Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head ยท Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

AULA F98 PRO vs Darmoshark TOP98Gasket vs Top Mount 98% Keyboards

Choose the AULA F98 Pro for a softer, quieter typing feel, or the Darmoshark TOP98 for easy switch customization and a more stable typing platform.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

AULA F98 PRO

Gasket

Build quality in the bottom 25% of 98% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Gasket-mounted design with Poron cotton and EVA damping materials for a quieter, softer typing feel.
  • LCD screen supports custom image uploads via software for personalization.
  • Extensive RGB control with 19 built-in effects, side lights, and on-screen adjustment for color, brightness, and speed.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Get the

Darmoshark TOP98

Top Mount 98% Keyboards

Build quality in the bottom 20% of 98% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Confirmed full-key hot-swappable sockets for easy switch customization.
  • Top-mounted structure designed for a stable, wobble-free typing platform.
  • Dual-tone PBT keycaps offer better durability and resistance to shine.

Bottom line

Your priority should guide your choice. If you value a quieter, more cushioned typing sound and deep visual customization via the screen and lighting, the AULA F98 Pro is the better option. If you plan to change switches regularly, prefer a stable, firm typing base, and want more durable PBT keycaps, the Darmoshark TOP98 is the clear winner. Both are competent wireless 98% keyboards at a similar price point.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

AULA F98 PRO

Darmoshark TOP98

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount

    Top Mount

  • Display

    LCD

    TFT

    A case display rather than a typing feature

  • Sound dampening

    Yes

    No

  • Keycaps

    PC

    PBT

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • AULA F98 PRO
  • Darmoshark TOP98
Performance
48
61
Build quality
50
47
Productivity
75
62
Customizability
58
73
Portability
50
50

What they share

  • Layout size: 98%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh
  • Knob
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Darmoshark TOP98 takes the lead for gaming and programming, primarily due to its hot-swappable design and emphasis on switch response. The AULA F98 Pro is better suited for office and content creation, where its dampened gasket mount and extensive lighting/screen customization are assets. For travel, they are evenly matched, while modders will strongly prefer the Darmoshark's confirmed hot-swap capability.

For gaming

Pick the Darmoshark TOP98

  • The Darmoshark TOP98's listing mentions a 'faster trigger response' for its switches, which the manufacturer states makes it appropriate for gamers.
  • Its top-mounted structure is described as providing a stable platform with no wobbling during typing, which may benefit rapid key presses.
  • It features full N-key rollover, ensuring all key presses are registered.

Full specs

AULA F98 PRO vs Darmoshark TOP98 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

7 of 19 specs differ

AULA F98 PRO

Darmoshark TOP98

Typing & switches

Switch options

โ€”
Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Top Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

98%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

LCD
TFT

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

4,000 mAh
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Keycaps

PC
PBT

Weight

โ€”
1,262 g

Dimensions

โ€”
40 x 392 x 143 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

AULA F98 PRO2 stores

FAQ

AULA F98 PRO vs Darmoshark TOP98: your questions

The AULA F98 Pro is better suited for quiet office environments. Its vendor description specifically highlights a gasket-mounted design with Poron cotton and EVA damping materials to provide a soft and quiet keystroke, reducing typing resonance.

The provided specifications and vendor description for the AULA F98 Pro do not list hot-swappable sockets as a feature. This suggests switch changes would likely require soldering, unlike the Darmoshark TOP98 which explicitly has hot-swappable sockets.

Yes, both the AULA F98 Pro and the Darmoshark TOP98 include a multifunction rotary knob and a screen. The AULA has an LCD screen, while the Darmoshark has a TFT screen. Both screens display system information and can be customized.

The AULA F98 Pro uses PC (polycarbonate) transparent keycaps with a GDA profile. The Darmoshark TOP98 uses dual-tone PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps with an OEM height profile. PBT is generally more resistant to wear and shine.

The Darmoshark TOP98 offers more hardware customization due to its confirmed full-key hot-swappable sockets for easy switch changes. The AULA F98 Pro offers more software-driven visual customization, such as uploading custom images to its LCD screen and having more granular control over RGB lighting effects.

The AULA F98 Pro uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended by dampening materials for a softer, more cushioned typing feel and sound. The Darmoshark TOP98 uses a top mount, where the plate is fixed to the top case, resulting in a firmer, more direct, and stable typing feel that the manufacturer says prevents wobbling.

Yes, both the AULA F98 Pro and Darmoshark TOP98 list Mac and Windows support. The AULA's description details a system switching function that automatically swaps the Win and Alt key positions when switching to Mac/iOS mode.

Both keyboards are equipped with a 4000mAh battery. The vendor descriptions do not provide estimated battery life in hours, as this depends heavily on usage patterns, backlight brightness, and connection mode.

The Darmoshark TOP98 may be better for a first-time buyer interested in exploring different switches, thanks to its hot-swappable sockets. The AULA F98 Pro is a good choice if the buyer prioritizes a quiet, comfortable out-of-the-box typing experience with extensive lighting effects.

The AULA F98 Pro vendor description states it supports Bluetooth 4.0/5.0 and BLE 5.1. The Darmoshark TOP98 listing mentions Bluetooth connectivity but does not specify a version, so it cannot be confirmed.

The Darmoshark vendor description positions it as appropriate for gamers, citing customized switches with a 'faster trigger response' and a stable top-mounted structure. It also includes N-key rollover, which is essential for gaming to prevent missed inputs.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.