Unlock the Best Budget Keyboard: AULA F75 vs Ajazz AK820

Introduction

In today’s market for budget 75% keyboards, the AULA F75 and Ajazz AK820 Pro are top contenders, offering a blend of style, functionality, and accessibility for users without breaking the bank. This analysis breaks down their strengths and weaknesses across various parameters to help potential buyers decide which keyboard aligns best with their preferences and needs.

1. Pricing and Build Quality

The AULA F75 is priced around $70, while the Ajazz AK820 Pro is slightly more affordable at approximately $60. Despite the marginal price difference, the build quality of these keyboards shows distinct contrasts:

• AULA F75: Known for its sturdier, more substantial feel, the F75 uses high-quality plastic, giving it a robust presence despite its full plastic construction.
• Ajazz AK820 Pro: The AK820 Pro, while less expensive, incorporates metal elements in its construction, offering a more premium feel. This metallic component, especially in the volume knob, adds a touch of durability and gives it a solid feel in everyday use.

In this category, the AK820 Pro might appeal more to users who prioritize a metallic finish, while the F75 is best for those who appreciate a weightier plastic design that suggests a premium build at a slightly higher price.

2. Aesthetics and Customization

Both keyboards offer a unique visual appeal, but they vary in customization options:

• Color Variations: The AULA F75 stands out with seven color options, ranging from classic black to unique shades like sea salt blue and light blue. This selection offers users a chance to match the keyboard with their setup or personal style.
• Ajazz AK820 Pro: With only two color choices, a gray-yellow and a white-purple option, the AK820 Pro has a more limited palette but still maintains a modern aesthetic. The keyboard also includes an Ajazz logo on the front, adding a branding touch that some may find stylish, while others might prefer the more minimalistic F75.

For those interested in a broader selection of colors, AULA F75 is the winner here. However, the AK820 Pro still brings a bold and clean design to the table, albeit with fewer customization choices.

3. Keycap Quality and Profile Options

Both keyboards feature PBT double-shot keycaps, a standard for quality keycaps in budget mechanical keyboards, offering a matte finish and durability without backlighting. They both provide a decent typing experience, though there are slight differences:

• Keycap Profiles: The AULA F75 comes exclusively with Cherry profile keycaps, catering to users who prefer this lower-profile typing feel.
• Ajazz AK820 Pro: The AK820 Pro allows for some variety, including Cherry, OEM, and a unique MOA profile with a circular look. Though the MOA profile might not appeal to everyone, it offers an alternative aesthetic.

While both keycaps maintain good quality, AULA F75’s Cherry profile might appeal to users seeking a consistent typing experience, whereas the AK820 Pro’s multiple options could cater to those who want a more diverse or experimental setup.

4. RGB Lighting and Battery Life

For those who enjoy RGB backlighting, both keyboards support multiple lighting effects, controlled through dedicated software. However, there are noticeable differences in brightness and battery performance:

• RGB Brightness: The AULA F75 has brighter RGB lighting, a potential plus for users who prioritize vibrant lighting on their desks. Despite its non-backlit keycaps, the F75’s lighting effect shines through effectively.
• Battery Life: Both keyboards come equipped with 4000 mAh batteries, with slight differences in rated performance. The F75 promises around 17.5 hours on full RGB brightness, while the AK820 Pro estimates approximately 20 hours. Given the F75’s higher brightness, this battery life difference is understandable.

Ultimately, AULA F75 takes the lead in RGB lighting, whereas Ajazz AK820 Pro offers slightly better battery longevity, catering to users who need a little extra time between charges.

5. Wireless Connectivity

Both models provide Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz wireless options, ensuring stable connectivity for users who prefer wireless setups. The overall wireless performance is reported as reliable in both models, making this aspect less of a deciding factor since neither keyboard shows a significant edge in connectivity.

6. Switch Types and Typing Experience

Switch types and overall typing feel are critical to user satisfaction, and here, the differences are nuanced yet notable:

• AULA F75: It comes with Leobog Reaper switches, Ice Vein linear switches, and TTC Crescent switches. All switches are linear, a popular choice for smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. The F75’s typing experience is described as superior due to its overall “thocky” sound, particularly for the space bar, adding a satisfying auditory feedback to the typing experience.
• Ajazz AK820 Pro: This keyboard comes with Ajazz’s own Flying Fish switches, which, while also linear, lack the same depth in sound quality as the F75. However, the typing experience is still smooth and consistent, suitable for those who appreciate linear switches in general.

With the AULA F75’s “thockier” sound and enhanced typing feedback, it slightly edges out the AK820 Pro for users prioritizing a more premium sound profile.

7. Additional Features and Modifiability

Each keyboard offers unique features that may sway certain users:

• Screen and Knob: The Ajazz AK820 Pro boasts a small screen near the arrow keys that can be customized through the software, adding an extra level of personalization. Additionally, its volume knob is of higher quality, providing a more tactile feel than the F75.
• Modifiability: For users interested in modding, the AK820 Pro is easier to open, making it a better choice for enthusiasts who want to upgrade stabilizers or make other customizations. Conversely, the AULA F75 is notoriously difficult to open, limiting its modifiability.

The Ajazz AK820 Pro excels here, as it’s designed with customization in mind, making it more appealing for users who value personalization and modding options.

8. Software Functionality

Both keyboards feature basic software for RGB customization, macros, and key remapping. While neither software suite is particularly sophisticated, they offer all the essential functions. However, the AK820 Pro’s screen customization adds an extra layer of functionality that the F75 lacks. For users who value additional customization, Ajazz AK820 Pro’s software may be more appealing.

Final Verdict

Which Keyboard Should You Buy?

Ultimately, the decision between the AULA F75 and Ajazz AK820 Pro depends on what features matter most to the buyer:

• Choose the AULA F75 if you value a thicker, more premium sound profile, greater color options, and enhanced RGB brightness. The F75 is also a good choice if you are looking for a “thockier” sound right out of the box and don’t plan to modify your keyboard extensively.
• Choose the Ajazz AK820 Pro if you prioritize modding capabilities, an added screen feature, a high-quality volume knob, and a slightly more affordable price point. It’s also suitable for users who prefer a keyboard with a sturdier, metal-enhanced build and customizable screen functionality.

In conclusion, while both keyboards offer remarkable value for their price, AULA F75 edges out slightly for those focused on sound and aesthetic variety, while Ajazz AK820 Pro is a fantastic option for those wanting more personalization and modding flexibility.

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