AULA F81 vs Monsgeek M1WAcrylic vs Aluminum 75% Keyboard

The Monsgeek M1W has a larger 6000mAh battery compared to the AULA F81's 4000mAh battery. While the F81's vendor claims over 114 hours of use with RGB off, the M1W's larger capacity suggests it will generally last longer between charges, especially with RGB enabled.

You can use them on both, but with a caveat. The Monsgeek M1W uses south-facing RGB LEDs, which avoids any physical interference with Cherry-profile keycaps. The AULA F81 uses north-facing LEDs, which may cause keycaps to hit the LED housing on certain rows, potentially affecting the feel and sound.

The Monsgeek M1W is significantly more customizable. It supports both QMK and VIA, which are open-source firmware standards allowing for deep key remapping, macro creation, and layer programming. The AULA F81 relies on a proprietary driver, which typically offers less flexibility.

Yes, the Monsgeek M1W is an excellent starting point. It comes pre-built with many popular mods already included, such as Poron case foam, plate foam, an IXPE switch pad, and screw-in stabilizers. It also includes extra modding materials like Teflon pads and tape, allowing beginners to experiment without sourcing parts separately.

The core material difference is the case. The AULA F81 uses a transparent acrylic case, which is lighter and offers a unique visual style. The Monsgeek M1W uses an aluminum case, which is heavier, more rigid, and generally associated with a more premium acoustic and tactile feel.

Both are listed as pre-built, which typically means they come assembled with keycaps and switches. The AULA F81 listing mentions it includes the keyboard, manual, pullers, a receiver, and a cable. The Monsgeek M1W listing specifies it includes PBT keycaps (OEM or Cherry profile depending on color) and switches.

The AULA F81 is much easier to travel with due to its weight. It weighs 969g, which is less than half the weight of the Monsgeek M1W at 2200g. Their physical dimensions are very similar, so the F81's lighter build is a clear advantage for portability.

The AULA F81 uses sound-absorbing foams and a silicone pad according to its vendor description. The Monsgeek M1W is described as including a more detailed set: Poron case foam, plate foams, an IXPE switch pad, and a VHB insulation layer, which suggests a more thorough approach to reducing case ping and creating a muted sound.

Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to change mechanical switches without soldering. The Monsgeek M1W listing explicitly states its sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The AULA F81 vendor states its PCB is compatible with most 3/5 pin switches.

They use different methods. The AULA F81 has dedicated buttons above the function row for switching operating systems and connection modes. The Monsgeek M1W has a physical switch located under the CAPS LOCK key to swap between OS modes.

The Monsgeek M1W is built with a more traditionally premium material set. Its aluminum case, PBT keycaps, screw-in stabilizers, and extensive internal foaming point to a higher focus on construction quality and acoustic tuning. The AULA F81's acrylic build is a stylistic choice that is lighter but may feel less substantial.