Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL Review: A Vibrant Mechanical Marvel
▼ Summary
– The Vulcan II TKL is a wired, tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard with a hot-swappable PCB, bright RGB lighting, and smooth linear switches, priced at $120.
– It features a slim plastic chassis with a brushed aluminum top plate, T-shaped ABS keycaps for enhanced RGB, and a compact, solid build quality.
– Unlike many current gaming keyboards, it uses standard linear mechanical switches instead of magnetic Hall Effect switches, though its PCB supports aftermarket 3- and 5-pin switches.
– Typing offers a lightweight, smooth experience with a soft sound, while gaming performance is solid but not ideal for high-level competition due to the lack of advanced magnetic switch features.
– Customization is handled through Turtle Beach’s Swarm II software for key remapping, RGB lighting, and enabling a software-based feature called ReacTap, similar to Snap Tap.
The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is a well-constructed, tenkeyless mechanical keyboard that offers a vibrant visual experience and practical hot-swap functionality at a competitive price. While the gaming peripheral market increasingly focuses on magnetic Hall Effect switches, this model sticks with reliable linear mechanical switches, delivering solid performance for both typing and gaming. Its standout design, featuring a slim profile and brilliant RGB lighting, makes it an attractive option for gamers who prioritize aesthetics and customization.
This keyboard employs a wired connection with a detachable USB-C cable, housed in a compact plastic chassis topped with a brushed aluminum plate. The build feels premium and sturdy despite its light weight. A distinctive feature is the set of T-shaped ABS keycaps, which are notably thin to allow maximum light emission from the per-key RGB backlighting. This design creates the signature, radiant look of the Vulcan series. Users have the flexibility to replace these keycaps with most third-party options, thanks to a standard north-facing hot-swappable PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
For the typing and gaming experience, the Vulcan II TKL comes equipped with Turtle Beach’s in-house Titan HS linear switches. These switches provide a light 45g actuation force and a quick 1.8mm actuation point. The typing feel is smooth and quiet, though some may find the sound a bit soft or muted. During gaming sessions, the keyboard performs reliably with accurate keypresses and comfortable responsiveness. It’s worth noting that these are not Hall Effect switches, so advanced features like adjustable actuation or hardware-level rapid trigger are absent. However, Turtle Beach offers a software-based alternative for certain competitive functions.
Customization is handled through the Turtle Beach Swarm II software, which allows for key remapping, extensive RGB lighting effects, and firmware updates. A notable software feature is “ReacTap,” which enables dual-input binding on a single key, similar to other competitive gaming solutions. The keyboard itself includes a handy, clickable volume knob in the top-right corner, though this control is not remappable. On the back, two-stage flip-out feet and non-slip rubber pads provide good stability on most desks.
In summary, the Vulcan II TKL is a visually striking and competently built mechanical keyboard. It successfully delivers the core Vulcan series aesthetic with its glowing, low-profile design and offers valuable enthusiast features like hot-swappable switches. While its linear switches may not satisfy those seeking a more tactile or crisply acoustic experience, they provide a quiet and consistent performance suitable for general use and gaming. For players wanting a flashy, customizable TKL board without venturing into Hall Effect technology, this is a compelling choice.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
