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Compare AULA F87 vs Keychron K8 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a budget-friendly, feature-packed keyboard and a higher-end model focused on customization and build quality. Both are 80% TKL keyboards with tri-mode connectivity and hot-swap PCBs, making the choice difficult. The AULA F87 emphasizes a cushioned typing experience with its gasket mount and sound-dampening layers, while the Keychron K8 Max offers advanced programmability with QMK/VIA, a more robust material selection, and switch variety.

62
AULA F87 TKL Gaming Mechanical Keyboard Gasket Hot-Swappable
92
Keychron K8 Max QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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5.0 (1)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1020 g
  • Sized at 41 x 139 x 365 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW, ISO-CH layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 1308 g
  • Sized at 43 x 359 x 129 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, ABS, Steel case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 57.7
  • Build Quality: 60
  • Productivity: 75.7
  • Customizability: 48.5
  • Portability: 73
Scores
  • Performance: 81.6
  • Build Quality: 87.8
  • Productivity: 94.9
  • Customizability: 92.6
  • Portability: 73.2
Name
AULA F87
Name
Keychron K8 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW, ISO-CH
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
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 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
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Aluminum, ABS, Steel
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
41 x 139 x 365 mm
Dimensions
43 x 359 x 129 mm
Weight
1020g
Weight
1308g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority dictates the choice. If you want a soft, quiet typing experience straight out of the box without a high investment, the AULA F87 and its gasket mount design deliver strong value. If you plan to deeply customize your typing experience, key mappings, and aesthetics with premium materials and firmware, the Keychron K8 Max is worth the extra cost. For most users seeking a long-term, customizable tool, the K8 Max's advantages in software and build are decisive.

AULA F87

  • +Gasket-mounted design with an extended silicone pad for a cushioned typing feel.
  • +Five-layer sound-dampening structure includes IXPE and PORON foam for a quieter sound.
  • +Lower weight (1020g) enhances portability.
  • +Vendor page cites a fast 3ms response time.
  • +Generally available at a lower price point.
  • −Limited to linear switch options.
  • −Case material is ABS, which may feel less premium than metal alternatives.
  • −Lacks advanced programmability software like QMK or VIA.
  • −No RGB backlighting, only white backlighting according to vendor descriptions.

Keychron K8 Max

  • +Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
  • +Features a multi-material case construction including aluminum and steel.
  • +Offers a choice of linear, tactile, or clicky switch types.
  • +Includes south-facing RGB backlights with multiple effect settings.
  • +Comes with screw-in PCB stabilizers for improved typing stability.
  • −Heavier weight (1308g) reduces portability.
  • −Typically commands a higher price.
  • −The vendor page indicates certain configurations are often out of stock.
  • −No gasket mount design, using PCB and plate mount instead.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K8 Max is the more versatile choice for productivity-focused tasks like office work, programming, and content creation due to its superior software and ergonomic options. The AULA F87 holds an advantage for portability thanks to its lower weight. For gaming, both keyboards provide the core technical specs needed, resulting in a tie. Enthusiasts looking to mod will find the K8 Max's open-source firmware and hardware design more accommodating.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-Key Rollover for reliable input.
  • •Both support low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connections.
  • •The AULA F87 vendor page cites a 3ms response time, while the K8 Max emphasizes a 1000 Hz polling rate for competitive play.
OfficeKeychron K8 Max
  • •The Keychron K8 Max includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and is listed as suitable for all devices.
  • •It offers three adjustable typing angles (3.4°, 7.7°, 10.7°) for ergonomic support.
  • •Its multi-device Bluetooth connectivity supports seamless switching between computers and tablets.
ProgrammingKeychron K8 Max
  • •The Keychron K8 Max supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro creation.
  • •It can be configured via the Keychron Launcher web app for easy programming.
  • •The inclusion of screw-in PCB stabilizers may contribute to a more consistent typing feel on large keys.
TravelAULA F87
  • •The AULA F87 is lighter at 1020g compared to the K8 Max's 1308g.
  • •Both have the same 4000mAh battery capacity for wireless use.
  • •Its slightly more compact dimensions (365mm length vs 359mm) and lower weight make it easier to carry.
ModdingKeychron K8 Max
  • •The Keychron K8 Max supports QMK/VIA open-source firmware for extensive software customization.
  • •It features a steel plate and uses screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are favored in the modding community.
  • •It has a multi-material case (aluminum, ABS, steel) and supports a wider variety of switch types (linear, tactile, clicky) out of the box.
Content CreationKeychron K8 Max
  • •The Keychron K8 Max's QMK/VIA support allows for complex macros and shortcuts tailored to editing software.
  • •It includes multimedia keys for quick media control.
  • •South-facing RGB backlights offer better illumination and avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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