AULA F99 Pro vs Redragon EISA MAX K686: Battery Life or Keycaps?

Compare AULA F99 Pro vs Redragon EISA MAX K686 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two similarly priced, feature-packed 96% wireless mechanical keyboards. Both the AULA F99 Pro and Redragon EISA MAX K686 offer gasket mounts, tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable PCBs, and sound-dampening foam. The decision is difficult because they share a core feature set, forcing a choice between the AULA's significantly larger battery and the Redragon's more durable keycap material and extra accessories.

Model
Rating	4.7 stars (39 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a 96% layout Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 1023 g Sized at 43 x 146 x 390 mm Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Available in a 90% layout Weighs about 1200 g Sized at 90 x 430 x 90 mm Made with a Plastic case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 66.2 Build Quality: 63.9 Productivity: 84.1 Customizability: 68.2 Portability: 63.5	Scores Performance: 66 Build Quality: 63.7 Productivity: 84 Customizability: 68 Portability: 51.9
Name	Name AULA F99 Pro	Name Redragon EISA MAX K686
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 90%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 8000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 43 x 146 x 390 mm	Dimensions 90 x 430 x 90 mm
Weight	Weight 1023g	Weight 1200g

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4.7 stars (39 reviews)

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Available in a 96% layout
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1023 g
Sized at 43 x 146 x 390 mm
Made with a ABS case
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Available in a 90% layout
Weighs about 1200 g
Sized at 90 x 430 x 90 mm
Made with a Plastic case
Features PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 66.2
Build Quality: 63.9
Productivity: 84.1
Customizability: 68.2
Portability: 63.5

Scores

Performance: 66
Build Quality: 63.7
Productivity: 84
Customizability: 68
Portability: 51.9

Name

AULA F99 Pro

Name

Redragon EISA MAX K686

Release year

2024

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

96%

Layout Size

90%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

43 x 146 x 390 mm

Dimensions

90 x 430 x 90 mm

Weight

1023g

Weight

1200g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority should guide your choice. If you value maximum wireless uptime and a lighter keyboard for moving between setups, the AULA F99 Pro is the clear option. If you prefer a keyboard with more durable keycaps out of the box and appreciate having spare parts for tinkering, the Redragon EISA MAX K686 is the better starting point. Both deliver excellent core features for their price.

AULA F99 Pro

+Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
+Lighter weight of 1023g for easier portability.
+Includes a flex-cut PC plate for a softer typing feel, according to the vendor.
+South-facing RGB LEDs for better compatibility with aftermarket keycaps.
+Offers a choice between LEOBOG Nimbus V3 or Star Arrow linear switches.

−Case is made of ABS plastic, which may show wear over time.
−Keycap material is not specified in the metadata, suggesting they may be standard ABS.
−No mention of included spare switches in the package contents.

Redragon EISA MAX K686

+Comes with PBT keycaps pre-installed for better durability and texture.
+Includes four spare switches in the box for immediate customization.
+Features MOA/DSA profile keycaps, which the vendor states provide a larger contact surface.
+Uses a custom linear Mint Mambo switch, described as thick-lubed.
+Package includes a Redragon sticker and a full accessory kit.

−Heavier at 1200g, making it less portable.
−Battery capacity is not specified, which may indicate a smaller cell.
−Dimensions are listed in a less common format (90 x 430 x 90 mm), suggesting a taller profile.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The AULA F99 Pro holds clear advantages for office use and travel due to its larger battery and lighter weight. For modding enthusiasts, the Redragon EISA MAX K686 is the better pick because it includes PBT keycaps and spare switches out of the box. For gaming, programming, and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing core features like hot-swap sockets, gasket mounts, and control knobs.

GamingTie

•Both feature identical connectivity options with wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth modes.
•Both use linear switches and gasket mounts for a smooth, responsive feel.
•Both have south-facing RGB lighting, which the AULA listing confirms, for better keycap compatibility.

OfficeAULA F99 Pro

•The AULA F99 Pro has a confirmed 8000mAh battery, promising longer wireless use between charges.
•It is lighter at 1023g compared to the Redragon's 1200g, making it slightly easier to reposition.
•Both offer tri-mode connectivity and a compact 96% layout to save desk space.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards retain a numpad and arrow keys in a 96% layout, essential for data entry and navigation.
•Both are hot-swappable, allowing programmers to customize switch feel.
•Both support software for key remapping and macro creation, as stated in their respective listings.

TravelAULA F99 Pro

•The AULA F99 Pro is notably lighter at 1023g versus 1200g.
•Its larger 8000mAh battery reduces the need for frequent charging on the go.
•Both have similar compact 96% layouts, but the AULA's lower weight is an advantage.

ModdingRedragon EISA MAX K686

•The Redragon EISA MAX K686 includes four spare switches in the box for immediate experimentation.
•It comes with PBT keycaps pre-installed, which are more durable than the ABS plastic commonly used.
•Both are hot-swappable and feature multiple layers of sound-dampening foam for acoustic tuning.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards include a dedicated control knob for adjusting volume or media playback.
•Both support software for creating macros to streamline editing workflows.
•Both offer south-facing RGB lighting, which the AULA listing specifies, for consistent backlighting with custom keycaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)