Compare AULA F99 vs Royal Kludge R65 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a feature-rich, full-size wireless keyboard and a compact, enthusiast-focused wired model. The AULA F99 offers a 96% layout with tri-mode connectivity and a huge battery, while the Royal Kludge R65 provides a 65% aluminum build with advanced QMK/VIA programmability. The decision hinges on prioritizing layout and wireless freedom versus portability, build material, and deep software customization.

Model
	75	86	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.8 stars (51 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Available in a 96% layout Enables rapid trigger functionality Includes screw-in stabilizers Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery 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 2024 Available in a 65% layout Comes with a knob Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Weighs about 580 g Sized at 41 x 116 x 41 mm Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 59.7 Build Quality: 63.2 Productivity: 89.1 Customizability: 73.1 Portability: 64.4	Scores Performance: 65.9 Build Quality: 84 Productivity: 89.3 Customizability: 89.9 Portability: 86
Name	Name AULA F99	Name Royal Kludge R65
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
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 65%
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 8000 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 Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, North-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS, Plastic, PBT	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 43 x 147 x 391 mm	Dimensions 41 x 116 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight 1023g	Weight 580g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a full keyboard layout with wireless freedom and marathon battery life for office or home use, the AULA F99 is the logical pick. Opt for the Royal Kludge R65 if you prioritize a compact, portable desk footprint, a premium aluminum build, and extensive programmability via QMK/VIA for a customized typing experience.

AULA F99

+Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for versatile use.
+Large 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless operation.
+96% layout retains numpad and navigation keys in a compact form factor.
+Includes five layers of sound-dampening materials like sandwich foam and PET film.
+Features a rapid trigger function for gaming.

−Heavier at 1023g and larger due to the 96% layout, less portable.
−Case is constructed from ABS plastic, not aluminum.
−Software driver is listed as only supporting Windows, limiting Mac/Linux customization.
−North-facing RGB LEDs may cause interference with certain Cherry profile keycaps.

Royal Kludge R65

+Aluminum case construction for a more premium and sturdy feel.
+Full QMK and VIA support for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
+Compact 65% layout saves substantial desk space.
+Includes a dedicated metal volume knob for media control.
+Lighter weight (580g) and smaller dimensions enhance portability.

−Wired-only connectivity, lacking wireless options.
−No integrated numpad or dedicated function row, requiring layer usage.
−Battery capacity is not listed, as it is a wired model.
−The vendor comparison chart suggests this specific R65 model is wired-only, unlike some other RK models.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The AULA F99 wins for office use and gaming, leveraging its full layout and wireless features. The Royal Kludge R65 is the clear choice for travel and modding due to its compact size, lighter weight, and superior programmability. For programming, it's a tie between the F99's key accessibility and the R65's software flexibility, while content creation slightly favors the F99's numpad.

GamingAULA F99

•The AULA F99 includes a rapid trigger feature, which is listed in its specifications.
•Its tri-mode connectivity offers low-latency 2.4GHz wireless or wired options.
•The full 96% layout retains dedicated arrow and navigation keys without layers.

OfficeAULA F99

•The 96% layout includes a numpad and function row, beneficial for data entry.
•Tri-mode wireless connectivity with an 8000mAh battery supports long cord-free use.
•North-facing RGB with Cherry profile keycaps, as noted in its vendor description, offers good backlighting.

ProgrammingTie

•The AULA F99's 96% layout provides direct access to arrow keys, function row, and navigation cluster.
•The Royal Kludge R65 supports QMK/VIA, allowing deep key remapping and macro creation for workflows.
•Both keyboards are hot-swappable, enabling switch customization for preferred typing feel.

TravelRoyal Kludge R65

•The Royal Kludge R65 is significantly more compact as a 65% keyboard.
•It weighs 580g compared to the AULA F99's 1023g, making it lighter to carry.
•Its wired-only design eliminates the need to manage a wireless dongle or charge a battery on the go.

ModdingRoyal Kludge R65

•The Royal Kludge R65 explicitly supports QMK and VIA for extensive firmware customization.
•It features an aluminum case, which often provides a more premium base for modifications.
•It includes a metal volume knob, adding a customizable hardware element.

Content CreationAULA F99

•The integrated numpad on the 96% layout is useful for timeline scrubbing and numerical input.
•The volume knob on the R65 is beneficial, but the AULA's full layout may offer more direct shortcut keys.
•Long battery life supports extended wireless use during editing sessions.