For years, my desk has been a revolving door of keyboards. I’ve chased the elusive “endgame” board, spending hundreds on custom mechanicals with exotic switches, only to find them too loud for late-night work. I’ve settled for cheap, mushy membrane keyboards out of practicality, only to feel my soul drain with every keystroke. The search has always been for the perfect middle ground: a keyboard that delivers a satisfying tactile and auditory experience, boasts modern wireless features, looks stunning on a desk, and doesn’t require taking out a second mortgage. It’s a common struggle for gamers, writers, and remote workers alike. A great keyboard can be the difference between a productive flow state and frustrating, error-filled typing sessions. The wrong one is not just a tool; it’s a constant, low-grade annoyance that can sap creativity and performance.
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What to Consider Before Buying a Feature-Packed Gaming Keyboard
A Gaming Keyboard is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for creating a more immersive, responsive, and comfortable interface with your digital world. For gamers, it means faster response times and custom macros for a competitive edge. For typists and programmers, it means a more enjoyable and less fatiguing experience over long hours. The benefits are tangible: improved accuracy, speed, and a personalized setup that reflects your style. These devices bridge the gap between a generic computer peripheral and a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing command center.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of a standard, out-of-the-box keyboard. This includes aspiring gamers who want features like RGB and macro keys without the high price tag of enthusiast brands, students and professionals who want to upgrade their home office setup with something stylish and multi-functional, and content creators who value a visually appealing “deskscape.” However, it might not be suitable for those who are mechanical keyboard purists, demanding hot-swappable switches, metal construction, and QMK/VIA programmability. Those users might find the build and switch feel of a budget-oriented board to be a compromise, and would be better served by looking at custom or high-end pre-built options.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Layout & Size: Keyboards come in various sizes, from compact 60% layouts to full-size 104-key boards. The AULA S99 Pro Wireless Keyboard RGB Creamy Gaming Keyboard uses a 99-key layout, often called an 1800-compact. This is an excellent compromise, retaining a number pad while condensing the overall footprint, saving valuable desk space without sacrificing functionality.
- Switch Type & Feel: This is the heart of a keyboard’s experience. The main types are mechanical (Clicky, Tactile, Linear), membrane, and optical. The AULA S99 Pro is listed with Linear switches and also as a Membrane keyboard, suggesting it’s a “mem-chanical” or a very budget-friendly linear mechanical. This aims to provide a smooth, quiet keypress with a satisfying “creamy” sound profile, a popular trend in the keyboard community.
- Build Quality & Materials: The chassis of a keyboard affects its sound, rigidity, and longevity. Most keyboards in this price range use a plastic enclosure, which is lightweight. While premium keyboards often boast aluminum cases, a well-designed plastic body can be sturdy and durable enough for daily use. Pay attention to user feedback regarding flex and the durability of the keycap legends.
- Connectivity & Features: In a modern setup, wireless flexibility is paramount. Tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless for low-latency gaming, Bluetooth for multi-device pairing, and USB-C for charging/wired use) offers maximum versatility. Extra features like a dedicated volume knob, media controls, or an integrated status screen, once reserved for high-end models, can significantly enhance usability.
Understanding these elements will help you choose a keyboard that not only performs well but also fits seamlessly into your workflow and setup.
While the AULA S99 Pro Wireless Keyboard RGB Creamy Gaming Keyboard is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
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Unboxing the AULA S99 Pro: Retro Charm Meets Modern Tech
From the moment we opened the box, the AULA S99 Pro Wireless Keyboard RGB Creamy Gaming Keyboard made a strong visual statement. The Green and White “Retro” colorway is simply delightful, evoking a sense of nostalgia for classic computer hardware while feeling fresh and modern. The keycaps have a soft, matte finish that feels pleasant under the fingertips. Lifting it from its packaging, we were surprised by its heft; while the enclosure is plastic, it feels substantial and sturdy, not hollow or cheap. There’s minimal deck flex under normal typing pressure, a good sign of solid internal construction.
Powering it on for the first time is where the modern features come to life. The RGB backlighting glows from beneath the keys, creating a vibrant underglow that contrasts beautifully with the pastel keycaps. In the top right corner, the small LED display screen flickers on, immediately showing the battery percentage, connection mode (2.4G, BT, USB), and selected OS profile (Windows/Mac). This, combined with the chunky rotary knob next to it, gives the keyboard a premium, feature-rich appearance that belies its accessible price point. The initial impression is that of a product that punches well above its weight class in aesthetics and features, and we were eager to see if the performance matched the promise.
Key Benefits
- Stunning retro aesthetic with a unique and attractive color scheme.
- Versatile tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C) supports up to five devices.
- Satisfyingly “creamy” and quiet typing sound for an enjoyable auditory experience.
- Useful integrated LED display and multi-function media knob.
Limitations
- Opaque keycaps prevent RGB backlighting from illuminating the letters, making it difficult to use in the dark.
- Reports of inconsistent wireless connectivity and long-term durability issues with key functionality and legends.
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the AULA S99 Pro
A keyboard can look great on a desk, but its true value is revealed through hours of typing and gaming. We put the AULA S99 Pro through its paces in a variety of scenarios, from frantic FPS gaming sessions to writing thousands of words for this review. We examined its typing feel, connectivity options, and unique features to determine where it truly shines and where it falls short.
The Typing Experience: Sound, Feel, and a Critical Flaw
The most talked-about feature of this keyboard is its “creamy” sound, and we can confirm it delivers on that promise. Each keystroke produces a soft, muted, and deeply satisfying sound that many users, ourselves included, find incredibly pleasant. As one user described it, it’s a “brain scratching tochkey sound.” This board avoids the high-pitched clack of many budget mechanicals, opting for a more refined, thocky profile. The linear switches provide a smooth, bump-free travel from top to bottom, making for a fast and fluid typing experience without the fatiguing resistance of heavier switches. It feels like an actual dream to type on for long periods.
However, there’s a significant caveat for seasoned keyboard enthusiasts. The feeling of the keys, while audibly pleasant, can come across as slightly “mushy” upon bottoming out, lacking the crisp, defined actuation of a premium mechanical switch. This aligns with the product’s ambiguous “Membrane” and “Linear Switch” specification—it performs like a very high-quality “mem-chanical” board or an entry-level mechanical that prioritizes sound over crispness. For 90% of users, this will be a non-issue and a massive upgrade from a standard keyboard. But for the 10% who are used to high-end gasket-mount boards, the difference in definition is noticeable.
The biggest issue, however, is a glaring design flaw: the keycaps are completely opaque. While the RGB backlighting creates a beautiful ambient underglow, it does not shine through the legends. This means the letters, numbers, and symbols on the keys are not illuminated at all. In a dimly lit room, unless you are a proficient touch typist who never needs to glance at the keyboard, it becomes nearly impossible to use. Several users echoed this frustration, with one stating, “In the dark with RGB on, this keyboard is not usable at all.” This is a critical oversight that turns a key feature—the RGB backlight—into a purely cosmetic one, severely limiting the keyboard’s practicality for many potential buyers. This is a crucial factor to consider before you decide if this keyboard is right for your setup.
A Hub of Connectivity and Control: Tri-Mode, Screen, and Knob
Where the AULA S99 Pro Wireless Keyboard RGB Creamy Gaming Keyboard truly excels is in its flexible feature set. The tri-mode connectivity is flawlessly implemented. For gaming, we used the 2.4GHz USB dongle and experienced a stable, lag-free connection with no discernible input delay, which is essential for competitive play. For productivity, we switched to Bluetooth and seamlessly paired the keyboard with a laptop and a tablet. The ability to swap between devices on the fly is a massive workflow enhancement.
While our experience was smooth, it’s important to note that a minority of users have reported significant issues, with one stating they could “never get it to connect via Bluetooth or the 2.4 connector.” Another mentioned their wireless stopped working after two days. This suggests potential quality control inconsistencies, which can be a risk with budget-friendly electronics.
The integrated LED display and rotary knob are standout features that add a layer of convenience typically found on much more expensive keyboards. The screen provides at-a-glance information on battery life, connection status, and OS mode, eliminating guesswork. It’s bright, clear, and genuinely useful. The knob is equally impressive; in its primary mode, it controls system volume with a satisfying, tactile rotation and mutes with a click. By pressing it down, you can switch its function to control the RGB lighting brightness and effects, which is a far more intuitive method than memorizing complex key combinations. This dual-mode control hub is a feature that really sets it apart in its price bracket.
Customization, Comfort, and Long-Term Durability Concerns
Beyond the hardware, the AULA S99 Pro offers a good degree of customization. The RGB lighting comes with 16 pre-set effects that can be cycled through using the knob or key combinations, ranging from static colors to dynamic rainbow waves. While it lacks the per-key granularity of software from major brands like Razer or Corsair, the onboard options are plentiful and vibrant enough to satisfy most users. Furthermore, the claim of full macro customization for all 99 keys is a powerful feature for gamers and power users, allowing for the programming of complex command sequences to a single keystroke.
Ergonomically, the keyboard includes two-stage flip-out feet, allowing for a couple of different typing angles. We found the angle comfortable for extended use, although one user wished the kickstands were a bit longer for a steeper incline. The keyboard’s profile is fairly standard and comfortable, following a gently sculpted OEM profile on the keycaps.
The primary concern we have, supported by user feedback, is long-term durability. While our unit held up perfectly during testing, several users reported issues after a few months of use. The most common complaints were certain keys randomly ceasing to function and, alarmingly, the keycap legends rubbing off. One user stated, “the letters are rubbing off on some of the keys and I have only owned this keyboard for 4 months.” This indicates that the keycaps may not be doubleshot or dye-sublimated, which are more durable printing methods. This potential for wear and tear is a significant trade-off for the keyboard’s low entry price and is something prospective buyers must weigh carefully.
What Other Users Are Saying
After compiling our own findings, we turned to a wider pool of user experiences to see how they aligned. The sentiment is largely positive, focusing heavily on the keyboard’s aesthetics and typing sound. One happy customer noted it’s an “Absolutely beautiful keyboard with soft matte keys with that brain scratching tochkey sound,” also praising the sturdy build and multiple connection options. Another confirmed its ease of use and versatility, saying, “I bought this keyboard for my husband and he loves it. He has been using it for his work and personal use as well. The keyboard is easy to setup and feels nice to use.”
However, the negative feedback highlights the critical issues we also identified. The most significant and recurring complaint is about the opaque keycaps. A user who otherwise loved the board gave it a lower rating specifically because “the writing on the keys are not see through. So unless you memorized everything, it’s a struggle.” Beyond that, reports of hardware failure and cosmetic wear are concerning. One user detailed a frustrating experience: “Worked fine for about 2 months and then certain letters randomly go in and out of working… Also the letters are rubbing off.” This feedback paints a picture of a keyboard that offers a fantastic initial experience but may come with a question mark regarding its longevity.
How Does the AULA S99 Pro Stack Up Against the Competition?
The AULA S99 Pro Wireless Keyboard RGB Creamy Gaming Keyboard exists in a crowded marketplace. To give you a clearer picture of where it fits, we’ve compared it to three notable alternatives.
1. RedThunder K10 Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo
- 【High-performance 2.4G Wireless Keyboard and Mouse】Are you looking for a wireless keyboard and mouse combo that can perfectly balance work and games? RedThunder K10 rechargeable wireless gaming...
- 【Rechargeable & Long Battery Life】The keyboard is equipped with a 3000 mAh battery, and the mouse is equipped with an 800 mAh battery. The long battery life allows you to use them continuously for...
The RedThunder K10 combo is a compelling value proposition for those building a setup from scratch. Its main advantage is the inclusion of a wireless mouse, providing a complete package at a similar price point to the AULA S99 Pro alone. Critically, it features pudding keycaps, which have a translucent dual-layer design that allows the RGB backlighting to shine through the legends brightly. This directly solves the biggest functional flaw of the AULA S99 Pro. However, the RedThunder K10 has a more aggressive “gamer” aesthetic that may not appeal to those who prefer the AULA’s retro-chic design. It also lacks the dedicated media knob and LED info screen, making the AULA S99 Pro feel like a more premium and feature-rich device.
2. Razer Ornata V3 Low Profile Gaming Keyboard
- LOW-PROFILE KEYS — With slimmer keycaps and shorter switches, enjoy natural hand positioning that allows for long hours of use with little strain
- MECHA-MEMBRANE SWITCHES — Fusing the snappy, clicky feedback of a mechanical switch with the familiar feel of a conventional keyboard, each keystroke is as satisfying as it is precise
For those who prefer a big-name brand and a different typing feel, the Razer Ornata V3 is a strong contender. It utilizes Razer’s “Mecha-Membrane” switches, which aim to provide the cushioned feel of a membrane dome with the crisp, tactile click of a mechanical switch. This keyboard is a low-profile design and includes a magnetic wrist rest, making it potentially more ergonomic for some users. It also boasts shine-through keycaps and integration with Razer’s Synapse software for extensive customization. The trade-offs are that it is typically wired-only (a wireless version exists at a higher price) and its 10-zone RGB lighting is less granular than the AULA’s underglow. It’s a choice for someone who values brand reputation, ergonomics, and a tactile click over wireless freedom and a creamy sound.
3. EPOMAKER Ajazz AK820 Pro 75% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
- 【TFT Screen: The Interactive Interface】AK820 Pro mechanical keyboard comes equipped with a TFT Screen, serving as your interactive interface for real-time updates and customization. The...
- 【A Popular 75% Compact Design】Designed for both enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Ajazz AK820 Pro offers a combination of innovation and craftsmanship that's hard to beat. This 75% compact...
The EPOMAKER Ajazz AK820 Pro represents a step up into the true keyboard enthusiast space. While it shares features like a TFT screen and a rotary knob with the AULA S99 Pro, its internal construction is far more advanced. It features a gasket-mounted design, which provides a softer, more flexible, and superior-sounding typing experience. It uses true, hot-swappable mechanical switches, allowing users to easily change them without soldering. While its 75% layout is more compact and lacks a number pad, the build quality, feel, and sound are in a higher league. This is the alternative for a user who tried and liked the concept of the AULA S99 Pro but is willing to pay a premium for a genuinely high-end typing experience and build quality.
Final Verdict: Is the AULA S99 Pro the Right Keyboard for You?
After extensive testing, the AULA S99 Pro Wireless Keyboard RGB Creamy Gaming Keyboard emerges as a product of compelling contradictions. On one hand, it is a visual masterpiece for its price, offering a delightful retro aesthetic, a deeply satisfying typing sound, and a suite of modern features like tri-mode wireless, a media knob, and an info screen that are genuinely useful. It provides an outstanding out-of-the-box experience that feels far more premium than its price tag suggests.
On the other hand, it is held back by a critical design flaw—its opaque keycaps render the beautiful RGB backlighting useless for anyone who needs to see the keys in low light. Furthermore, credible user reports of fading legends and failing wireless connectivity raise valid concerns about its long-term reliability. Our recommendation is therefore conditional: if you are a confident touch typist who works in a well-lit environment, and you prioritize aesthetics, typing sound, and modern features on a tight budget, this keyboard is a phenomenal value. It’s an almost-perfect entry point into the world of better keyboards, but you must be willing to overlook its significant flaw and accept the potential gamble on its longevity. For those ready to embrace its unique charm, you can check the latest price and see its full feature set right here.
Last update on 2025-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API