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 [V33] Lowyat.Net Mechanical Keyboard Club

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Moogle Stiltzkin
post Jul 15 2024, 07:14 AM

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keyboard magnets? is this similar to a maglev? where the train floats on the train tracks levitation? hmm.gif

My question is, does this fancy smancy floating serve any functional purpose? or just an excuse to look unique and charge you a bomb for it sweat.gif

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Jul 15 2024, 07:16 AM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Jul 31 2024, 12:42 PM

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QUOTE(quarantined @ Jul 22 2024, 12:34 PM)
In the mechanical keyboard world, 600-700 is hardly expensive. A GMK keycap set can already cost you that much.

But whether worth it or not, especially for an ROG when alternatives are plenty, is up to users preference.
*
a decade ago i paid RM 800 ish for my mkb (mkb + doubleshot/dye sub keycaps + shipping from overseas)

these days you can get nice mkbs around 300-500 and you are not lacking for options either.


i would still think 600+ is considered expensive considering there are quality mkbs to satisfy most people under that price bracket you mentioned, especially during sales and when using vouchers.

i'm not calling anyone out for wanting to pay more for something a bit more premium, go ahead (i recently ordered a S24 Ultra and a Galaxy Ultra smart watch, so i'm not exactly one to call out others on this either laugh.gif )


But like i said, seeing as there are decent enough mkbs for below that price, it's reasonable to say that is already premium expensive at the price bracket rm600 and above sweat.gif


For example i paid RM310 for a RK ROYAL KLUDGE RKM75 Gasket 81 Keys Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (phantom, brown switches). Yes it's 10keyless but still you can't tell me that is a bad mkb especially at that price point.



If you can spend half the price of the rm600, just to get a decent enough MKB, then ya, i would definitely say rm600+ is premium because u can get a decent mkb for half the price.

Sorry if i sound like i am repeating myself, i just can't stress this enough sweat.gif just felt it was important to separate value mkb prices vs premium price segment that cost's about double or more.

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Jul 31 2024, 12:48 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 25 2024, 06:54 PM

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Any good mkb reco?

Something like rk s98. Full layout

My concern with rk is I heard the battery is fast drain and very long to charge. Is that true?

Also should I be concerned firmware is close source for firmware? Or m I being necessarily paranoid.

Put and alu metallic casing would be nice though not a must.

Req, doubles shots and brown switches. I'm OK with my cherry brown clones similar to rk as long as it's good.

Budget rm 300 roughly. Don't want to spend more preferably
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 27 2024, 01:17 PM

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QUOTE(T.Alvin @ Oct 27 2024, 11:17 AM)
try aula F99, more then double the battery capacity compare to S98
*
QUOTE(horns @ Oct 27 2024, 11:54 AM)
yes, personal comfort is important.
in general, firmware wise, it's all good as long as it's stable and fits almost all of user needs.

the availability of firmware source code might be important if you go custom, e.g., 40, split, adding own features, etc. it's definitely important if you wanna go beyond what's offerred by default firmware, e.g., converting bloated firmware to become slimmer, leaving more space for own codes.

it's too bad some board makers that ride on qmk still do not publish their codes. this is actually a violation of qmk license. imo they should just develop their own closed source firmware and tools, instead of smearing own names like this.
*
Ty 4 feedback.

I'll check that keyboard out ty.

I saw mongers mkb is between 400-600 so I guess for full aluminum body have to pay more.

I would have been fine with the rk but I heard the battery was dodgy. On YouTube too many ambassador praise it but does not mention this beside reddit
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 27 2024, 01:47 PM

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Good critical review. Seems to be good reco for full layout but budget.

Battery is long (not sure how long to charge] , very good pbt double shots.

Cons is no tactile switch options. The plate unsure if u can get aluminum or polyester carbon, they make it unclear.

Software was not good.

What about kechron v5 max? The YouTube recommended this

Also what is the flexible shaft v3 y does it cost double for f99?

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Oct 27 2024, 01:50 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 27 2024, 02:14 PM

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Anyway I ordered aula f99 Grey.

Linear isn't exactly my favorite vs brown tactile but I'll give it a try. At least it isn't blue clicky which i can't stand

I'm not too fussed about knobs and led screen. I can simply change in ui setting. I also don't do macro so I don't think that will be major issue for me

Hope it's aluminium plate but if not I'll live. No big deal

The keychron cost double and didn't like the look.

Paid 209 roughly, feels like a good deal for not a perfect mkb but quite good for the price. Will post review when I get it.

I'm mostly willing to make some compromise because of the price. At least the keycaps r put full double shot which is nice for this price. Color scheme is decent to my taste.

The reviewer said switch is not the best, will see. I probly won't be fussy about that but will see

Expect battery last 5 - 10 year. For the price it's low risk so not too worried if it doesn't get that far

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Oct 27 2024, 02:41 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 27 2024, 05:02 PM

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QUOTE(T.Alvin @ Oct 27 2024, 04:19 PM)
if refering to the review,he is using reaper switch, the one u order i believe is greywood v3, which is a very popular budget switch because super afforable and thocc in stock form. they also come prelube.

Actually i also used to like cherry brown (tactile) but after bombard by market with a ton of linear switch, and now i am a converted. I cant used any tactile switch anymore, they all feel something stuck when i press. I actually got a left over leobog building block tactile switch when i brought my Hi75. i can sell u if u want tongue.gif  tongue.gif although not sure if the quantity is enough for your F99.

i am very glad to see now these day wireless custom machanical keyboard can get in such a afforable price, compare to last time big gaming company charging more then RM600 for wireless feature and not a good keycaps, non hotswap switches to begin with.
*
Oof it's alrite ty. I don't rely do much switch modding though this mkb can do that. But ty though.

The reason I like tactile, I have a tendency to lightly rest my finger tips on keycaps. With linear u may be more prone to actuation keys.

Also as for typing I'm not one for bottoming out aka full press. But for gamers this is good.

Will see. Haven't used linear for ages maybe I will have change of heart.

What is the f99 switch though? Another mx cherry clone? Not familiar. All i know it's linear. Is it suppose to be something like cherry mx red? Sorry I'm outdated. So many new switches these days, can't keep up 😆

Yeah, imagine back in the day Logitech wanted to charge more than 200 for a rubber dome keyboard with bad led lighting. Crazy how far we have come. So many choices, good deals, improved quality

And yes being bombarded with linear switch options is a very apt description. I caved cauz it was the only option for f99. Hopefully I don't regret.

As long as it's not black or blue switch I'll probly be fine

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Oct 27 2024, 05:07 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 27 2024, 08:06 PM

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QUOTE(T.Alvin @ Oct 27 2024, 05:54 PM)
Be prepare for the typo, u may found frustrating at first, might take time to getting used to it but, you will be fine.
eh... in this day and age, cant say it is clone of a cherry MX anymore, because almost any other switches will be better then cherry mx's after u experience other modern switch. And dont know if u realize or not, not much big company taking cherry mx switches anymore.
Anyway, do give us some though after u received ur new keyboard. positive or negative, i am happily to read it =)
*
I didnt know that. Was away from scene too long to avoid mkb poison. Though it finally got me in the end
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 28 2024, 03:46 PM

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QUOTE(T.Alvin @ Oct 27 2024, 05:54 PM)
Be prepare for the typo, u may found frustrating at first, might take time to getting used to it but, you will be fine.
eh... in this day and age, cant say it is clone of a cherry MX anymore, because almost any other switches will be better then cherry mx's after u experience other modern switch. And dont know if u realize or not, not much big company taking cherry mx switches anymore.
Anyway, do give us some though after u received ur new keyboard. positive or negative, i am happily to read it =)
*
just received it.

wow... the switches are nice.

lightly resting fingertips above is ok, as long as u dont press. i don't i just lightly hover on it.

not sure if this is aluminium plate, but the keyboard is hefty enough to stay in place without sliding all over.

there is some flex when typing but very slight that i barely notice. it's only when you force press that you will notice the flex. not an issue for me.


blue tooth was easily detectable. just worked without issue. didn't have to install anything though i probably should. i don't plan to do any macro so maybe not needed. for changing the led lighting can just use the function key combo.

the cardboard with instructions was quite useful and explains everything quite clearly about how to use this mkb at a glance.

i didnt test wifi 2.4 since bluetooth works and uses less power.

heard this mkb does not have stabilizers? but i tested the spacebar and the bigger keys, but did not notice any issues?

i see that there are many lighting options. though tbh i'm confused which i like best sweat.gif i went with the lighting mode which appears as you type. so when you are not typing there is no lighting. seems to be a balance between saving battery and still enjoying a led experience.


the leg stands click in place and seem sturdy, NOT flimsy, unlike my previous mkb.

The I/O is well placed at the back, whereas my previous MKB I/O was a bit sloopy and hurt the wired cable. Basically mkbs have a lot of polish these days compared to prior mkbs (like my old one).

i cannot stress enough how amazing these keycaps are. PBT doubleshot (not the bad kind. if you check underneath, it's the FULL doubleshot done right).

The F99 i got does not have see through keycaps. If you want that, i heard the F99 pro has a knob AND see through keycaps. Tbh i don't feel i need those things, so i rather save money and get this.

it has numpad which i use. but it's not exactly the full layout, it's the smaller one e.g. the 0 on numpad is small not big. It's not an issue for me. And compared to my old mkb, it's width is shorter but not in a bad way, feels much nicer at this size. If you are like me and want a numpad mkb, this one works fine (UNLESS you are bothered by the small 0 on numpad)

My only regret, is not ordering this a day later. Why? because shopee had a Rm50+ discount RIGHT AFTER i had ordered doh.gif I always get unlucky missing out on the discounts.

If you are in the market for a new mkb i strongly recommend this one.

but keep in mind, my preferences may not be same as yours

- it's not full solid alu casing (though it feels good enough to me tbh. and it's hefty not to shift while typing)
- no knob. no lcd screen. i don't particularly care, but some might. If you get the f99 pro they have a knob, though they don't have a lcd screen, but the royal kludge S98 does for an almost same price point.
- no tactile option. if you must have tactile, then this is no the mkb for you. OR, you could simply swap out the switches for tactile. But by default there are no tactile options. So you have to buy the switches separately. Also this mkb makes it easy to change switches, and comes with a convenient and solid keycap switcher (not the bad kind)



i would rate this mkb

9/10 for overall ratings



10/10 for value (best bang for buck). Seriously, you don't need to spend RM 600-800 for a MKB. This RM 200 mkb does quite well (heck, you can get a discount on shopee flash sale which i sadly missed for an even lower price)

but in terms of bang for buck for a cheap budget mkb for a great price/steal, i rate this mkb highly. maybe there are better options out there, but i fail to see how they can beat this.

the closest i saw was a RK S98, but that had a crappy lithium battery, though it does come with a knob and lcd screen. I did handle a RK in passing when gifting to a friend, so i have an idea what a RK is like. It's nice, but i won't lose sleep over not having the knob or lcd. But i won't blame others that need that, it is nice but it's not a must for me.



9/10 aesthetic (i got the grey layout color scheme. i like it though others may have different taste. the led seems nice as well, but it doesn't have see through caps, i don't mind, but some may be fussy about that.)


10/10 keycaps. well made pbt doubleshots. it's hard to top that tbh.


8.5/10 casing build. though i gave this a lower score, it's understandable seeing as it's not a full body aluminium. instead i think it's abs. but that said, it's well made, that i don't have an issue with that, especially at this stellar budget price point, can't complain. not to mention the feet stands are well done. the IO and the 2.4 wifi/buetooth toggle is well placed in a neat cutout on the rear.


PS: i did not touch the aula software yet. but based on youtube it's not that great in particular for users that want to setup macros. I don't so for me it's not going to be an issue. but i did not rate it yet since i did not use it yet, to be fair.

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Oct 28 2024, 04:07 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 28 2024, 04:38 PM

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encountered my first major issue.

where is the print screen key? i use that a lot. is this keyboard using a shortcut for it? any tips

also they squish the layout to make it as compact as possible. i still feel that part is manageable.

it's just the missing keys i normally use that caught me off guard laugh.gif

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Oct 28 2024, 05:05 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 28 2024, 05:02 PM

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QUOTE(T.Alvin @ Oct 28 2024, 04:57 PM)
maybe u can use their software to change the key binding, i am not very familier with sofeware thing, maybe need others to help.
print screen is different then using snipping tools that available in windows?
*
guess i will have to use windows snipfor screenshot. normally i just hit printscreen then paste and edit. but snipping is actually the better way to be doing this. so i have to do it that way now on i guess.



*update

found another minor issue. with this compact numpad mkb, when you press the up and left arrows using your left hand, you will notice your fingers touching on the shift key. because there is no longer a space clearance versus a proper full keyboard. this isn't an issue if you type using your right hand which is also on the right side.

but there are times when my right hand is on mouse, and i'd use my left hand to use those arrow keys. so yeah it's annoyingly noticeable it hits into the shift while i am trying to press those keys. just a minor annoyance but should mention that.



This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Oct 28 2024, 08:10 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 29 2024, 04:32 AM

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found solution for missing print screen

browse aula site and find the software for your mkb model. mine is F99

download
https://www.aulastar.com

*confirmed this is the correct website because it's listed in the manual that came with the keyboard. earlier i got the software from epomaker which worked for this keyboard, but you probably should get it from the aula website instead.


then make home to print screen.

i dont use home key much, so made that into print screen. i got a keycap from another keyboard i can use to replace home key, but not bothered tbh.


it's true that it doesnt show what key you modified unless you mouse over. not very intuitive but not too big deal for me. but it's true the software is not perfect. but it works. just use it to make the edit and dont look at it again. there is a startup option but im not sure why you should bother, so i left that not to start on pc startup.

for led lighting control, you can already change that using the function key on keyboard. no need the software for that.




*update

another thing about the f99, it does have a led for the numlock. but its to the side behind the numlock key. cant see it at an angle unless u tilt forward to check. that said i'm surprised they even added a led light. some keyboards dont.

my previous keyboard added the light directly on the numpad and it had a window on it.

its ok if not perfect anyway.

on that note, capslock also has a led key to indicate if capslock is on or not. nice.


*update

not familiar with epomaker, but seems it has a bad rep
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboard...pomaker_please/


i had some sort of usb disconnection noise, was wondering which device was doing that, but after reading this reddit thread now i wonder if it was referring to the epomaker random drop outs. will continue to observe. other than that, i don't particularly have an issue


*confused



QUOTE
Epomaker keyboards are trash compared to what others have to offer. Aula, akko, monsgeek, keychron and others are nice tho


aula and epomaker isnt the same? how come?

so why is f99 listed on the epomaker website? anyone can explain?



harshest critcism i found was about modding. but as prebuilt seems to be ok.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboard...t_gasket_mount/


found an answer here



QUOTE
Aula is the keyboard maker, Epo only partnered with them and put their keycaps on it, did nothing else to the rest of the product as far as I know


https://www.reddit.com/r/Epomaker/comments/...ue_to_epomaker/


so i guess aula is fine, but epomaker is not. so aula f99 shouldn't be in hot water like epomaker? that said not sure why they would get involved with them. epomaker was banned on mkb sub reddit.

but surprised epomaker is behind the keycaps? is that true?




*update

another minor gripe, in the manual it explains how to use the function keys. You can do stuff like pause, previous, next song, mute. the thing is, there is no labeling at the bottom south side of the keycap to indicate this function. you have to memorize which keys does what. it's a small thing, but it's true that some other mkbs do provide such printed labeling. it's omitted on this mkb, thought i would mention.


the manual says this mkb supports android. i am assuming you connect via bluetooth? or the type c wired to do so. i don't extensively type on my android smartphone but it's nice there is that option. my previous keyboard did not have this. though it could be indirectly used when using samsung dex to pair to a pc.

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Oct 29 2024, 09:48 AM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Oct 29 2024, 09:51 AM

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QUOTE(iZuDeeN @ Oct 29 2024, 09:47 AM)
dont worry so much about what other reviewed, since you already got it. just enjoy it and if it works for you, nothing else matters
*
i would still like to know though. maybe others are not curious (and thats fine) but i am hmm.gif so in case i missed something from before, i can then check myself if that is an issue for me or not. but so far.... everything seems ok. no major issues yet. some surprises, but nothing i couldn't solve or get use to (e.g. i changed home to printscreen using the software app; and for numlock key i have to tilt forward to check the led light to confirm if it's active or not. the lack of spacing for the arrow keys i just have to get use to, but it's ok.....)

that's why i do a review and list what i found, so others can consider these things prior to a purchase. hope it helped someone smile.gif

PS: not sponsored. bought mkb myself laugh.gif



personally i think reviews are important. but at the same time i check a few reviews and not just single sources, to get a better idea. too many sponsored content these days. saw some videos omit some important points (paid sponsor lel) sweat.gif but to each their own.


*update

when on idle, mkb goes to sleep. when u type it wakes up. there is a short delay (very very minor. not an issue).

also tested set pc to sleep, which does put the mkb, mouse, monitor, pc all asleep. In my asus mobo bios there is a setting for usb power wake up for C5 sleep state (set this to enable).

After that cane wake pc from sleep clicking mouse. everything wakes up incluiding the mkb.



Also tested using the mkb for bios. But i'm not sure if bluetooth works for accessing bios. Instead i used the type c wired connection, then i could access bios pressing F2/F8/Delete.

my old mkb couldn't for some reason. So had to always use my vintage mkb to do that instead, is so annoying. Now i don't have to anymore laugh.gif


*update

ok another key missing. "insert".

Actually i do use home now and then. So what i did was change the keys for pageup to print screen


QUOTE
*update


there is an insert on the numpad.

If you use numlock that same key then becomes 0. so yes there is an insert. just not the typical one you had. so this isn't problem for insert. but i still don't see any printscreen natively





when i am in shell or in bios would i use page up/down. but that is rarely so. That's why i changed those keys.

Other keys missing is % on numpad, but that doesn't matter to me.


so yeah, it's not the full blown mkb, as there are some keys missing, and less spacing around the arrow keys at the bottom right of the keyboard, and the smaller "0" on numpad, and a smaller right shift to sum it up.

These downsides are manageable if you are ok with using the software to change the keys. and to get use to the more compact key layout with less spacing.


on the flipside, accessing the right shift key feels easier, since from the arrow key you hover up a bit and you can already touch/press shift easily. but is the lack of spacing arround arrow key worth the trade off? hard to say. i lean more toward having more spacing so i am less prone to hitting the wrong keys, since i am more use to a full layout keyboard. will see how i feel about this in a year from now.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboard...keyboard_sizes/

1800 layout it looks like this for the f99
user posted image

*but different than the picture, is it has Home, End, Pgup, Pgdown (there is no insert. however there is insert located in numpad so that is fine.) the other thing different is the right window key is the function key (you don't need 2 windows keys do you? 1 is enough xd). also there is a delete key in between the f12 and home keys.

QUOTE
The compact 1800 and the 96-key both belong in the 90% category. You are calling it 95% and others have called it 96%. The compact 1800 is a 98-key and is an exploded layout while the 96-key is a compressed layout. I think the confusion in calling them different % (95, 96, 98) is due to the number of keys and people assume that's the %.



the aesthetic for this is nice (especially if you must have a numpad). but from a usability point with missing keys (that may or may not be crucial) and less spacing around the arrow keys makes it a tiny bit uncomfortable for me if i am being totally honest. will take some getting use to sweat.gif


recommend using this or similar to test your keys working or not. especially after i added changes via the software to reprogram a key.
https://keyboard-test.space/

tested all keys, all seem to be working.


*update

the numlock led light, i mention earlier, you can't view it from the angle where you are typing from unless you tilt your head forward to check. but there is a trick. watch the key above it. if the white light reflects off it, means numlock is on. not sure if they intentionally designed it this way, but it works. but that only works in a not well lighted background though ^^;



i am not making any accidental key actuations when typing. i was worried about switching to linear from tactile.


as for the arrow keys i am getting the hang of it.

if i were to use an analogy, it's similar to how wide run ways you can land safely with better ease of mind. but with narrow short run ways you have to be extra careful.

example, when i am reading on website and i am scrolling down (not using mouse scroll, but rather the arrow key on keyboard). with old keyboard i can hover above the arrow keys without stress. now i am constantly bumpin against enter and shift keys tightly packed close. so now i have to change to hover south of the arrow key and glide up from that direction. if i did not do it that way it feels suffocating doing it the other way. maybe something like this does need so much detail/unnecessary fuss or others never felt this way with this type of keyboard layout. but i'm just sharing what i felt on this since i am always using the arrows keys so this matters a lot to me sweat.gif

but do i regret getting this mkb? tldr: no.

i still think its overall ok though i may still be nitpicking laugh.gif

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Nov 1 2024, 02:37 AM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Nov 14 2024, 01:47 PM

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its been a week + and i still havent had to charge the mkb with usb cable.

For this Aula F99.

the led light supposedly indicates the battery left, but it still seems like a fullbar to me.


when i set my pc to sleep, then want to wake it up, it takes about 20-30 seconds for the mkb to wake up properly before you can type. It's setup as blue tooth, so i guess that is acceptable.

Other than a not instant wake up (not expecting it to be), it just works fine, haven't noticed any issues.

the led light profile i am using is, when i type keys it the flashes lighting. but when i don't type, there is no lighting whatsoever. maybe that also helped reduced the battery consumption.

so after a week+ using it, i'm still liking this mkb smile.gif has numpads, good quality doubleshot keycaps (proper ones), led lighting (if you want show through keycaps then go the pro version). Switch is nice i didn't find any issue typing. Aesthetics is to my taste. Looks clean/professional.

If you want to change a key macro to something else you can. The software may not be perfect, but it reliably makes the change.

For the price and quality, it's very worth it. I can easily recommend this mkb to anyone.

Though if you want a better mkb case body (e.g. solid aluminium block), this mkb ain't it. To me it didn't matter. There is enough heft to keep mkb in place, so i'm not hung up on it needing to be a solid metalic block. But if you want to spend more for a more premium look you can just you will be getting further away from a best bang for buck mkb, and edge closer to pricier premium mkbs.


For battery i still don't know how long it will last before needing to recharge. I also don't know how long it takes to fully charge. But so far it's lasting quite a long time, so that is good smile.gif

if you want knobs i think the Pro F99 has it. I don't particularly care, so i went with non pro.


Overall, due to heavy competition, lots of choice, mkb affordability is in reach for something decent to use. I've seen even cheaper mkbs listed. I didn't try those but i did try Aula F99 and i can vouch for it smile.gif

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Nov 14 2024, 01:58 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Nov 16 2024, 03:48 AM

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QUOTE(T.Alvin @ Nov 14 2024, 02:01 PM)
mine hi8se, haven't charged for more then a month, i wonder how far can the keyboard battery go haha, but i do not run the rgb on my keeb cause the keycaps not shine through, so no point to open rgb .

Bluetooth i think will lag a bit one, youtuber testing most of the time the latency for bluetooth will double compare to 2.4g. so u may try to switch 2.4G to improve connectivity. On my hi8se, i connect via 2.4, not only it instead wake up, it also direct input what i press, so they don't have that 'eat word' this issue.

I also found out that there is no other way to see current battery percentage on my keyboard, even the software don't show, if seen in manual, the fn will flash red light only if battery is low.
*
i didnt realize 2.4 was better. guess i'll try that rclxms.gif ty

By the way was there anything in the manual what the vertical led light would look like to indicate how much battery you have?

Mine is currently flickering in and out, seems like a full bar. i'm guessing that means it's still 80% + battery.

ps: the reason i was using bluetooth was becauz it's shorter range, so feels more secure. also bluetooth uses less power than 2.4 wireless. But considering you have no battery issue using it, guess i will use that instead nod.gif

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Nov 16 2024, 03:51 AM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post Nov 16 2024, 07:40 PM

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QUOTE(T.Alvin @ Nov 16 2024, 06:08 PM)
I found ur fn key work same as mine, FN+B is to check baterry level.

user posted image
*
ty notworthy.gif

just checked seems i have roughly 10-15% left.


interesting, so when i plug in wire and set wired mode (using the button switch behind mkb), the led color changes continuously to indicate its charging.




also discovered my first weird issue. when i tried the wireless 2.4, it worked fine.

but at one point when i wasnt using mkb much since just using mouse to scroll, later i try type keyboard, it seemed asleep.

so i thought its like the bluetooth, tried to wake it up but couldnt.

ended up just switching to bluetooth and it worked fine again.


not sure whats up with that, but will try test wireless a bit more. but seems to me the bluetooth is more reliable, despite having a 20-25 second delay when waking up from sleep mode which is not too bad at least for me.

but not being able to wake up at all, that is a deal breaker. but that happened once so far when using wireless mode hmm.gif

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Nov 16 2024, 07:45 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post May 8 2025, 02:37 PM

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just an update on my Aula f99.

on 2.4ghz wireless, disconnections is rare. only time it disonnect is probly low battery. so reliability for wireless, pretty good.

the battery lasts very long when used in 2.4ghz. i recommend using this over bluetooth. the bluetooth doesnt seem as reliable.

i use the mkb with the big LED bar turned off. the other leds on keycaps is only set to reactive on key press (basically the low power usage. if u set ur led on all the time, expect lower lasting battery duration).

so how to tell when need to recharge? the big led bar turns red with light. means its low so have to recharge. during recharge the lights go all crazy.

when stop charging, the big led is off again.

with my led settings, the wireless can last many weeks without a charge. and when it does need a charge, just connect wire for the day is more than enough. im really glad i got recommended this over the other mkb because this one supposedly has a bigger lithium battery.

just explaining how it works, works well :}

Double shot keycaps.... amazing for the price.


only thing it doesnt have is a metal body casing like alu. if u want to nitpick on that, then this is not what u r looking for. for me, i didnt care. as long as its crispy doubleshot keycaps, nice switches, good overall price, i was content. the hotkey software not pretty but it does the job. though i see some reviewers poke fun at it for not being up to par with other mkb software and thats fine. but for me it didnt impact me to be a big deal.

keyboard almost perfect, but it has a missing print screen key. this i had to use the mkb software to change the key for print screen to work on a key i hardly use. other than that, it had all the keys i needed.

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: May 8 2025, 03:00 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post May 8 2025, 03:12 PM

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QUOTE(T.Alvin @ May 8 2025, 03:01 PM)
mine keyboard, if battery low the windows key will blinking in red. u can check your battery level by pressing alt+B.
Yes the battery last damn long, i think like 1.5 month per charge. but mine RGB light always off.
*
f99?

the window key will blink? uh how to do that?

the only thing that blink was the big thin strip led. that one i disabled. but it started flashing one day probably cauz low battery.

but i did not see window key blink ;_; not sure what u do for that. or u using a different mkb model?

u dont use rgb at all? i do but it only appears when i type. its fine for low lit areas (though tbh i hardly see what key i type.... laugh.gif )

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: May 8 2025, 03:13 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post May 13 2025, 02:38 PM

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QUOTE(chaosneo @ May 13 2025, 01:56 PM)
just wondering, if you full on RGB, can the battery life last a day of use?

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

*
tbh i never tried. i dont need the rgb on all the time, but i imagine yes, it will reduce ur battery so will have to recharge sooner.

most of the time my mkb has no lighting unless i actively type. tbh i only really notice during night when low lighting. just vanity aesthetics really smile.gif

but it doesnt get in the way of the nice doubleshot keycaps. these arent the see through doubleshots if thats what u r looking for. the RGB leaks from around the sides of the keycaps. Some mkb they have special keycaps where the letterings can see the rgb as well.

Here are some solid numbers
https://www.reddit.com/r/keyboards/comments...tery_indicator/

https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/aula/f99-f75

8000mAh

QUOTE
Most users online report a generally good experience with the battery life. Typical estimates from user reports range from up to a few days with backlighting on and up to several weeks or up to a month or two with backlighting off, depending on how often you use your keyboard.


based on the review comments, sounds like if ur using the RGB 24/7 or like 4-8 hours per day before the mkb goes to sleep mode, then expect it to last a couple of days before u have to charge it again. I never tested this, but this is what they say. If thats the case, thats a deal breaker for me. I dont want to keep charging every few days. I already do that for smart watch (galaxy ultra) and S24 ultra rolleyes.gif


i dont know exactly how long to charge. i simply leave it wired the entire day to charge, and i leave its many weeks on wireless without issue smile.gif

QUOTE
A full charge took approximately 29 hours and 48 minutes.


hmm.gif



on shopee u can get the aula f99 for RM222.00 - RM294.90 on sale. i think its worth it IF

- u dont mind the Compact (96%) keyboard layout
- u dont mind NOT a solid aluminium full body casing (its just plastic. has heft though so dont have to worry about sliding)
- u dont mind the UI software to manage mkb is not as beautiful as other mkb brands. for me it wasnt really a big issue.


in the past i spend like rm 800 ish on mkb. compared to this, i much prefer this one rolleyes.gif just cause u spend more doesnt always mean its better by a huge margin. there r some very good mkb deals, and i think this is one of them. some may be more nitpicky about aethetics like color schemes and etc, so thats fine.


the last 2 mkbs i bought were a royal kludge and this aula. the RK phantom had a very nice color scheme.
user posted image


This aula is more classic looking with its black, grey, white colors (boring) but very clean/professional looking (would look nice in the office without looking weird as long as u turn off the RGB effect laugh.gif )

user posted image



The RK had a smaller battery, had a smaller keyboard layout. So between the 2, i preferred the Aula based on that (cauz i still need numpad, and i want a longer lasting battery before having to recharge. seriously wireless for mkb is a game changer for me nod.gif )


the aula f99 pro has the knob if u need that? but expect to pay more for it though.

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: May 13 2025, 02:56 PM
Moogle Stiltzkin
post May 17 2025, 07:40 AM

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noticed aula has newer models like the full sized keyboard model

QUOTE
Aula F108 PRO- Full Size Wireless Gasket-mounted Gaming Keyboard with Screen and Knob


QUOTE
https://www.howtogeek.com/what-is-a-keyboard-gasket-mount/

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboard...t_gasket_mount/

user posted image




wub.gif


this one, the key prints r on the bottom side of the keycaps. the top is blank. but the advantage is the fonts are see through which go well with the LED lighting, so has a very nice aesthetic.

I'm already content with my aula F99, but if i were to look for a new mkb, i would probably recommend their Aula F108 pro. Not sure if they got a full keyboard with a similar doubleshot to the f99 hmm.gif


*update

thats weird. both the youtube say they are F108 pro, but the first one is blank but with the bottom side with see through fonts. But the bottom youtube has the standard doubleshot. I am assuming they have variants for the same model where u can pick which u prefer (im more biased to the standard double shots, but i must say, the see through blank keycaps look amazing too for led lighting) devil.gif


https://www.reddit.com/r/keyboards/comments...et_i_cant_find/

QUOTE
No QMK/VIA is always a no in my book. The knob will be a volume control (I already have one of those) and the screen probably won’t show much useful info. All depends what the software allows it to show. This is a base keyboards with a couple of “hype” additions that most true keyboard hobbyists don’t want. So it’s a marketing gimmick and probably won’t be quality. Only one way to know for sure, buy from a company with an easy return policy.


hmm.gif is that a major issue?



QUOTE
SirMicksAlot-

Bit late to the party but... I have this keyboard & the Keychron V6 Max on my desk in a bit of a side by side right now. One is likely going back to the store, spoiler it's probably gonna be the Keychron.

Both keyboards have very solid build quality, gasket mounted design, 2x adjustable height kickstand. The Keychron is marginally quieter but the kickstands feel super cheap in comparison, like they will break easily, and the entire board has a lot more flex.

Both have very similar specs. 3 mode connectivity, 1000hz polling in 2.4ghz, anti-ghosting etc etc...

The Keychron is QMK/VIA and has much better software via their launcher for easy customization, that's probably it's biggest strength in comparing the two. The F108 has software, but it's not great. That being said I've been able to customize most of the things that were important to me on the F108 via the function keys. I appreciate a nice keyboard, but I'm not quite as picky about deep customization. Lack of QMK/VIA would be a deal breaker for some.

My biggest issue with the Keychron is the god-awful OSA keycap profile they selected for the stock board. Hate them! That and the price. It's simply more expensive while not offering any stand out features for me. So if you're like me, you're much better off buying a barebones V6 Max + Switches + A set of Cherry profile keycaps.... At which point the F108 is now an even better value in comparison.

If you're torn between the F108 & the Pro version: With the Pro you get double the battery life (up to 8000mah), reaper switches as opposed to Greywoods, volume knob (Basic F108 still has volume keys), and the screen. The screen isn't ground breaking, but having the battery life indicator, time, & current connectivity mode is a nice visual to me. I personally think the Pro adds enough QOL for the relatively small increase in price.

If you have any other specific questions about one board or the other shoot, maybe I can answer them.
based on this, the pro has DOUBLE the battery life up to 8000 mAh. that alone makes it worth going pro tbh smile.gif My F99 is also 8000mAh (and its a non pro). I guess they realized they gave away too good a battery even on a non pro, so they later made it specific for the pro series later on (well i dont see a non pro for the 108) laugh.gif


*update

oo seems there are 4 sub variants. 2 side printed color schemes, and 2 normal double shots color schemes.

grey (side-printed) and the grey-yellow looked good (for me). Wouldn't say the later is my fav, but its ok (better than the other color schemes for me sweat.gif ). Thats the thing about these mkbs, they may look great for everything including price, but then the color theme doesnt match ur preference then that puts a damper on things sad.gif

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: May 17 2025, 08:05 AM

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