet and desktop | You play competitive shooters and need published 8K polling |
| You value long battery life and quiet linear sound | You plan heavy internal modding and dislike hard-to-open cases |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AULA F99 a full-size keyboard?
No, strictly it is a 96% keyboard. It has 99 keys including a full numpad, but the navigation keys sit tightly beside the number pad, so it is shorter than a standard 104-key board.
Is the AULA F99 hot-swappable?
Yes. The sockets accept both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, so you can change switches without soldering.
How long does the AULA F99 battery last?
APH Networks measured over 54 hours of wireless use on the F99 Pro with its 8,000 mAh battery. Real life depends on RGB brightness, and turning the lighting down can stretch the battery much further.
Does the AULA F99 work with Mac or need software?
It works as a regular keyboard over Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz or USB-C without software. Remapping and macros need the AULA driver, which reviews describe as a desktop app, so check Mac and Linux support on the official download page before you rely on it.
What is the difference between the AULA F99 and F99 Pro?
The Pro adds a rotary knob according to the store listing. Both advertise the same 96% layout, gasket mount, five dampening layers and 8,000 mAh battery, and independent reviews mostly cover the Pro.
Is the AULA F99 good for gaming?
It is fine for casual and single-player gaming thanks to linear switches and a 2.4 GHz mode. AULA does not publish polling rate or latency, so competitive FPS players should consider an 8K Hall Effect board instead.
