Editor’s Affiliate Disclosure
The Battle for Thock: Aula F75 vs Epomaker TH80 Pro
For the last two years, the Epomaker TH80 Pro has been my go-to recommendation for anyone wanting a high-quality 75% mechanical keyboard under £100. It was the king of the budget category. But in 2026, the market has shifted.
The Aula F75 has arrived, bringing premium features—gasket mounting, creamy switches, and a “thocky” sound profile—that usually cost double this price.
Here is the kicker: Both keyboards now cost exact same price on Amazon.
So, the question isn’t “which is cheaper?” The question is: has the newcomer actually dethroned the veteran, or is the Epomaker still the safest buy? I bought both, tested them side-by-side for two weeks, and the answer is clearer than expected.
Quick Navigation
Tale of the Tape: Key Specs
I tested both units with their most popular stock configurations (Linear switches) to see which offers the best value for money in 2026.
| Feature | Aula F75 | Epomaker TH80 Pro |
| RRP (Approx) | £60 – £70 | £60 – £70 |
| Structure | Gasket Mount (Soft Flex) | Gasket Mount (Stiff) |
| Switch Type | Leobog Reaper (Linear) | Budgerigar (Tactile) or Flamingo |
| Keycaps | Double-Shot PBT (Cherry) | Double-Shot PBT (MDA Profile) |
| PCB Orientation | North-Facing LEDs | South-Facing LEDs |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Polling Rate | 1000Hz (Wired/2.4G) | 1000Hz (Wired/2.4G) |
Round 1: Design & Build Quality
Both keyboards feature a 75% layout (approx 80 keys), which is the “Goldilocks” size for most users—saving desk space while keeping the arrow keys and F-row. Both also feature a dedicated rotary knob for volume control.
The Epomaker TH80 Pro feels like the older, sturdier veteran. It has a chunky plastic case with a bit of heft to it. The keycaps are MDA profile, which means they have a larger surface area and a scooped shape that hugs your fingertips. It feels substantial, if a little dated in its aesthetic.
The Aula F75 feels sleeker but lighter. However, the internal engineering is far superior. Aula has packed this board with five layers of sound-dampening foam and silicone. While the case itself is simple plastic, the “gasket mount” implementation offers real flex when you press down, providing a cushioned typing feel that the stiffer Epomaker lacks.
Round 2: The Typing
Experience
(Sound & Feel)
The Epomaker TH80 Pro sounds… good. It’s clacky, solid and satisfying. If you buy the “Budgerigar” tactile switch version, you get a lovely tactile bump that typists will enjoy. However, the stock stabilizers can be a bit rattly, and it lacks that premium “deep” sound without manual modification.
The Aula F75 is in a different league entirely. Out of the box, it delivers that “marbley” or “thocky” sound that enthusiasts usually spend hours modding their keyboards to achieve. The pre-lubed Leobog Reaper switches are incredibly smooth, and the stabilizers are factory-tuned to near perfection. There is zero rattle. It sounds like a keyboard that costs £200.
Round 3: Modding & Features
If you plan to take the keyboard apart, the tables turn slightly.
The Epomaker TH80 Pro features South-Facing LEDs. This is a critical technical detail for enthusiasts. It means the LED sits at the bottom of the switch socket, ensuring zero physical interference with premium Cherry-profile keycaps. If you plan to swap out switches and keycaps later, the Epomaker is the safer, more compatible platform.
The Aula F75 uses North-Facing LEDs. While this makes the RGB lighting shine brighter through the key legends (great for gamers), it can cause minor interference with certain low-profile custom keycaps. It is designed to be a “finished product,” whereas the Epomaker is a better base for tinkering.
Round 4: Battery & Connectivity
Both keyboards sport a massive 4000 mAh battery. In my testing over two weeks of daily use (RGB off), neither board needed a charge. If you blast the RGB on full brightness, however, expect the battery life to drop to around 25–30 hours for both units—standard territory for this capacity.
Connectivity is identical: Bluetooth 5.0 (3 devices), 2.4GHz dongle, and USB-C wired. Waking from sleep takes about 1-2 seconds on both.
TRUK Judge’s Scorecard
| Category | Aula F75 | Epomaker TH80 Pro |
| Build Quality | ★★★★☆ (4/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Typing Sound | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Switch Smoothness | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★★ (4/5) |
| Modding Potential | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Value for Money | ★★★★★ (5/5) | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Overall Score | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0 |
Final Verdict
The Aula F75 is the clear winner of this comparison and my Editor’s Choice.
Both keyboards cost exactly the same, which makes the choice simple. The Aula F75 sounds significantly better out of the box (thockier), has smoother pre-lubed switches, and a softer typing feel. The Epomaker TH80 Pro is still a great board, but it feels like last generation’s tech for this year’s price. Unless you strictly need South-facing LEDs for custom keycaps, buy the Aula.
💰 Buyer’s Note: Prices for these keyboards fluctuate frequently on Amazon. At the time of writing, both boards are at price parity. If you see the Epomaker TH80 Pro listed at a higher price than the Aula (which is common), the value proposition drops significantly. Stick with the Aula.
FAQs
Why does the Aula F75 sound better?
The Aula F75 uses a modern “Gasket Mount” structure with five layers of internal foam. This isolates the typing plate from the plastic case, reducing hollow noises and creating a deep, “creamy” sound. The Epomaker uses a stiffer mounting style which sounds more “clacky” and hollow.
What is the difference between North-Facing and South-Facing LEDs?
The Aula F75 has North-Facing LEDs (lights at the top of the switch), which makes RGB shinier but can cause interference with certain custom keycaps. The Epomaker TH80 Pro has South-Facing LEDs (lights at the bottom), which is preferred by enthusiasts for maximum key cap compatibility.
Are these keyboards good for gaming?
Yes, both are perfectly fine for casual to competitive gaming. They have 1000Hz polling rates in wired and 2.4GHz mode, meaning latency is negligible (approx 3-5ms). However, neither has “Rapid Trigger” features found in pro-esports keyboards like the Wooting 60HE.
Do they work with Mac?
Yes. Both keyboards have a physical switch to toggle between Windows and Mac modes. They both come with replacement keycaps for the Command/Option keys in the box.
© 2026 TechReviewsUK.com
Aula F75 Mechanical Keyboard
A 2026 comparison review of the Aula F75 vs Epomaker TH80 Pro. I tested the typing sound, latency, and gasket mount performance to see which 75% keyboard is best.
Product Brand: AULA
Product In Stock: InStock
4.7
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