AULA F98 PRO vs Royal Kludge L98Southpaw vs Standard Layout
Choose the Royal Kludge L98 for its left-handed numpad and superior modding features, or the AULA F98 Pro for a standard layout with transparent keycaps.
Which one should you get?
Get the
AULA F98 PRO
Southpaw
- Features a standard 98% layout with a right-side numpad for traditional use.
- Includes transparent PC keycaps with a GDA profile for a distinct aesthetic.
- Vendor software allows for custom image uploads to the LCD screen.
- Lacks confirmed hot-swap capability for switches.
- Uses a smaller 4000mAh battery.
- Keycap material (PC) may show shine more quickly than PBT.
Get the
Royal Kludge L98
Standard Layout
- Unique southpaw (left-handed) numpad layout frees up right-side desk space.
- Fully hot-swappable PCB compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
- Large 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- The left-handed numpad requires an adjustment period for most users.
- At 990g, it is a relatively heavy keyboard.
- The southpaw layout is a niche feature that may not suit everyone.
Your choice fundamentally depends on layout. If you want a traditional keyboard with a clear aesthetic, the AULA F98 Pro is suitable. For a more versatile, mod-friendly board with a unique ergonomic advantage, the Royal Kludge L98 is the stronger option, especially given its hot-swap sockets, larger battery, and robust sound-dampening construction at a similar price point.
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
Royal Kludge L98
Layout size
98%
96%
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Battery
4,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
Ergonomics
Standard
Southpaw
Keycaps
PC
PBT
- AULA F98 PRO
- Royal Kludge L98
- Performance
- 4878
- Build quality
- 5076
- Productivity
- 7680
- Customizability
- 5873
- Portability
- 5059
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Display: LCD
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Royal Kludge L98 wins in more specialized categories, particularly for modding, programming, and gaming, thanks to its hot-swap capability, durable PBT keycaps, and unique left-handed layout. The AULA F98 Pro's strengths lie in its standard layout familiarity and aesthetic with PC keycaps. For general office use and travel, the keyboards are closely matched, making the decision largely about layout preference and long-term customization plans.
Pick the Royal Kludge L98
- The Royal Kludge L98's southpaw layout frees up mouse space on the right.
- It includes N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- The vendor description states it is marketed as 'Ideal for... Gamers'.
AULA F98 PRO vs Royal Kludge L98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 22 specs differ
AULA F98 PRO
Royal Kludge L98
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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AULA F98 PRO vs Royal Kludge L98: your questions
A southpaw layout places the numpad on the left side of the keyboard instead of the right. The Royal Kludge L98 uses this design, which can free up space on the right for your mouse and is particularly beneficial for left-handed users or those who frequently use the numpad while mousing.
Yes. The Royal Kludge L98 product listing and vendor description explicitly state it has a hot-swappable PCB. It is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
The provided specifications and vendor description for the AULA F98 Pro do not mention hot-swap capability. It is listed as a pre-built keyboard, suggesting the switches may not be user-replaceable without soldering.
The Royal Kludge L98 has a larger 8000mAh battery compared to the AULA F98 Pro's 4000mAh battery. According to Royal Kludge's marketing, the L98 offers up to 310 hours of use with RGB off.
Yes, both the AULA F98 Pro and Royal Kludge L98 feature RGB backlighting. The L98 specifically has south-facing RGB LEDs, which can provide better compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps by reducing interference.
The AULA F98 Pro uses PC (polycarbonate) transparent keycaps. The Royal Kludge L98 uses PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) double-shot keycaps, which are generally more resistant to wear and shine over time.
The AULA F98 Pro vendor description explicitly mentions Mac/Win support and a system switching function to swap the Win and Alt key positions for Mac. The Royal Kludge L98's listed operating systems include Windows and Android, but specific Mac compatibility details are not provided in the given data.
According to the Royal Kludge vendor page, the L98 features a five-layer sound dampening system. This includes two layers of thick sound-absorbing foam, an IXPE switch pad, a silicone dampener, and a PET sound-enhancement film to reduce hollow sounds.
The Royal Kludge L98 offers a silent switch option, which is not mentioned for the AULA F98 Pro. Combined with its multi-layer sound dampening, the L98 has the potential to be quieter. However, the final sound depends on the specific switch choice.
Yes, both the AULA F98 Pro and Royal Kludge L98 feature a multifunctional rotary knob, typically used for volume control and navigating on-screen menus.
The Royal Kludge L98 package includes the keyboard, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a combined keycap and switch puller, and a user manual.
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