Review of AULA F108 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for Gaming and Productivity

Description

Initial Impressions and Design

I’ve had my fair share of mechanical keyboards, but the AULA F108 Pro immediately stood out. Its sleek design with a built-in TFT color display screen felt like a mix of futuristic tech and practical utility. The 104-key full-size layout is particularly convenient, offering a dedicated numeric pad, arrow keys, and function keys. As someone who spends hours gaming and working, I appreciated the two-color injection-molded PBT keycaps, which feel soft to the touch and are sweat-resistant and fade-proof.

What really caught my attention was the multi-function knob. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s truly useful. Adjusting the RGB backlight colors, volume, and even switching between devices became so seamless that I wondered why this feature isn’t standard on all keyboards. The RGB backlighting and decorative light bars on the sides added a strong gaming aesthetic without feeling over-the-top.

Performance and Connectivity

The tri-mode connectivity blew me away. With BT5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired options, this keyboard is made for multitasking. I easily connected it to my PC, laptop, and tablet, and switching between devices was as smooth as advertised. The 1000Hz polling rate in 2.4GHz wireless and wired modes ensured lag-free performance during high-intensity gaming sessions.

I tested the keyboard on both Windows and Mac systems, and it worked flawlessly. However, the Linux compatibility was a bit of a mixed bag. Certain F-zone functionalities didn’t work properly, which I later found out was due to incompatible driver versions. If you’re a Linux user, this might be something to keep in mind, though it doesn’t affect the core typing or gaming experience.

Typing and Gaming Experience

Typing on this keyboard felt like a dream. The hot-swappable base was a game-changer, allowing me to replace 3-pin or 5-pin switches without needing to solder anything. The pre-lubricated stabilizers and switches delivered a buttery smooth typing experience with a satisfying creamy mechanical sound. It’s one of those keyboards where you find yourself typing just for the fun of it.

During gaming, the advanced five-layer filling structure really made a difference. It effectively silenced any unwanted cavity noise, ensuring that the sound of the keys didn’t distract me mid-game. The keyboard’s PCB single key slotting added to its stability, so even during intense moments, there was no wobbling or inconsistency.

Positives

The AULA F108 Pro brings a lot to the table, making it a standout option for gamers and professionals alike. Here are a few of its key benefits:

• Tri-mode connectivity ensures compatibility with multiple devices and seamless switching.
• The TFT color display screen offers real-time customization and looks incredibly modern.
• Hot-swappable custom keyboard base allows for effortless key customization.
• 104-key full-size layout caters to both gaming and productivity.
• RGB backlighting and side decorative lights create an immersive atmosphere.

Shortcomings

Though this keyboard impressed me in many areas, there are a few caveats worth noting:

• The Linux driver compatibility issues may be a dealbreaker for some.
• Customizing the TFT display screen requires downloading software and using wired mode, which feels slightly inconvenient.
• The weight (3.69 pounds) makes it less portable compared to other wireless keyboards.

Product Competitors

In the world of mechanical keyboards, competition is fierce, and the AULA F108 Pro faces strong contenders like the Keychron K8 Pro and the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro.

The Keychron K8 Pro is also a tri-mode keyboard and offers a hot-swappable feature, but its lack of a dedicated numeric keypad makes it less versatile for productivity tasks. The AULA F108 Pro, with its full-size layout, feels like the better choice for someone who needs an all-rounder.

The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro, on the other hand, shines with its premium build quality and advanced RGB customization through Razer Synapse software. However, it doesn’t offer a TFT screen or hot-swappable switches, which could be a drawback if you’re looking for maximum customization.

Where the AULA F108 Pro truly excels is price-to-quality ratio. It offers features like a massive 8000mAh battery, creamy mechanical sound, and multi-function knob that are hard to find in one package within this price range.

Smart Spending

If you’re asking whether this keyboard is worth its price, the answer is a resounding yes. Its versatility, build quality, and unique features like the TFT screen and hot-swappable switches make it a fantastic investment. While it might not be the most portable option out there, its value proposition lies in its ability to cater to both gamers and professionals without compromising on performance. For what it offers, I’d say it’s worth every penny if you’re in the market for a feature-rich mechanical keyboard.

Additional information