Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL review: a low-profile gaming keyboard that meets its high expectations
A slender mechanical keyboard that adapts to any gamer's preferences.
Vulcan gaming keyboards have survived against lofty competition by considering aesthetics and value. The wired Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL offers even more customization with hot-swappable linear switches. Notebookcheck’s review finds that it’s a worthy addition to the Vulcan family despite a few shortcomings.Adam Corsetti Published
Verdict- an attractive and accessible hot-swappable keyboard with stress-free typing
Most gamers may be content with the Titan HS linear switches on the Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL. The smooth typing experience becomes addictive, but the mechanical keyboard is hot-swappable like more expensive alternatives.
The Vulcan newcomer is also instantly recognizable among a crowded field. It doesn’t have the most rock-solid feel, but a low-profile design promotes portability. Generous onboard storage gives gamers the freedom to travel without losing access to settings.
Some letdowns include the omission of a wrist rest that other entries in the Vulcan line offer. Nevertheless, customizable switches and flexible key mapping make the Vulcan II TKL a strong value.
Pros
Cons
Price and availability
The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL wired keyboard is for sale now at Best Buy for $119.99. Globally, the keyboard is available at participating retailers for £89.99|€99.99.
The wired Vulcan II TKL is the latest addition to the former Roccat line of vibrant mechanical keyboards. A low-profile construction and swappable linear switches aim to entice a new audience. Turtle Beach also hopes that remapping capabilities like Easy Shift convert any skeptics of the tenkeyless form factor.
Specifications
| Form factor | TKL |
| Dimensions | 366.16 x 137.33 x 32.15 (mm)/14.42 x 5.41 x 1.27 (inch) |
| Weight | 599 grams/1.32 lbs without cable |
| Case materials | Plastic, aluminum anodized sanded top plate |
| Switch type | Titan HS linear mechanical (hot-swappable) |
| Switch actuation | 1.8mm |
| Switch actuation force | 45g |
| Processor | 32-Bit ARM Cortex M3 |
| Keycaps | ABS |
| Connectivity | Wired, detachable USB-C cable |
| Polling rate | 1000Hz |
| Lighting | RGB per-key |
| Software | Swarm II |
Packaging and box contents
The latest Turtle Beach gaming keyboard ships in a purplish rectangular box, with the peripheral wrapped in tissue paper inside. Buyers also receive a switch puller, a 1.8m detachable USB-C cable, and three spare Titan HS linear switches.
Design
Despite the popularity of even smaller form factors, the Vulcan II TKL can still downsize desktops. Although the keys are spread out, the black gaming keyboard minimizes wasted space on its edges. At around 600 grams, the accessory lacks the heft of the most premium options, but it’s also reasonably portable.
While there is a healthy amount of plastic in its construction, an aluminum top plate maintains a firm typing platform. The ABS keycaps are smooth to the touch, but the surface below is slightly gritty to control fingerprints.
The Vulcan II TKL shares several characteristics of a low-profile keyboard. Its casing is only 32mm/1.27 in thick, even if the thin keycaps rise well above its surface. Adjustable kickstands below provide for more ergonomic flexibility.
Instead of additional keys, the Vulcan II relies on secondary commands for most media controls. Still, the volume rocker in the top right corner is easy to access and grip.
With ample space below and in between keys, the per-key RGB lighting has more room to escape. That results in less concentrated illumination through the keycaps. Nevertheless, the customizable AIMO effects put on a nice display at maximum brightness.
Setup and connectivity
Buyers can achieve basic functionality with the Vulcan II TKL without software by connecting the supplied USB-C cable. The port is found on the left side of the keyboard’s back edge, with a tunnel guiding installations in the dark.
Users will want to run the Swarm II app for full functionality, but the device does include five onboard profiles. As a result, travelling gamers can swap PCs without losing access to settings.
The peripheal doesn’t offer the 8000Hz polling rates seen with other wired keyboards and wireless mice. Even so, a 32-bit ARM Cortex M3 processor ensures that commands register instantly at 1000Hz.
Swarm II software
The Swarm II software tries to unify older Roccat-era gear with newer Turtle Beach products. That transition hasn’t always been smooth, and there were some initial issues with the app communicating with the keyboard. A reinstall solved the problem, and it has changed settings reliably in the weeks since.
Swarm II is refreshingly lightweight compared to more complex systems like Razer Synapse. Changing tabs never lagged, and the streamlined UI isn’t confusing. Most of the functionality with the Vulcan II TKL is tweaked in the key assignment and AIMO lighting menus.
Past Vulcan gaming keyboards have maximized their layouts with features like Easy Shift. The capability returns with the latest model to overcome any TKL deficiencies. In Swarm II, users can activate a flashing Caps Lock key to double the commands available with each key press.
It’s also possible to change the default secondary inputs unlocked by the Fn key. Even without software running, the imprinted labels make controlling RGB lighting less frustrating.
Not to be outdone by Razer Snap Tap or SOCD features from its rivals, Turtle Beach has embraced ReacTap. Movement in competitive games becomes more foolproof, with the keyboard only recognizing the most recent directional input. However, gamers may struggle to find the option that’s hidden in the Game Mode tab.
Typing performance and switches
Out of the box, the Vulcan II TKL provides comfortable typing with Titan HS linear switches. Despite their speedy nature, they aren’t prone to typos with a 1.8mm actuation distance. Pre-lubed and with sound-dampening foam underneath, the Vulcan II ranks on the quieter end of mechanical keyboards.
Gamers who are loyal to clicky green switches won’t experience the same definitive feedback with the Turtle Beach keyboard. On the other hand, after engaging in long gaming or writing sessions, the lack of resistance has benefits. The piece of gear also proved to be a reliable performer, no matter the scenario.
At its $119.99 price point, buyers hunting for a hot-swappable keyboard may gravitate toward the Vulcan II. Turtle Beach promises that the stock switches are compatible with most three or five-pin substitutes. Replacing them was fiddly with the included tool, so the process may require patience.
There is an endless selection of mechanical keyboards, each catering to the preferences of fussy gamers. The new Vulcan appeals to buyers looking for a reasonably affordable and compact solution. Yet, other shoppers may find the Vulcan II TKL Pro with wrist rest a superior value. At around the same cost, it employs durable Hall effect technology with customizable actuation points. Unfortunately, the switches on the Pro model are not swappable.
Conclusion
With the Vulcan II TKL, Turtle Beach hasn’t abandoned the formula that made the Roccat gaming keyboards successful. Still, the manufacturer has added a hot-swappable candidate that’s just as versatile with its macro programming.
The newly released Vulcan is more customizable than some of the brand’s pricier models. At the same time, buyers have to sacrifice frills like a matching wrist rest. Any small drawbacks shouldn’t scare buyers away from this distinctive wired keyboard.
Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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