AULA F87 vs Machenike K500: Wireless Gasket vs Wired 96% Layout

Compare AULA F87 vs Machenike K500 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich wireless TKL and a budget-friendly compact wired board. The AULA F87 offers tri-mode connectivity and a gasket-mounted design for sound and feel, while the Machenike K500 provides a space-saving 96% layout with RGB at a lower cost. The decision hinges on whether wireless versatility and a cushioned typing experience are worth the investment over a simpler, more compact wired option.

Model
Rating	5.0 stars (1 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Has Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Compatible with both Mac and Windows Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1020 g Sized at 41 x 139 x 365 mm Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile switch options Available in a 96% layout Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 650 g Sized at 34 x 127 x 353 mm Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 57.7 Build Quality: 60 Productivity: 75.7 Customizability: 48.5 Portability: 73	Scores Performance: 79.1 Build Quality: 53.4 Productivity: 60.5 Customizability: 63.5 Portability: 45.2
Name	Name AULA F87	Name Machenike K500
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Linear, Tactile
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 96%
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 Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 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 -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 139 x 365 mm	Dimensions 34 x 127 x 353 mm
Weight	Weight 1020g	Weight 650g

AULA F87 TKL Gaming Mechanical Keyboard Gasket Hot-Swappable

Machenike K500 Wired Mechanical Keyboard

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5.0 stars (1 reviews)

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2025
Has Linear switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1020 g
Sized at 41 x 139 x 365 mm
Offers No RGB lighting

Released in 2023
Has Linear, Tactile switch options
Available in a 96% layout
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Weighs about 650 g
Sized at 34 x 127 x 353 mm
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 57.7
Build Quality: 60
Productivity: 75.7
Customizability: 48.5
Portability: 73

Scores

Performance: 79.1
Build Quality: 53.4
Productivity: 60.5
Customizability: 63.5
Portability: 45.2

Name

AULA F87

Name

Machenike K500

Release year

2025

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

96%

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

Wired, Wired only

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

41 x 139 x 365 mm

Dimensions

34 x 127 x 353 mm

Weight

1020g

Weight

650g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value a clutter-free desk, need to switch between multiple devices, or prioritize a soft, quiet typing feel, the AULA F87 is the clear winner despite its higher cost. If your budget is tighter, you work primarily at a single wired workstation, and you want a numpad with RGB lighting, the Machenike K500 delivers excellent core features for the price.

AULA F87

+Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, USB-C wired) for maximum flexibility.
+Gasket-mounted design with a five-layer sound-dampening structure including IXPE and PORON foam.
+Includes a 4000mAh battery for wireless use.
+Factory-lubed linear switches and pre-lubed stabilizers are noted in the vendor description.
+Double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile for durability.

−Heavier at 1020g, which reduces portability despite its wireless nature.
−No RGB lighting, only white backlighting according to user reviews.
−The vendor description mentions software can be difficult to find and set up for lighting control.

Machenike K500

+More affordable price point for a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.
+Compact 96% layout retains the numeric keypad in a smaller footprint.
+Features bright per-key RGB backlighting with 16.8 million colors.
+Vendor page states all keys are programmable.
+Lighter weight of 650g and thinner profile (34mm height).

−Wired-only connectivity (USB-C), offering no wireless options.
−Vendor compatibility is listed only for Windows, with no mention of Mac support.
−Uses a 3-pin hot-swap socket, which is more limiting than 5-pin compatibility.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The AULA F87 is the stronger choice for mobile professionals and quiet office environments due to its wireless features and sound-dampened design. The Machenike K500 appeals to users who prioritize a compact layout with a numpad, visual customization with RGB, and a lower price point for a wired desk setup. For modding, both offer a solid foundation with hot-swap sockets and internal foam.

GamingAULA F87

•The AULA F87 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate and a 3ms response time according to its vendor page.
•It offers tri-mode connectivity, including a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for a low-latency wireless option.
•Its gasket mount and five-layer sound dampening, including IXPE and PORON foam, may provide a more premium and quiet acoustic experience.

OfficeAULA F87

•The AULA F87 supports Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting to multiple devices, enhancing flexibility in an office environment.
•Its five-layer sound dampening structure makes it a quieter option for shared workspaces.
•The vendor description lists explicit Mac/Win support, while the Machenike K500's vendor page only mentions Windows compatibility.

ProgrammingMachenike K500

•The Machenike K500's 96% layout includes a numeric keypad in a compact form factor, useful for data entry.
•Its vendor page states all keys are programmable, offering potential for macros and key remapping.
•It is a lighter keyboard at 650g, which may be preferable for some desk setups.

TravelAULA F87

•The AULA F87 is wireless with a 4000mAh battery, eliminating the need for a constant cable connection.
•Its 80% (TKL) layout is more compact than a full-size board, saving bag space.
•Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy pairing with laptops or tablets on the go.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing for easy switch changes.
•The AULA F87 uses a gasket mount design, which is a popular modding platform for tuning flex and sound.
•The Machenike K500 includes plate-mounted EVA sound-absorbing foam and a steel plate, providing a base for acoustic mods.

Content CreationMachenike K500

•The Machenike K500 features per-key RGB backlighting with 16.8 million colors, which can be visually appealing for stream setups.
•Its programmable keys could be mapped to media shortcuts or application-specific functions.
•The compact 96% layout saves desk space for graphics tablets or other peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)