AULA F99 vs F99 Max: Screen and Knob or Budget

Compare AULA F99 vs F99 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between the standard AULA F99 and the updated AULA F99 Max, two hot-swappable 96% mechanical keyboards from AULA. The decision is difficult because both share the same core layout, triple connectivity, 8000mAh battery, and five-layer sound dampening. The key trade-off is that the F99 offers more plate material choices (PC or FR4) and a lower typical price, while the F99 Max adds a TFT smart screen and a rotary knob for extra customization and control.

Model
Rating	4.8 stars (51 reviews)	5.0 stars (1 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Includes a No display Enables rapid trigger functionality Includes screw-in stabilizers Weighs about 1023 g Sized at 43 x 147 x 391 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic, PBT case Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2026 Comes with a knob Includes a Yes, TFT display Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 1175 g Sized at 43 x 139 x 407 mm Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 57.9 Build Quality: 57.1 Productivity: 87 Customizability: 66.5 Portability: 62.2	Scores Performance: 66.8 Build Quality: 69.7 Productivity: 84.4 Customizability: 74.5 Portability: 63.5
Name	Name AULA F99	Name AULA F99 Max
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2026
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 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 TFT
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 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 8000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
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, North-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Plastic, PBT	Case Material ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 43 x 147 x 391 mm	Dimensions 43 x 139 x 407 mm
Weight	Weight 1023g	Weight 1175g

AULA F99 Gasket Mechanical Keyboard - Image: 2

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4.8 stars (51 reviews)

5.0 stars (1 reviews)

Released in 2023
Includes a No display
Enables rapid trigger functionality
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Weighs about 1023 g
Sized at 43 x 147 x 391 mm
Made with a ABS, Plastic, PBT case
Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting

Released in 2026
Comes with a knob
Includes a Yes, TFT display
Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
Weighs about 1175 g
Sized at 43 x 139 x 407 mm
Made with a ABS case
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 57.9
Build Quality: 57.1
Productivity: 87
Customizability: 66.5
Portability: 62.2

Scores

Performance: 66.8
Build Quality: 69.7
Productivity: 84.4
Customizability: 74.5
Portability: 63.5

Name

AULA F99

Name

AULA F99 Max

Release year

2023

Release year

2026

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

96%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

TFT

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

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

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, North-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS, Plastic, PBT

Case Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

43 x 147 x 391 mm

Dimensions

43 x 139 x 407 mm

Weight

1023g

Weight

1175g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the AULA F99 and AULA F99 Max hinges on whether you prioritize extra features or mod-friendly design. If you want a dedicated TFT screen and a rotary knob for on-the-fly controls, the F99 Max is the straightforward pick. If you prefer a lower price, the ability to choose between PC and FR4 plates, and screw-in stabilizers for easier modding, the standard F99 is the better foundation. Both deliver the same 8000mAh battery, gasket mount, and five-layer sound absorption, so your core typing experience will be solid either way.

AULA F99

+Offers a choice of PC or FR4 plate materials, allowing users to tailor the typing feel.
+Uses screw-in stabilizers, which are generally more stable and easier to fine-tune.
+Weighs 1023 grams, making it slightly lighter than the F99 Max.
+Typically available at a lower price point while sharing the core 8000mAh battery and sound dampening features.

−Has north-facing RGB LEDs, which may cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycap sets.
−Lacks a TFT screen and rotary knob, so it does not offer the same visual customization and physical controls as the F99 Max.
−The vendor description does not specify its polling rate, so its gaming performance is less clearly defined.

AULA F99 Max

+Includes a TFT smart screen that can display custom GIFs, time, and battery level.
+Features a rotary knob for intuitive volume or backlight control.
+Has a stated 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes, supporting low-latency gaming.
+Uses south-facing RGB LEDs, which are generally more compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps and provide better shine-through.

−Uses plate-mounted stabilizers, which can be less stable and more difficult to mod than screw-in stabilizers.
−Weighs 1175 grams, making it slightly heavier and less portable than the F99.
−Only offers a PC plate option, providing less flexibility for sound and feel customization compared to the F99's dual-plate choice.
−Has a smaller range of color variants available according to the vendor listings.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming and content creation, the F99 Max wins thanks to its TFT screen, knob, and higher polling rate. The standard F99 takes the lead for modding by offering an FR4 plate option and screw-in stabilizers. In office and travel use, the differences are minor and often come down to price and weight, leading to ties. For programming, both keyboards are evenly matched due to their shared layout, sound dampening, and hot-swappability. The F99 Max offers more out-of-the-box features, while the F99 provides better build flexibility for those who want to customize.

GamingAULA F99 Max

•The F99 Max comes with a 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes, which is conducive to gaming responsiveness.
•Its south-facing RGB LEDs are advertised as better for immersive gaming with per-key adjustable backlighting.
•The TFT screen and software allow for custom key mapping and macro recording to streamline gaming inputs.

OfficeAULA F99

•The F99 offers a PC or FR4 plate option, providing more flexibility to choose a typing feel that suits daily office work.
•It tends to be more affordable, which is a practical consideration for a standard office keyboard.
•The F99 is slightly lighter at 1023 grams, making it easier to reposition on a desk.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards use a 96% layout with a numpad, which is beneficial for programmers who frequently enter numbers.
•Each features a gasket mount with five layers of sound-dampening materials for a quieter, more comfortable typing experience.
•Both are hot-swappable with 3/5-pin switch support, allowing programmers to customize the feel without soldering.

TravelTie

•Both models have an identical 8000mAh battery capacity, enabling long wireless use between charges.
•They share the same Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity for flexible device pairing.
•The F99 is slightly lighter at 1023g versus the F99 Max at 1175g, but the difference is minor.

ModdingAULA F99

•The F99 offers both PC and FR4 plate options, giving modders a choice in typing feel and sound profile.
•Its screw-in stabilizers are generally preferred for stability and easier tuning compared to plate-mounted stabilizers.
•The single-key slotted PCB provides a flex-cut design that separates each key, a mod-friendly feature.

Content CreationAULA F99 Max

•The F99 Max's TFT screen allows creators to display custom GIFs, providing a personalized visual element.
•Its rotary knob offers intuitive control for volume or backlight brightness, useful during editing or streaming.
•The 1000 Hz polling rate helps reduce latency for fast-paced creative workflow and software shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)