Switch weight is one of the few keyboard specs you feel from the opening keystroke. Too light and resting fingers trigger keys by accident; too heavy and long sessions start to ache. AULA publishes actuation force for some of its switches and not others, and the published figures span a useful range. Here is a guide to keyboard switch actuation force across the AULA line-up, and how to read the numbers.
Quick Answer
The AULA WIN68 HE's Gray Wood switch needs 32gf to actuate, while the L99 and F99 Max linears need 45gf. In between, the HERO 84 HE's Black King sits at 33gf and the WIN68 MAX's Wing Chun at 36gf. AULA publishes no force figure for its other switches, including the HERO 75 HE's and AG75's magnetic switches. On the Evetech store the WIN68 HE is R449, the WIN68 MAX R699, the HERO 84 HE R719, the F99 Max R799 and the L99 R1,099.
⚖️ What gram-force means
Gram-force, written gf, is the force needed to push a key to a certain point, expressed as the weight of that many grams. Two figures matter:
- Actuation force: the pressure needed to register a press.
- Bottom-out force: the pressure at the very end of the key's travel.
The gap between the two tells you how the switch firms up as it goes down. A lower actuation force means lighter, faster presses; a higher one gives more resistance, which some typists prefer.
📋 The published figures, lightest to heaviest
- WIN68 HE, Gray Wood (magnetic): 32gf to actuate, 50gf at the bottom, 3.4mm total travel.
- HERO 84 HE, Black King (magnetic, pre-lubed): 33gf to actuate, 53gf at the bottom, 3.4mm travel. AULA also calls it Black Emperor.
- WIN68 MAX, Wing Chun (magnetic): 36gf to actuate, 49gf at the bottom, 3.4mm travel.
- L99, Raindrop or Caramel Latte (linear, factory-lubed): 45gf initial force and 55gf bottom-out, with 3.6mm total travel.
- F99 Max, LEOBOG Reaper (linear, pre-lubed): 45gf actuation and 55gf bottom-out, with 1.8mm pre-travel and a 60 million keystroke rating.
One thing stands out: all three magnetic switches here are much lighter than the two mechanical linears. That reflects their purpose. Light magnetic switches pair with adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger for fast games, while the 45gf linears are aimed at a steadier, more deliberate typing feel.
🔍 Reading the numbers sensibly
Is 32gf too light for some typists?
It can be for heavy-handed typists, whose fingers may trigger keys just by resting on them. On a magnetic board, though, force is only half the story: you can set a deeper actuation point in software so a key needs more travel before it registers. That makes a light switch far more forgiving than the number suggests.
Do the 45gf linears feel heavy?
Not really. 45gf is a moderate, common weight for linear switches. It gives enough resistance to avoid accidental presses without tiring your fingers, and lubrication keeps the travel smooth.
Bottom-out across the magnetic switches
The three published magnetic switches bottom out between 49gf and 53gf. The WIN68 MAX's Wing Chun is the firmest to start at 36gf but the lightest at the bottom, at 49gf, which gives it a comparatively even feel through the press.
Why no weights for the other switches?
AULA simply does not list actuation force for the Stormrise and Spiritcloud switches on the HERO 75 HE, or the LEOBOG Frostcore and Eight Treasures switches on the AG75. Without a published figure, the honest answer is that we cannot rank them against the others, and a sound test or hands-on try is the best guide.
🛡️ Cover on these boards
Evetech's 2 Years Local Warranty covers the three magnetic boards here (both WIN68 editions and the HERO 84 HE), while the two linear boards get one year. You will find all five in the gaming keyboards category, and because all five are hot-swappable, the keyboard switches range lets you move lighter or heavier later, keeping magnetic and mechanical sockets apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gram-force, or gf?
The force needed to press a key, expressed as the weight of that many grams.
Is 32gf too light for some typists?
It can be, but magnetic boards let you set a deeper actuation point so resting fingers do not trigger keys.
Why are there no weights for Stormrise, Frostcore and the rest?
AULA does not publish actuation force for those switches.
How do the magnetic switches compare at bottom-out?
Between 49gf on the Wing Chun and 53gf on the Black King, with the Gray Wood at 50gf.
Do the 45gf linears feel heavy?
No. 45gf is a moderate, common weight for linear switches.
How long are these boards covered?
Two years on the WIN68 HE, WIN68 MAX and HERO 84 HE; one year on the L99 and F99 Max.
Know how heavy you like your keys?
Browse the keyboards at Evetech and compare switch weights, from light magnetic switches to steady linears.