AULA F99 Pro Review: Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard Under $100?

Finding a budget mechanical keyboard with features that usually belong in higher-end models is rare. The AULA F99 Pro priced around $80, boasts triple-mode connectivity, a 96% compact layout with numpad, vibrant RGB lighting, and an 8000mAh battery. Here’s a full breakdown of everything you can expect from this value-packed keyboard.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the AULA F99 Pro feels solid and well-built. It has a 96% layout, meaning you get nearly all the keys from a full-size keyboard, including a numpad, but in a more compact design that saves desk space.

The build is impressive for its price—constructed from ABS plastic with a weight that makes it feel sturdy rather than flimsy. The F99 Pro’s gasket mounting is particularly noteworthy since it’s typically found on more premium models. This design choice adds a soft, cushioned feel to each keystroke by reducing vibrations, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable typing experience. AULA also included five layers of sound-dampening materials, making the keyboard pleasantly quiet compared to many mechanical keyboards.

One unique feature is the rotary knob located on the top right. This dial allows you to control volume and RGB lighting modes easily. It has a satisfying click feel that I love, although the knob itself could feel a bit sturdier.

Key Switches and Typing Experience

The AULA F99 Pro is equipped with Nimbus V3 linear switches, which provide a smooth, consistent keystroke. These switches are lightweight, meaning you won’t have to press too hard, which is ideal for both gaming and typing. Linear switches like the Nimbus V3 don’t have a tactile bump, so they offer a fluid, uninterrupted typing feel that’s great for speed and precision.

Another plus is the flex-cut PCB and gasket mount, which add a soft bounce to each keystroke, reducing fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. Combined with the layers of sound-dampening material, these features create a typing experience that’s both satisfying and quieter than the typical “clicky” mechanical keyboard. For those upgrading from a basic membrane keyboard, the difference will be especially noticeable.

The double-shot PBT keycaps have side-printed legends, giving the F99 Pro a clean, modern look. These keycaps are durable and resist wear, so you won’t see that shiny, worn-out look over time. Plus, they allow RGB lighting to shine through in a subtle way, adding style without being overly bright.

RGB Lighting and Customization

The RGB lighting on the F99 Pro is another impressive feature for a budget keyboard. It comes with south-facing RGB lighting, which is less direct and creates a softer glow. The side-printed PBT keycaps allow the lighting to shine through in a subtle, elegant way, giving the keyboard a stylish but not overwhelming look.

The keyboard also has multiple RGB effects, from static colors to breathing, wave, and reactive modes that light up as you type. Using the AULA Driver software, you can customize the colors, brightness, and speed of the lighting effects to suit your setup. The software also allows you to create custom lighting profiles, program macros, and adjust debounce time for faster response, which is particularly useful for gamers.

While the AULA software doesn’t offer as many customization options as high-end software like VIA, it’s intuitive and easy to use, covering all the basics that most users would want.

Connectivity Options

One of the biggest selling points of the F99 Pro is its triple-mode connectivity. You can use it in Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, or wired USB-C mode, making it extremely versatile. Here’s how each mode stands out:

• Bluetooth Mode: With Bluetooth 5.0, the F99 Pro connects quickly and efficiently to any Bluetooth-capable device, such as laptops, tablets, and even phones. You can pair it with up to three devices and switch between them seamlessly—a great feature for multitasking across devices.
• 2.4 GHz Wireless Mode: For a more stable, low-latency connection, 2.4 GHz mode is ideal, especially for gaming. The wireless dongle is conveniently stored in a magnetic slot on the back of the keyboard, so it’s easy to access and doesn’t get lost. This mode minimizes lag, making it a solid choice for competitive gaming.
• Wired USB-C Mode: If you prefer a wired connection or need to charge the keyboard, USB-C mode is fast and reliable.

Gaming and Productivity Performance

The F99 Pro is designed to handle both gaming and productivity with ease. For gaming, the Nimbus V3 switches are responsive and lightweight, allowing for quick key presses and smooth gameplay. The NKRO (N-Key Rollover) means you can press multiple keys at once without any ghosting issues, which is essential for fast-paced games where multi-key combinations are crucial. With the ability to adjust debounce time, you can minimize input delay, giving you an edge in competitive gaming.

On the productivity side, the 96% layout gives you a full range of keys, including a number pad, in a compact form. The rotary knob is also handy, allowing for quick adjustments to volume or RGB settings without taking your hands off the keyboard. For multitaskers, the triple-mode connectivity allows you to switch effortlessly between devices, making it ideal for both work and play.

The battery life of the F99 Pro also stands out, thanks to the 8000mAh battery that provides lasts weeks on a single charge, depending on usage. With such a large battery, charging does take a bit longer, but it’s worth it for the extended use time, so it’s best to plug it in during downtime. For best results, AULA recommends charging directly from a computer to avoid potential battery damage.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict: Is the AULA F99 Pro Worth It?

In the end, I can say that the AULA F99 Pro delivers an exceptional set of features for a budget keyboard. From its gasket-mounted structure and triple connectivity to customizable RGB lighting and compact yet functional layout, it’s built to handle both gaming and productivity with ease. The F99 Pro’s unique combination of premium features and affordable pricing makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a basic keyboard or searching for an all-in-one solution. For gamers, the fast switches, NKRO, and low-latency wireless mode offer competitive performance, while the versatile connectivity and number pad make it a solid choice for productivity, too.