Turtle Beach is making another bold move in the crowded TKL space by introducing its latest variant, the Vulcan II TKL Pro. It’s loaded with features that cater to every need. It boasts per-key RGB lighting, customizable through the Swarm II Software, and an attractive aluminum top plate that not only provides robust support but also adds a sleek, eye-catching touch to any desk setup. The standout feature, however, is the new Hall-Effect Magnetic Switches, which offer an incredibly smooth typing experience and can be customized with different actuation points and rapid trigger. Join me as we delve into the impressive capabilities of this keyboard.
Specifications
- Current Price: $149.99 (Amazon)
- Form Factor: TKL
- Top Cover: Aluminum
- Bottom: Plastic
- Color: White
- Keycaps:
- T-Shaped ABS Keycaps
- Fully compatible with 3rd party keycaps
- Backlighting:
- North Facing
- Individually Lit
- Per-key Programmable
- LED Color: RGB
- Switches:
- Hall-Effect Magnetic Switches
- 150M Keystroke Lifecycle
- Actuation Point: Adjustable 0.1 – 4mm
- Connectivity: USB-A Wired
- Pulling Rate: 1000 Hz
- Onboard Profiles: 5 On-board profiles
- Media Control: Push-to-Mute Volume Wheel
- Palm Rest: Yes, Soft.
- Adjustable Height: Yes, Double Kickstand
- Cable: 1.8m / 5.9ft Detachable USB-C to USB-A
- Dimensions:
- Weight: 368.3(L) X 139.7(W) /14.5(L) X 5.5(W)
The Vulcan II TKL Pro features a TKL layout that has gained immense popularity in the gaming keyboard industry. It includes a convenient rotary knob in the traditional upper right corner and is ready to use straight out of the box. The build quality is elegantly sleek, making it an instant centerpiece on my desk. The slim design incorporates an aluminum top plate, which ensures minimal to no deck flex during typing.
The typing experience on the Vulcan II TKL Pro is best described as buttery smooth. The newly added Hall-Effect Magnetic switches offer significant customization options, including different actuation points. These switches, often used in console controllers as replacements for the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con sticks, are renowned for their durability and precision. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, Hall-Effect sensors do not rely on physical contact, eliminating issues like debounce delay and scratchiness. This makes them an excellent choice for keyboard switches, not only prolonging the lifespan of each switch but also providing a wide array of customizable input options.
While the switches are linear and make no contact internally, the sound they produce when bottoming out is a muted clacking. I should note that by adjusting the global actuation point, it is possible to type more delicately, further reducing the noise. This is comparable to the Drop Shift low-profile keyboard but without the hollow sound. The floating switches are paired with T-shaped keycaps in a chiclet design, allowing the north-facing LEDs to shine light up the switches in a display of RGB that’s unbeatable by normal keycaps. The white version picks up the colors well, almost giving them a transparent appearance. The switches are fully compatible with other third-party keycaps too.
The true highlight of these switches is their remarkable versatility. They can emulate analog signals and even function as triggers or joysticks on a gamepad. Within the Swarm II software dashboard, you can configure up to three actuation points and trigger different actions based on these points. For instance, in CS: GO, you could press to the first actuation point to equip a grenade, press further to aim, and press to the final point to throw it. This not only provides more options but also allows players to become more immersed in the game, using less hand movement to achieve the same actions.
Swarm II is an elegantly designed application with a sleek dark-themed interface that's both simple and intuitive to use, a huge improvement over the original software. Unlike the more complex software suites like Razer's Synapse or Corsair's iCue, Swarm II doesn't overwhelm you with myriad configurations and options. Instead, it focuses on delivering a streamlined, user-friendly experience that ensures you can easily customize your keyboard without getting lost in endless menus. Its simplicity is a refreshing change, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned users who appreciate efficiency and straightforward functionality.
The Vulcan II TKL Pro includes a wrist rest marketed as soft. While my personal preference leans towards a cushioned leather wristrest, I decided to give the included one a try. Despite its soft touch, I found it to be rather stiff during use, which led to sore spots on my wrist. Fortunately, this low-tech wrist rest isn't attached to the keyboard, making it easy to swap out for one that better suits individual preferences.
Typing and gaming on the keyboard is excellent. The switches have a smoothness to them that’s perfect for their magnetic design. They’re also very responsive, no matter where you set the actuation point. As has been the case with every magnetic keyboard, multi-action keys, while sometimes useful, are very touchy. With such little travel, the difference between arming that grenade and throwing it is very slight.
Rapid trigger makes the keyboard feel noticeably faster. This technology allows you to set the actuation point and reset point for each switch to occur at the same time. This means that each key resets as soon as it begins moving up again. If you’re peeking around a corner in a shooter or like to evade enemies with micromovements, they’re a clutch feature.
Final Thoughts
In the realm of gaming keyboards, releases have a tendency to blend together with so many shared features. However, the Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL Pro manages to stand out from the crowd with its uniquely showy design and powerful customization potential. Although it lacks dedicated macro buttons and the wristrest may not suit everyone, its compatibility with other AIMO-powered devices and robust feature set make it a standout choice.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Purchasing products through our links will result in a small commission for the site. Authors are not compensated based on clicks or commissions.
