We talked about it when it was released here, we just received the new keyboard from Roccat: the Vulcan II Max. A superb keyboard with the elegance of the old Vulcan while adding some interesting new features.
In short, what is this new Vulcan worth? Answer here!
Technical specifications:
With its new keyboard, Roccat offers us this time, a reference with 106 keys. We will also find the mechanical and optical switches Titan II which promise us 100 million activations. Two types of switches are available among the linear and tactile of Roccat. Besides, we have the right to the classic options ofEasy-Shift [+], theanti-ghosting N-KEY (NKRO) 100% or the AIMO lighting of the brand. It has an internal memory of 4 MB allowing it to manage 5 different profiles. Of course, like most keyboards on the market, it has a polling frequency of 1 GHz. The Vulcan II max is also equipped with a 32-bit ARM Cortex M3 processor.
Regarding its dimensions, we have here a rather massive keyboard since we find 463 x 236 x 33.5 mm for a weight of 1.04 kg without wrist rest and 1.3 kg with the latter. This one is totally translucent to let the colors of the RGB LEDs pass through. Moreover, this palm rest is removable for those who wish to remove it.
Here, make way for an aluminum faceplate for better quality and durability.
Recommended System:
To use the Vulcan II Max, you will need at least a Windows 7 operating system. Also, to connect it, a USB 2.0 is needed as well as an internet connection to download the keyboard management software.
[nextpage title=”Unpacking”]
Box:
Our keyboard of the day arrives in a large black box. On its front panel, we find a representation of the Vulcan II Max illuminated with all its RGB LEDs. We learn that it is equipped with the first dual RGB LEDs for a better light immersion. In addition, it is indicated that it is a full-size keyboard. Let’s move on to the back where we learn more about the new Vulcan. For example, we now know that it is equipped with Titan II optical switches. In addition, it is indicated that this reference is equipped with a detachable and backlit palm rest. The brand also highlights its RGB AIMO technology and the Roccat Smarts keys feature that allow secondary functionality.
Now let’s open the box of our Vulcan. First of all, we discover the wrist rest placed on top of the keyboard. It is packed in a plastic bag, just like the keyboard itself. A cardboard reinforcement and foam are also part of the party to protect everything. In any case, it did its job since it arrived in excellent condition.
Bundle:
Apart from the detachable wrist rest, there is a single quick start guide in the Vulcan II Max box. 
The Vulcan II Max:
Right out of the box, this new Vulcan makes an impression. It is very elegant and classy. Moreover, it can remind, aesthetically speaking, the old typewriters thanks to its minimalist keys. This reference is equipped with all its keys, unlike the Vulcan II Mini tested recently. Indeed, we find here all the function keys, multimedia keys on the right and a nice wheel to manage the sound. Of course, a 100% keyboard means the presence of the numeric keypad on the right.
This Vulcan II Max has a sheathed USB cable, not detachable. Its particularity is to need two USB ports to connect it, without offering a USB offset. It’s a bit of a shame!
The translucent palm rest is located at the bottom of the keyboard. It is installed thanks to some kind of lugs that slide into the edge of the keyboard. But we will talk about it later in the test section.
What does it look like from the back?
On the back, the rear is somewhat aesthetical. It changes the smooth plastic we will say. Otherwise, we find two rubber pads to help maintain this reference. We also have the right to two elevating legs, without forgetting the label in the center with the serial numbers and recycling information. 
[nextpage title=”Test”]
Now let’s go to the test of this Vulcan II Max. We put it to the test in almost all scenarios: video games, office automation, etc…
The grip:
On this new Vulcan II Max, the grip is quite classical. Indeed, as this is a 106-key keyboard, there will be no change if you are used to this type of keyboard. Here, unlike the Corsair K100 RGB, we do not have macro keys placed on the left side of the keyboard. This is rather convenient since it will avoid us to shift all our lines of a row the time of accustoming. We do not find here any keys especially dedicated to macros. Nevertheless, we will find many multimedia keys on the FN+ keys… To manage the profiles and colors of the Vulcan II Max, we will find some additional keys at the top of the keyboard. For example, a key to change the profile or the light intensity of the RGB LEDs . Not to mention the wheel which is very pleasant to use to increase or decrease the sound of the PC.
With this new reference signed Roccat, do not count on the presence of PBT keys. Here, it will be exclusively ABS plastic keys. It’s a pity when you know that other brands now offer them.
The Vulcan II Max has a translucent palm rest to bring out the RGB of this reference. Nevertheless, it is not very practical to use. Indeed, if you pull on it by mistake and it comes off, you will have to make sure to place the lugs in the groove of the keyboard and it is not always easy.
Under the keyboard, we have the right to two elevating legs on a level. There are also two large rubber bands that allow a good grip on a desk or mouse pad. Another nice feature is the visual aspect of the underside which I found nice and worked. This is a change from the smooth plastic keyboards, because it is the underside and you don’t see it often.
The design of the Vulcan II Max
The Vulcan II Max is really elegant. It can remind us of the old typewriters thanks to its low profile keys. Moreover, the LEDs underneath really bring out all the lighting. The palm rest is very neat and shines brightly once the keyboard is plugged in. In short, it is particularly beautiful in my opinion.
Plus, it’s not especially big on a desk. If you compare it to the Corsair K100 RGB, it is much more compact.
Nevertheless, we will regret the presence of the big, thick and very (too) rigid USB cable. In addition, it will require two USB ports to work, without adding an offset or other. They are really only there to power the keyboard..
The switches :
The Vulcan II Max is offered with two types of switches. Obviously, these are the Titans II from Roccat. First, there are the red linear switches . These are designed to be fast, precise and quiet. To activate them, it will take 1.4 mm for a force of 45 G. Their total stroke is 3.6 mm.
On the contrary, our sample of the day arrived with the brown touch switches. They are ideal for people who like the tactile feedback of switches. The tactile Titans II are less quiet than the red ones. To activate them, you’ll need 1.8mm for a force of 45G. Their total stroke, like the reds, is 3.6 mm.
Roccat’s brown switches are quite pleasant to use if you like tactile switches . Indeed, when you press a key on this keyboard, you feel that it “resists” you. At the moment, when you activate it, it becomes “harder” until the activation noise. Once the key is activated, the switch is pressed until the end of the stroke.
As for the sensation when typing, the key and the switch slide quite easily. We feel a slight friction on the way down but nothing very obvious. We are very far from the roughness of the Gateron Ink Black switches of the NZXT keyboard tested recently. It is therefore more fluid than the latter without coming close to the excellence of the Omnipoint switches from Steelseries.
It’s also nice to see that they don’t generate any spring noise when used, as we heard on some references. We are thinking especially of the Xtrfy K4 RGB for example.
The noise :
Here, we are dealing with a keyboard relatively noisy in use, there is no denying it. Indeed, the fact that it benefits from the tactile feedback of the Titans II switches does not help in this sense. It is therefore much noisier than the K100 Air Wireless tested very recently. Nevertheless, the keys don’t clack so much if you pay attention to the writing.
The RGB:
One of the strong points of Roccat keyboards is their RGB lighting. This Vulcan II Max is no exception to the rule by offering a lighting always more present and “petulant”! In addition to offering keys called ” low profile ” reinforcing the presence of lighting, we have diffusers at the wrist rest which is itself translucent. Of course, the lights are reflected in it and accentuate the thing.
Be careful if you are the kind of person who plays in the dark, because the lighting is very present and could clearly cause visual fatigue.
[nextpage title=”Conclusion”]
It’s time to move on to our conclusion regarding the Roccat Vulcan II Max. So, what did we think of it?
Colors that pop!
Once again, we are dealing with a reference that explodes with colors. It is a habit with Roccat and they still manage to surprise us at this level. Indeed, on this model, we have the right to double LED switches but especially to a translucent wrist rest that allows a diffusion under the wrists. It is very nice but nevertheless visually tiring if you work in the dark. It’s also hard to put back on if you inadvertently remove it (or not, for that matter). Aside from that, we are treated to a neatly designed keyboard, very aesthetically pleasing, as usual with Vulcans. In addition, a large aluminum cover plate completes the package.
In use, the Vulcan II Max has very interesting multimedia shortcuts and a very nice wheel to manage the sound. Also, the Titans II switches in their brown version are perfect for writing and even for video games.
Unfortunately, it is the adage at the moment, and not only at Roccat, bundles are more and more non-existent. Moreover, the latest Vulcan still requires two USB ports to work and doesn’t bring an additional USB offset. It’s a shame.
How much is the Vulcan II Max?
The Vulcan II Max is available now on the Roccat store for $229.99 or €229.99. That’s almost 70 euros more than the last Vulcan 121 Aimo. Of course, the inflation has had an impact here…, but it’s starting to be a lot!
Roccat Vulcan II Max
We liked:
- Its very neat design, very aesthetic
- The RGB with very present colors
- The palm rest that diffuses the RGB more
- The presence of noble materials (aluminum cover plate)
- The number of multimedia shortcuts
- The Titans switches are as good as ever
- That it is a very pleasant keyboard to use
- That it holds well in place thanks to its rubber pads
We liked less :
- The bundle is rather inexistent considering the price
- The lack of USB offset given the two USB ports
- Its price which exploded since the Vulcan 121 Aimo
- Its wrist rest difficult to reinstall once removed
This new Vulcan signed by Roccat, is particularly beautiful. It is shimmering, fizzing with colors thanks to its wrist rest. It is a perfect success on the aesthetic level. Moreover, it benefits from noble materials with its aluminum faceplate. Besides, we have the right to numerous multimedia shortcuts and switches always as qualitative. Nevertheless, we regret the presence of a USB offset, especially considering the two USBs it needs to function. In addition, the price is starting to sting. For us, it will be gold!
Today, the Vulcan II Max is also awarded the “coup de coeur” which is totally subjective. Personally, I found it particularly successful between its design, its colors and its brown switches .
Thanks to Roccat!
