The Epomaker x Aula F75 is an excellent keyboard. It gets even better when you look at the price, only $70. It has gained much popularity as the best budget keyboard right now, but when you get a budget keyboard, you also have to make some sacrifices. In this review, we’ll take a look at the Aula F75 and see if it deserves the title of best budget keyboard.
Review
The Aula F75 is a 75% keyboard, and the first thing I noticed is that it is very heavy, it is also made from plastic but I cant complain about that because of the price. It has seven different color options and three different switch options, whcih you dont even see in expensive keyboards these days. You can get the Aula F75 with an Aluminium case for an extra $30.
The keyboard does have wireless connectivity, which is bluetooth as 2.4GHz. The case is made entirely of plastic but it does feel solid and of good quality. It also has RGB which is also pretty good for a keyboard of this price. The keyboard I got didnt have shine-through keycaps but you can get the keyboard with them. The Aula F75 also comes with a knob, but it feels like a cheap plastic knob. You can use this knob in two modes, Office Mode and Game Mode. You can switch between the two modes by pushing the knob for a few seconds until the Caps Lock key and the Win key flash three times.
The keycaps are double-shot Cherry profile keycaps. They come in some good color options and generally sound pretty clacky, the F75 also has north-facing LEDs. The three switch options are all linear, they also have similar travel distances and similar force, and the only difference is that the pre-travel is a little longer in the Reaper switches(which was what I got). Typing on the Reaper switches was not a pleasant experience for me as the longer pre-travel felt slow. The plate-mounted stabilizers felt good right out of the box and worked well and smoothly.
The Aula F75 also has support for its reprogrammable software. Usually, any 3rd party software exept for VIA does not work well, and that is the same case with the Aula software. Using any action on the software whether it be changing the color combination of the RGB, or changing some macros, usually took more than 5 seconds. So, if you prefer changing the macros or setting of your keyboard, just use VIA.
The Aula F75 is not mod friendly at all. There are no screws or magnets, to get it open you have to pry out the back which requires some effort but it also risks damaging the plastic case. The bottom of the case has a silicone dampening layer which also makes the keyboard feel heavier, and the back of the board has poron foam.
What’s in the box
- Aula F75
- USB-C Cable
- 2 switches
- Switch and keycap puller
Verdict
The Aula F75 is a solid choice for a budget-friendly 75% keyboard, offering features typically found in higher-priced models. Its robust build, despite being plastic, feels durable and well-made. The seven color options and three switch choices add versatility, and the option for an aluminum case for an extra $30 is a nice touch. Wireless connectivity, RGB lighting, and double-shot Cherry profile keycaps enhance its appeal, though the knob and it not being mod friendly are some minor drawbacks.
If you’re looking for a good budget keyboard, try the Chilkey ND75.
