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Compare AULA F81 vs Monsgeek M1W Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular 75% wireless mechanical keyboards. The choice is difficult because both offer triple-mode connectivity, gasket mounts, and hot-swap sockets. The core trade-off is between the AULA F81's unique transparent acrylic aesthetic and lighter weight versus the Monsgeek M1W's more robust aluminum construction, larger battery, and advanced modding support. Your priority in materials, sound profile, and tinkering potential will determine the winner.

61
AULA F81 Gasket Hot-Swappable Transparent Mechanical Keyboard
93
MonsGeek M1W Aluminum Wireless Gasket DIY Kit

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  • Released in 2024
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Acrylic case
  • Features PC keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2200 g
  • Sized at 33 x 146 x 333 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 50.8
  • Build Quality: 50
  • Productivity: 74
  • Customizability: 68.2
  • Portability: 76
Scores
  • Performance: 70.6
  • Build Quality: 84.5
  • Productivity: 97.1
  • Customizability: 97.3
  • Portability: 91.7
Name
AULA F81
Name
Monsgeek M1W
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
6000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Acrylic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PC
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
33 x 146 x 333 mm
Weight
-
Weight
2200g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and intent for the keyboard should guide your choice. If you want a visually striking, lightweight board for general use and are less concerned with deep customization, the AULA F81 offers good value. If you are an enthusiast who values a premium metal build, plans to mod extensively, and wants open-source firmware support, the Monsgeek M1W is worth the higher investment. The M1W's superior build and customization tools make it the more future-proof option for tinkerers.

AULA F81

  • +Unique transparent acrylic case and PC keycaps for a distinctive light-up aesthetic.
  • +Significantly lighter weight (969g) for better portability.
  • +Dedicated physical buttons for power, OS, and connection mode switching.
  • +Includes detachable metal side pieces with stickers for personalization.
  • +Lower cost option with a similar core feature set of wireless connectivity and gasket mount.

  • Uses north-facing RGB LEDs, which can interfere with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • Smaller 4000mAh battery capacity.
  • Acrylic case may be less durable and feel less premium than aluminum.
  • Lacks support for advanced customization firmware like QMK or VIA.

Monsgeek M1W

  • +Premium aluminum case construction for a solid, high-quality feel.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA for deep, open-source firmware customization.
  • +Includes extensive sound-dampening materials: Poron foams, IXPE switch pad, and VHB layer.
  • +Larger 6000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with a wider range of keycap profiles.

  • Much heavier at 2200g, making it less portable.
  • Higher price point relative to the AULA F81.
  • OS mode switch is located under the CAPS LOCK key, which may be less convenient than dedicated buttons.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Monsgeek M1W is the more capable all-rounder, winning in gaming, programming, modding, and content creation due to its premium materials, extensive customization software, and included modding accessories. The AULA F81 takes the lead only in travel due to its substantially lighter weight. For office use, the decision is a tie, hinging on whether you prefer the F81's dedicated mode buttons or the M1W's more durable keycap material.

GamingMonsgeek M1W
  • The Monsgeek M1W's aluminum case may provide a more stable, resonant typing feel.
  • South-facing RGB LEDs on the M1W avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
  • The M1W includes a 6000mAh battery for longer wireless gaming sessions.
OfficeTie
  • Both offer triple-mode wireless connectivity for flexible device switching.
  • Both have compact 75% layouts that save desk space.
  • The AULA F81 has dedicated buttons for switching OS and connection modes, which may be more convenient.
  • The Monsgeek M1W's PBT keycaps are generally more resistant to shine from frequent use.
ProgrammingMonsgeek M1W
  • The Monsgeek M1W supports QMK and VIA for deep, on-the-fly key remapping and macro programming.
  • South-facing LEDs on the M1W ensure full compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps, which are popular in the enthusiast community.
  • The listing includes screw-in stabilizers, which can contribute to a more consistent typing feel across the board.
TravelAULA F81
  • The AULA F81 is significantly lighter at 969g compared to the M1W's 2200g.
  • Both have similar compact dimensions, but the F81's lower weight is a clear advantage for portability.
  • The F81's 4000mAh battery still provides substantial wireless use, with the vendor claiming over 114 hours with RGB off.
ModdingMonsgeek M1W
  • The Monsgeek M1W explicitly supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive customization.
  • Its listing details multiple included modding materials: Poron case foam, plate foams, an IXPE switch pad, a VHB insulation layer, and extra Teflon pads and tape.
  • It comes with screw-in stabilizers, which are preferred by modders for their stability.
  • The aluminum case offers a more traditional and rigid foundation for modding projects.
Content CreationMonsgeek M1W
  • The Monsgeek M1W's QMK/VIA support allows for complex macro layers to streamline editing workflows.
  • The premium aluminum build and included PBT keycaps may offer a more satisfying and durable typing experience for long sessions.
  • The larger 6000mAh battery reduces the frequency of recharging interruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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