In the ever-evolving world of computer peripherals, the Aula F81 Super Compact Mechanical Keyboard has emerged as a standout contender. This keyboard, designed by Aula Company, promises an aesthetic appeal combined with high functionality, making it a top choice for gamers and office workers alike. After two weeks of rigorous testing, I’ve gathered my thoughts on whether this keyboard is worth your investment.
Aesthetic Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Aula F81 is its striking design. Encased in a completely transparent acrylic case, this keyboard doesn’t just look good; it feels premium. The transparency of the case enhances the overall aesthetic, allowing the vibrant backlighting to shine through, making it a visually pleasing addition to any setup. The acrylic case is also IP-rated, ensuring durability and longevity.
Despite its plastic construction, the quality of the material is commendable. The keyboard feels solid and robust, contrary to what one might expect from a plastic build. Weighing in at just 765 grams, it strikes a perfect balance between sturdiness and portability. This lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, which is a significant plus for users who need to move their setup frequently.
Unboxing Experience
The out-of-the-box experience with the Aula F81 is equally impressive. Alongside the keyboard, the package includes a user manual, stickers, side metallic plates, Phillips head screws, a cleaning kit, and a USB cable. This comprehensive kit ensures that you have everything you need to get started and maintain the keyboard in optimal condition.
Key Layout and Functionality
The Aula F81 features a compact layout without compromising on essential keys. On the top side of the keyboard, you’ll find an on/off switch and an option to use the keyboard in different modes. Despite the compact size, there’s adequate spacing between the keys, which reduces the likelihood of accidental key presses—a common issue with compact keyboards.
For enhanced typing accuracy, the keys have a slight curve, aligning perfectly with your fingers. This ergonomic design is beneficial for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue and increasing comfort. The keyboard also supports N-key rollover, ensuring that no matter how many keys you press simultaneously, all of them are registered. This feature is particularly advantageous for gamers and those who type quickly, as it eliminates missed keystrokes and enhances performance.
Performance and Typing Experience
The Aula F81 uses Ice Soul switches, known for their fast and responsive feel. The typing experience on this keyboard is nothing short of excellent. The keystrokes are soft and satisfying, thanks to the gasket mount design. In this setup, a layer of foam in the middle of the keyboard provides a soft response and stabilizes the keystrokes, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable typing experience.
In my daily usage, which included gaming, coding, and document editing, I found the keyboard’s response time and feedback to be exceptional. There were no issues with key misses or incorrect presses, even during intensive typing sessions. Transitioning from a full-size keyboard to this compact one was seamless, and I got used to the new layout within a couple of days.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The Aula F81 excels in terms of compatibility and connectivity. It works seamlessly with Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Linux systems, making it a versatile choice for users across different platforms. In wireless mode, you can pair the keyboard with up to three devices, allowing for effortless switching between them. This feature is particularly useful for users who juggle multiple devices.
For desktop use, the keyboard supports a 2.4 GHz dongle, ensuring a stable and fast connection. Additionally, the keyboard can be used in wired mode by connecting a Type-C cable. Throughout my testing, I did not encounter any connectivity or compatibility issues. The Bluetooth mode performed flawlessly with both Android and Windows laptops, with no noticeable lag or delay in keystrokes.
Additional Features
The Aula F81 is equipped with several thoughtful features that enhance its usability. On the top side, dedicated buttons allow you to switch between paired devices instantly. On the right side, there’s a functional knob for controlling media, which you can use to adjust volume or mute the audio. By long pressing the knob, you can also control the keyboard’s backlight.
Speaking of backlighting, the keyboard comes with north-facing switches with LED lights above them. The transparent key layout and case make the backlighting clearly visible, and the brightness is impressive.
Whether it’s day or night, the backlit mode ensures that the keys are always easy to see. You can customize the backlighting to your preference, with options for single or multi-color modes and different styles. To adjust the LED brightness, hold the knob for ten seconds, or press the center button to switch between backlight styles.
Battery Life and Power Management
Battery life is another area where the Aula F81 shines. With a 4000 mAh battery, the keyboard easily lasts 2 to 3 days on Bluetooth mode with the backlight on. If you prefer to use it without the backlight, the battery can last up to 6 to 7 days. To conserve battery, the keyboard features an auto-sleep mode that activates after a minute or two of inactivity. A simple key press wakes it up instantly.
Even when the battery is low, you can continue using the keyboard while it charges, thanks to the Type-C cable. This feature ensures that you never have to worry about downtime due to a depleted battery.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with the Aula F81 Super Compact Mechanical Keyboard. It offers a premium typing experience, a sleek and durable design, and a host of features that cater to both gamers and office workers. The compact layout is ergonomic and efficient, while the compatibility and connectivity options make it a versatile choice for any user.
The only improvement I could suggest is the ability to customize the functional knob for specific commands, such as rotating right for copy and left for another command. This would enhance productivity further. Nevertheless, the knob is a valuable addition for media control.
If you’re considering purchasing this keyboard, be sure to check out current bank offers and discounts from this link. I hope you found this review useful. For more such reviews, feel free to subscribe to the channel. Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!
