AULA F87S TKL Review: 8K Polling and Hot-Swap for Under $90
AULA's updated F87S brings 8,000 Hz polling, gasket-mount construction, and a 10,000mAh battery to a compact TKL form factor at $89.90. Here's what the new model adds over its 2023 predecessor.
A Budget TKL That Refuses to Act Like One
AULA has been quietly stacking features into its keyboards for a while now, and the new F87S is the clearest sign yet of where that effort is heading. Released on August 21, 2026, the F87S is a direct follow-up to the F87 TKL that launched back in 2023, and according to reporting from TechPowerUp, the upgrades are substantial enough to make it feel like a different product category entirely.
The headline spec is the 8,000 Hz polling rate, which puts the F87S in the same conversation as keyboards that cost two or three times as much. That polling rate is available in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, which matters. A lot of budget boards that advertise 8K polling quietly limit it to the wired connection only. Not here.
The tri-mode connectivity covers wired USB Type-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth, giving users flexibility depending on whether they are at a tournament, a desk, or a couch. The battery situation is also generous: AULA spec’d the F87S with two 5,000mAh cells for a combined 10,000mAh capacity, a figure that stands out even among dedicated wireless keyboards.
What Makes the Build Interesting
The construction choices are where things get genuinely interesting for this price point. AULA went with a gasket-mounted design, which uses the keyboard PCB suspended in gaskets rather than screwed directly into the case. That approach softens the typing feel and reduces vibration in ways that budget hard-mounted boards typically cannot match.
On top of that, AULA layered in a five-part damping system: PORON sandwich foam, a switch pad, a PET acoustic pad, bottom foam, and a silicone bottom pad. That is a lot of acoustic engineering for a keyboard under $90. The result, at least in theory, should be a quieter, more cushioned typing experience than the price suggests.
The F87S also supports hot-swap switches, meaning users can pull out the included linears and install something else without soldering. That is now a fairly standard feature at this tier, but it is still worth noting because it extends the useful life of the board considerably.
A new physical addition is a CNC-machined multi-function button with an RGB light ring. It handles volume control and one-touch mute, plus additional functions that can be customized. Small ergonomic touches like that tend to matter more in day-to-day use than spec sheets suggest.
Switch Flavors and Colorways
AULA chose to pair each of the four colorways with its own branded linear switch rather than offering a universal option across the lineup. The Black Mist Transparent version ships with Martin switches, Oreo gets Seiya switches, Pink White Peach pairs with Haitang switches, and Rainbow Candy comes with Feichi switches. AULA has not published detailed spec comparisons between these switches in the launch materials, so buyers are largely choosing by aesthetic at this stage.
For competitive use, the F87S includes Instant Release, SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions), Hold/Tap, Toggle, and Combo Key functions. The board also supports 77 customizable functions through key remapping. SOCD support in particular has become a sought-after feature for fighting game and shooter players who want to replicate leverless controller inputs on a standard keyboard.
The Pricing Case
As reported by TechPowerUp, AULA priced the F87S at $89.90. For context, gasket-mounted TKL keyboards with 8K polling and hot-swap support from more established brands typically start closer to $130 to $150. The tradeoffs here are real: AULA is a smaller brand with less community documentation and a shorter track record for long-term durability. Switch quality on the lesser-known branded linears included here remains an open question until independent testing catches up.
But the feature-to-dollar ratio is hard to ignore. If the five-layer damping system and gasket mount perform anywhere close to what those specs imply, the F87S could be one of the more compelling budget TKL options available heading into the fall. That is worth keeping an eye on as more hands-on impressions arrive.
What is the polling rate of the AULA F87S?
The AULA F87S supports an 8,000 Hz polling rate in both wired USB Type-C and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
How much does the AULA F87S cost?
The AULA F87S is priced at $89.90 on AULA's website.
What connectivity options does the AULA F87S offer?
The keyboard supports three connection modes: wired USB Type-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth.
What color options are available for the AULA F87S?
AULA offers the F87S in four colorways: Black Mist Transparent, Oreo, Pink White Peach, and Rainbow Candy, each paired with its own branded linear switch.