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Compare AULA F99 Pro vs Royal Kludge S98 DE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular 96% tri-mode mechanical keyboards. The choice is difficult because both offer hot-swap, knobs, and wireless connectivity, but they diverge significantly in core philosophy. The AULA prioritizes a long-lasting battery and a gasket-mounted, sound-dampened typing experience. The Royal Kludge focuses on premium materials, an integrated LCD screen, and a sturdier top-mounted construction, albeit at a higher price point.

71
EPOMAKER x AULA F99 PRO
78
S98-DE 96% QWERTZ Kabellose Mechanische Tastatur

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4.7 (39)
0.0 (0)
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Includes a No display
  • 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 Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1879 g
  • Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm
  • Features ABS 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: 69
  • Build Quality: 70.2
  • Productivity: 91.2
  • Customizability: 79.8
  • Portability: 56.8
Name
AULA F99 Pro
Name
Royal Kludge S98 DE
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
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
-
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
3750 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
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
43 x 146 x 390 mm
Dimensions
41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight
1023g
Weight
1879g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority should guide this decision. If unmatched wireless battery life, a lighter build, and a soft, mod-friendly gasket-mounted typing experience are most important, the AULA F99 Pro is the compelling choice, often at a lower price. If you value premium materials like PBT keycaps, extra features like a USB pass-through and an LCD screen, and a sturdier, heavier build, the Royal Kludge S98DE justifies its higher cost.

AULA F99 Pro

  • +Massive 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Gasket mount structure with a PC plate and flex-cut PCB for a softer, more cushioned typing feel.
  • +Detailed five-layer sound dampening package including sandwich foam, IXPE pad, PET film, bottom foam, and silicone pad.
  • +Significantly lighter weight (1023g) for better portability.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs for better compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Case and keycap material is listed as ABS, which may develop shine over time.
  • −Lacks the integrated LCD screen and USB pass-through port found on the Royal Kludge.
  • −Vendor descriptions only mention linear switch options, while the competitor offers a tactile choice.

Royal Kludge S98 DE

  • +Features an integrated LCD screen for displaying custom GIFs, battery status, and connection mode.
  • +Includes a USB 2.0 pass-through port for connecting peripherals directly.
  • +Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps for better durability and texture.
  • +Explicitly lists screw-in stabilizers, which are preferred for modding.
  • +Offers a choice between linear and tactile switch types from the factory.
  • −Substantially heavier at 1879g, making it less portable.
  • −Battery capacity (3750mAh) is less than half that of the AULA F99 Pro.
  • −Uses a top mount design, which typically offers a firmer typing feel compared to a gasket mount.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge S98DE takes the lead for office use and content creation due to its practical USB pass-through, durable PBT keycaps, and customizable LCD screen. The AULA F99 Pro is the clear choice for travel and modding, thanks to its much lighter weight, enormous battery, and detailed gasket-mounted sound-dampening construction. For gaming and programming, the keyboards are closely matched, making the decision more about preference for typing feel versus premium build materials.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer tri-mode connectivity with 2.4GHz wireless for low-latency gaming.
  • •Both feature hot-swappable PCBs for switch customization.
  • •The AULA's gasket mount may offer a softer feel, while the Royal Kludge's top mount is described as providing a 'fixed feeling'.
  • •Both include RGB backlighting.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •The Royal Kludge S98DE includes a USB pass-through port for connecting peripherals.
  • •It features double-shot PBT keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to shine than the AULA's listed ABS case material for keycaps.
  • •The integrated LCD screen can display battery status and connection mode.
  • •Both have 96% layouts with number pads for data entry.
ProgrammingTie
  • •The compact 96% layout with arrow keys and a number pad is efficient for both.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing programmers to customize switch types for long typing sessions.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows operating systems.
  • •The Royal Kludge's listed onboard storage and software support may aid in key remapping.
TravelAULA F99 Pro
  • •The AULA F99 Pro is significantly lighter at 1023g compared to the Royal Kludge's 1879g.
  • •Its massive 8000mAh battery offers much longer wireless use between charges than the 3750mAh battery in the S98DE.
  • •Both share similar compact 96% footprints.
ModdingAULA F99 Pro
  • •The AULA F99 Pro uses a gasket mount with a PC plate and a flex-cut PCB, which is a popular modding platform for a softer, more flexible typing feel.
  • •Its vendor description details five layers of sound-dampening materials (sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, PET film, bottom foam, silicone pad) for acoustic tuning.
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable and support screw-in stabilizers, though the Royal Kludge explicitly lists them as a feature.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •The Royal Kludge's LCD screen can be customized with GIFs, offering a unique visual element for streaming setups.
  • •The USB pass-through port is convenient for connecting a drawing tablet or other USB devices.
  • •The included media knob on both keyboards is useful for timeline scrubbing or volume control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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