Aula F75 Mechanical Keyboard, Worth to Buy?
Ever wondered if a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard could be your ticket to typing bliss without burning a hole in your pocket?
Diving into the realm of budget mechanical keyboards, the market offers an array of options that won't burn a hole in your pocket. In our recent exploration, we stumbled upon the Aula F75, a keyboard sent over by the team at AA (or All AA – let's just roll with AA for now). Priced at a reasonable $69 or $105 Australian, including free shipping, this lesser-known mechanical marvel has been under our scrutiny for a generous 2 and 1/2 weeks. Today, we'll delve into the details, sharing our candid thoughts about the Aula F75 and what sets it apart in the crowded keyboard landscape.
Unwrapping the Aula F75, the first impression is positive – meticulously covered in protective plastic and adorned with a dust cover. Sporting a 75% layout with 80 keys, it arrives with a user manual, thoughtfully provided in both Chinese and English. The manual serves as a guide for navigating the RGB backlighting, a notable feature complemented by function keys for an array of commands. Additionally, a quick start guide in Chinese offers a swift glance at the keyboard's basics.
The package includes a key cap and switch puller, hinting at customization options for users keen on switching out the default switches. Tactile switches are also included, providing users with a tangible feel of the alternatives. The USB Type-A to Type-C cable, measuring about a meter and a half, is standard yet practical, ready to support your wired needs.
Now, let's turn our attention to the keyboard itself. Weighing in at around 850g, the Aula F75 boasts a fully plastic construction. While the plastic build introduces a bit of flexibility, the overall structure feels surprisingly robust. Adjustable feet at the bottom offer a two-stage adjustment, catering to varying height preferences and enhancing the user's comfort. Aesthetically, the white version, adorned with light blue and black accents, exudes a fresh and clean appearance.
Connectivity is a key aspect, and the Aula F75 doesn't disappoint. Supporting both wired and wireless setups, the USB Type-C connection at the back serves the dual purpose of charging for wireless mode and facilitating a Bluetooth 5.0 connection for up to three devices. For the 2.4 GHz Wireless mode, a USB dongle is provided, ensuring a swift 1,000 HZ polling rate for competitive gaming. In Bluetooth mode, the polling rate adjusts to 125 HZ. Despite its plastic construction, the Aula F75 manages to impress with its solid feel.
After rigorous testing, including a satisfying typing session, the Aula F75 emerges as a performer. The keys deliver a tactile and solid feel, making typing a pleasurable experience. The addition of a rotary dial in the top corner for volume control or muting adds a practical touch to the overall design.
When it comes to battery life and RGB lighting, the Aula F75 stands its ground admirably. Battery level indication is a breeze, accessible by pressing function B, revealing a visual indicator from full to empty. Adjusting RGB lighting brightness and cycling through colors are intuitive functions. With a dynamic range of 16 RGB modes, users have ample options for customizing the lighting to suit their preferences.
In the software department, there's room for improvement. However, considering the affordable price point, it's a forgivable aspect. Notably, the keyboard's battery life has proven commendable, lasting over a week with regular usage and RGB lighting engaged.
The Aula F75 emerges as a versatile and feature-packed mechanical keyboard that won't break the bank. With its combination of gasket-mounted hot-swappable switches, RGB backlighting, and overall solid performance, it stands out as an appealing choice in the budget-friendly category. Our experience with this keyboard has been overwhelmingly positive, leading us to wholeheartedly recommend the Aula F75 to those seeking an affordable yet impressive mechanical keyboard for their setup.