there are also few switch socket options that are present, but with much lesser implementations, e.g., full-metal switch sockets in simpler6x by ilumkb. basically just look them up when you're in doubt.

again, it's part of the learning experience. this hobby consists of seas of parts. it's easier to get good answers when questions are more specific, relatively speaking hehe

With so many variations and compatibility/incompatibility doubts, I wish there is a listing summary of keebs or keyswitch brands which are what type and suited for which socket profile. I believe all Kailh switches would be incompatible with sleeve connector but what about other brands, so a listing would clear that doubt.

Kinda like community driven PSU Cultist list for power supply or Ryzen mobo compatibility chart for AM5.

It seems like it can be an expensive learning experience if ones didnt know about this pitfall and has committed to incompatible highend keeb/switches.

This post has been edited by babylon52281: Oct 10 2025, 06:00 PM

yeah it's good to have a listing summary, like psu or ssd database. however, it's not easy to maintain, e.g., we had a small key switch summary at switches.mx. now it has become something else.

again, doing own research before purchase is always important. you can focus on and dive in features that are in the specific kit, skipping those that are irelevant. learning more about a specific kit that you are interested in can help prevent a lot of potential issues. if information is scarce, you can also decide to move on and look for other options.

tbh in terms of learning experience, it's not that expensive now.

This post has been edited by horns: Oct 14 2025, 12:26 PM

Horns, do you build Alps keyboards?

Do you know where can I find a ADB to USB adapter locally?

alps switch appear like what...20 yr ago?
didnt use before (maybe got but cant recall)

maybe need some research see whos continue to produce similar switch

no, i don't have alps boards, because there is the general lack of choices in parts, e.g., switches, plate, pcb, key caps, stabs.

i don't know where to get adb-to-usb adapter locally also sorry haha

What do you think on Aula ? Nowadays all switch no more standard , any seller can name it as they wish.
Watch review on youtube mostly paid review and it can't be compare with actual typing feel without trying.

So, as for a budget MKB , is Aula brand suitable ? Since I didn't use MKB before , it's hard to judge.
Who use Aula brand before ? Moogle Stiltzkin

Looking for Full size 100% keyboard for office use typing document and email.Don't need any RGB or colour keycap colour.Maybe white or yellow
I just prefer to have standard keyboard layout suits for office.

If go by keeb reviews Aula is a very good budget keeb brand, their F75 seems super popular if your into that size.

If your looking for budget 100% full size keeb, can consider Thunderobot K104S. Here is my review of higher end version https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/5526067

Purely for office you can get lower end version (all black, soldered switches, less RGB function). Its also a bit cheaper
https://shopee.com.my/Thunderobot-K104s-Wir...289.24591384664

i'm quite satisfied with my F99 Aula.

If you don't mind a plastic out casing for the mkb, it's fine. There is enough heft to it so it doesn't slide around when typing. But there are alternatives if you insist on having a full aluminium other metal chasis for the mkb, but that will cost you extra.

Battery life last long time. Someone recommended me this over a different brand, but this had more battery life. Good thing i went with the recommendation. I use this for weeks on the battery using 2.4ghz wifi.

the lighting is ok, enough for me. lots of effects to choose from. for me i opted for the lighting where it only shows when i press stuff. this also helps saves battery while still having that bling.

the software UI and macro setup is sufficient. I don't have a comparison for that to other brands, but i read other brands do a much better job in terms of UI for the mkb software settings. I tried it and it's sufficient. To use the software you have to used the wired type c usb. Once done configuring, you can remove the wire and stick to wireless mode.

F99 is not a 100% layout. it's close to it. It's ok for 99.9% of the time, but since there is no print screen key, i had to repurpose via the macro to change one of the least used keys like pgup or pgdown to print screen. thats the main downside for not being a full 100% layout.

There is a different aula model that is a newer model and is a 100% layout, so i would recommend that over this F99 tbh.

The keycaps for this Aula F99, is very good especially at the price point i paid for this. Mine is the white / grey / black color scheme, a very techie classic retro look. other people may prefer more modern color schemes.

the switches that came with this model i'm satisfied with. actuating the keys don't feel too stiff, they are silent (as it gets for mkb switches. probably not the most quietest but not the worse either. but for me it was fine. And it's not clicky which i hate.)

cleaning was easy. take a picture, then pluck keycaps with keycap puller, toss them into a bucket with cleaning fluid and let it soak a while then later rinse and dry them (ideally under sun). any dirt stuck inside the casing just use a hand held blower to blow it out.


It doesn't support VIA or QMK firmware if you like those modifications for the software. The software features for me was sufficient. I only worry the most whether the mkb had a keylogger or not (since its a china brand). probably doesn't *cross fingers

This post has been edited by Moogle Stiltzkin: Oct 26 2025, 08:43 AM

Sorry I miss out one most important thing , wireless and BT.Need to connect to the phone to do some chats for convenient.When typing can use wireless dongle and when using phone can switch to 2nd BT mode for phone.

I search around only Aula provide wireless Dongle , BT and wire.What other budget brand which have BT and wireless and the shape is basic office keyboard ?

From my limited research theres not many full size which are wireless simply bcoz a full length keeb is unwieldy so even for keeb brands theres arent many choices. Theres AULA F108PRO that have been reviewed but iirc its at least double the price of my K104S so its not exactly budget level either.

recently i saw Redragon Bragi Pro in lowyat...

full keyboard, nice keys feel, below rm200 and a little less rgb than Aula F87 Pro. numpad and volume knob ans got full black.

maybe you can have a look...

Bragi Pro is 98% format tho. Just something to keep in mind.

Sorry for late reply , thanks for taking your time for the review.

I don't mind plastic out casing , been using normal rubber keyboard untilnow , not that important.

My requirement also include wireless and bluetooth.Battery , I am not sure as most logitech battery I use more than 6 months also never change AA battery.Actually if no RGB , it'll mast more.

As for the lighting , just a blacklight white already ok , not a fan of RGB and even feel distracting turning on blink blink.My profile is simple.

About the Soft UI , may I know whether it can be use on linux ? Actually it can detect and use on any distro ?

Sometimes need print screen that is why I need a full size keyboard.I check the F99 , the key page down placement is on the top which not so convenient.Prefer standard black or white office standard.Can the keycap can it be replace with different colour cap? Saw some yellow enter key cap , feel like want to replace back to original black.

Why does F108 or some F99 is blank keycap without any wording in it on top ?

About the keycap switch mkb , what are those switch ?
Switches
Nimbus Switch V3
Volcano Switch
Reaper Switch
Grey Wood V3
Blaze Switch
Dream Sakura

Which switch to choose ?

Not sure about keylogger , maybe you can plugin to linux see whether it connect to any port or run a VM windows and test any suspicious network outbound with an antivirus or Endpoint EDR.

It's kind of weird for a Full size keyboard without any wording on Aula F108 ??

unless you specifically going for blank keycap like metal, marble material. mostly keycap if nothing on top...all words on its side, facing you.

F99 is 99% aka compact full size, not standard full size

Depends on your preference whether if your into linear, tactile, clicky, silent or thocky. Then subset whether you like it harder, or softer, or speedy actuation.
If your unsure, choose a keeb with hotswap capability to change the switches when you have a preference. You can buy a couple of switches from each series to test & play around, find which to your comfort the typing feel, sound, if you prefer RGB pass thru, and of course pricing & availability.

EDIT: full size 104 keeb is either not as many in the market as smaller ones or can be much more expensive. If your flexible, can consider compacted form factor 99/98% (similar to F99 sizing).

This post has been edited by babylon52281: Nov 6 2025, 03:30 PM