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Compare AULA F99 Pro vs Keychron K17 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich 96% wireless mechanical keyboards. The AULA F99 Pro emphasizes a premium acoustic experience with a gasket mount and a large battery, while the Keychron K17 Max focuses on an ultra-slim, low-profile form factor with professional-grade firmware support. The decision is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable options, and sound dampening, but prioritize fundamentally different typing feels and user workflows.

70
EPOMAKER x AULA F99 PRO
88
Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.7 (40)
4.5 (2)
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • 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
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 750 g
  • Sized at 27 x 119 x 387 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.2
  • Build Quality: 63.9
  • Productivity: 84
  • Customizability: 68.1
  • Portability: 63.5
Scores
  • Performance: 83.8
  • Build Quality: 81.8
  • Productivity: 93.2
  • Customizability: 93
  • Portability: 54.7
Name
AULA F99 Pro
Name
Keychron K17 Max
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI
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
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 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
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
43 x 146 x 390 mm
Dimensions
27 x 119 x 387 mm
Weight
1023g
Weight
750g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value an ultra-thin, travel-friendly keyboard with the deepest level of firmware customization for workflows and gaming, the Keychron K17 Max is the clear selection. If your priority is a keyboard with a premium, acoustically-tuned typing experience and you want to forget about charging for weeks, the AULA F99 Pro is the better option, especially for content creators.

AULA F99 Pro

  • +Exceptionally large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Gasket mount structure with five layers of sound-dampening materials for a tuned typing feel and sound.
  • +Includes a flex-cut PC plate and hot-swappable PCB for a softer typing experience.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs are compatible with a wider range of keycap profiles.

  • Heavier and thicker than the K17 Max, making it less portable.
  • Customization is limited to the proprietary AULA Driver software, lacking open-source firmware support.
  • Only available with linear switch options out of the box.

Keychron K17 Max

  • +Ultra-slim low-profile design with an aluminum frame, making it very portable.
  • +Full support for QMK and VIA open-source firmware for limitless key remapping and macros.
  • +Officially lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for its 2.4 GHz and wired connections.
  • +Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps and offers switch options in linear, tactile, and clicky variants.

  • Significantly smaller 2000mAh battery requires more frequent charging.
  • North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • The hot-swappable version is listed as compatible only with Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K17 Max wins for gaming, programming, travel, and modding, primarily due to its low-latency wireless, QMK support, slim form factor, and open-source firmware. The AULA F99 Pro takes the lead for content creation thanks to its exceptional battery life and focused acoustic design. For general office use, both keyboards are equally capable, offering the core features needed for productivity.

GamingKeychron K17 Max
  • The Keychron K17 Max lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes for potentially lower latency.
  • Its low-profile switches and keycaps may allow for faster keypress registration due to shorter travel.
  • The manufacturer states its 2.4 GHz connection is for 'peak gaming performance'.
OfficeTie
  • Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for flexible device switching.
  • Both include Mac and Windows support and a knob for media control.
  • The K17 Max has a slimmer, lighter profile for a cleaner desk, while the F99 Pro's larger battery requires less frequent charging.
ProgrammingKeychron K17 Max
  • The Keychron K17 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
  • Its low-profile design and PBT keycaps may reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
  • It offers both ANSI and ISO layout options for international users.
TravelKeychron K17 Max
  • The Keychron K17 Max is significantly thinner (27mm vs 43mm) and lighter (750g vs 1023g).
  • Its low-profile design is more compact and easier to pack.
  • The AULA F99 Pro's heavier weight and greater thickness make it less portable.
ModdingKeychron K17 Max
  • The Keychron K17 Max's QMK/VIA support allows for extensive firmware-level customization.
  • It features a hot-swappable PCB (on the RGB version) and uses a PCB mount style.
  • The AULA F99 Pro is also hot-swappable and uses a gasket mount, but its customization is limited to its proprietary AULA Driver software.
Content CreationAULA F99 Pro
  • The AULA F99 Pro's massive 8000mAh battery vastly outlasts the K17 Max's 2000mAh battery for untethered use.
  • Its gasket mount structure and five layers of sound-dampening foam, including sandwich foam and a PET film, are designed for a quieter, more pleasant acoustic signature during recording.
  • The included rotary knob provides quick control for media editing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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