After our tests of MSI’s Vigor GK71 Sonic and the K65 Pro Mini, we’re back with gaming keyboards again, with Roccat’s new reference, the Vulcan II. It’s a full-size keyboard with Titan II switches and a detachable wrist rest, and can be fitted with up to 4 different profiles.
On top of that, let’s not forget Roccat’s RGB lighting. So, what is this Vulcan II worth? Answer in our test!
Technical specifications :
Roccat’s Vulcan II is a keyboard measuring 463 x 236 x 33 mm (including wrist rest). It weighs over 1 kg (1,141 g) with the latter and 949 g without. Here, Roccat’s new keyboard features in-house switches (Titan II) and customizable RGB key by key. In addition, the keys can support up to 80 million activations. It also comes with a 1.8 m sheathed cable.
The Vulcan II incorporates a 4 MB internal memory for storing up to 4 profiles. In addition, it features easy-shift technology for doubling the number of keys on the keyboard, as well as the classic full-key NKRO with full anti-ghosting . Of course, the keyboard features a 1 GHz polling rate.
Recommended system:
To use the Roccat Vulcan II, you’ll need at least a Windows 7 operating system. You’ll also need a USB 2.0 port and an Internet connection to download the keyboard management software.
[nextpage title=”Unpacking”]
The box:
Our keyboard of the day arrives in an overall colorful box. On the front, we find a representation of the keyboard illuminated by its RGB LEDs. There’s also some information about the keyboard’s linear switches by Roccat (Titan II).
Let’s move on to the back, where we learn more about the brand’s switches. In particular, it highlights the characteristics of its red and brown switches . In addition, we find out more about the Vulcan II’s easy-shift, multimedia shortcuts and RGB lighting.
On opening the box, the keyboard is well protected by cardboard protectors and plastic bags. In any case, this has served its purpose well, as the sample arrived in excellent condition.
The bundle:
In the box, in addition to the keyboard and its wrist rest, we’ll find only a small set of instructions. A little key-puller might have been nice in the box, or a few extra keys, for example.
The Roccat Vulcan II:
Right out of the box, Roccat’s new keyboard makes an impression. Indeed, its elegance and immaculate white color are immediately noticeable. On top of that, it looks clearly solid thanks to its aluminum faceplate. This is a 100% keyboard, a far cry from the K65 Pro Mini, ROG Falchion Ace or Vulcan II Mini previously tested. We’re therefore entitled to all the function keys, multimedia keys and numeric keypad. There’s also a small, aesthetically pleasing thumbwheel for managing the PC’s sound.
This reference is equipped with a long, 1.8 m, non-detachable, sheathed cable. Unlike Roccat’s Vulcan II Max, you don’t need two USB ports to make full use of it. Phew!
This Vulcan II also has a wrist rest. Here, it’s not soft like MSI’s, but made of hard plastic. It is, however, much stiffer than the one offered with the Vulcan II Max.
What does the back look like?
On the back, the rear is somewhat worked, with a few lines. It’s a welcome change from smooth plastic. Otherwise, there are a few rubber pads to help hold this reference in place. We’re also treated to two elevating feet, not forgetting the label in the center with serial numbers and recycling information.
[nextpage title=”Test”]
Let’s move on to testing this Roccat Vulcan II. We put it to the test in just about every scenario: video games, office automation, etc….
Handling:
The grip on Roccat’s new keyboard is classic. Indeed, as this is a 100% format keyboard, there won’t be much of a change if you’re used to this type of keyboard. Unlike Corsair’s K100 RGB solution, there are no macro keys on the left-hand side of the keyboard. This means you don’t have to shift your entire input by one row while you get used to it. On this reference, there are also a number of shortcuts on the FN … keys for managing Vulcan II profiles and colors.
Likewise, there are a few shortcuts for changing the effect or light intensity of the RGB LEDs. In addition, there’s a thumbwheel on the right-hand side of the keyboard for increasing or decreasing the PC volume, and a few buttons to skip to the next or previous song, or pause it.
With this new keyboard from Roccat, don’t count on PBT keys. Here, it’s all ABS plastic keys. It’s a shame, considering that other brands now offer them. Nevertheless, given Roccat’s rather specific key format, it’s not all that surprising that the brand doesn’t have PBT molds for the Vulcan II.
The Vulcan II is also equipped with a wrist rest, but unlike the Vigor GK71 Sonic, this one is made of hard plastic. The wrist rest is non-magnetic and is installed via two clips. In use, it’s clearly less pleasant than MSI’s. It would have been nice to have something cushioned and soft under the wrists.
Roccat’s keyboard is equipped with over-elevating feet that raise to a single level. This does its job. In that sense, it’s ideal. Because on keyboards such as MSI’s GK71, where the legs are arranged on the sides, they can fold down by themselves when we move our keyboard.
Unlike the Vulcan II Max, the Vulcan II Max has a thin, sheathed power cable. As a reminder, that of the Vulcan II Max was very rigid, thick and blocked two USB ports only for RGB use. Nevertheless, we still regret that the cable is not detachable. Still, it’s easier to store and transport.
Vulcan II design:
The Vulcan II is a real eye-catcher. Its brushed aluminum plate is particularly aesthetic and gives a real impression of quality. What’s more, its light color acts as a reflector, diffusing all the keyboard’s RGB LEDs . It’s really pretty! Our keyboard of the day is also equipped with a thin, non-rigid sheathed cable. Compared to the Vulcan II Max, for example, it’s quite forgettable in everyday use. Despite everything, the wrist rest also completes the picture. Although less classy and aesthetically pleasing than that of the Vigor GK71 Sonic in my opinion, it still makes an impact.
In addition to this, all around the keyboard, we find a small aluminum edging that is very aesthetic in my opinion.
Switches:
The Vulcan II Max comes with two types of switches. These are, of course, Roccat’s Titans II. First, there are the red linear switches . These are designed to be fast, precise and silent. To activate them, you’ll need 1.4 mm for a force of 45 G. Their total travel is 3.6 mm.
In contrast, the brown tactile switches are ideal for those who appreciate tactile switch feedback. The tactile Titans II are less silent than the red ones. To activate them, you’ll need 1.8 mm for a force of 45 G. Their total travel, like the reds, is 3.6 mm.
Our model of the day is equipped with red, linear switches . These switches are more sensitive than Cherry MX Red switches, with an accent point of 2 mm. Here, we’re dealing with a soft, light touch. It doesn’t take much force to activate the key. Despite the fact that these Titan IIs are optical switches, we feel a very slight friction as they descend. We’re on to something smoother than an MX Red (which has more or less been the “classic” switch for a long time) but rougher than Steelseries’ Omnipoint switches .
Of course, sensitive switches are great for gaming, but when it comes to writing, things get a little more complicated. As soon as you slip on another key, you’re bound to make a mistake. All this takes a little getting used to, which fortunately happens very quickly.
Noise:
Unlike MSI’s Vigor GK71 Sonic, the Vulcan II is much quieter thanks to its non-touch switches. Nevertheless, our keyboard of the day is still noisier than Corsair’s K65 Pro Mini, which had a second insulating layer as a reminder. Indeed, here the keys tend to click at the end of their stroke. However, the noise remains fairly contained compared to other market references. On top of that, we don’t hear any spring or other noise when typing, which is quite comfortable.
RGB:
We’ll end this test section by talking about the RGB present on Roccat’s solution. Here, the result is truly beautiful. As usual with Roccat, the RGB LEDs really stand out. What’s more, here they are reflected on the gray aluminum faceplate. Beware, however, of the eyestrain this can cause. Don’t hesitate to lower the brightness a little if the need arises.
[nextpage title=”Conclusion”]
It’s time for our conclusion on the Roccat Vulcan II. So, what did we think?
A keyboard as beautiful and elegant as ever!
In the end, and ever since the first Vulcans arrived, Roccat keyboards have remained as beautiful and elegant as ever. They’re a far cry from big gaming keyboards like the Roccat Horde AIMO or even the Isku FX. On top of that, we’re treated to premium materials like the aluminum faceplate, not to mention the impeccable finish of this Vulcan II. It’s a shame, however, that the wrist rest isn’t a little softer, like on MSI’s Vigor GK71 Sonic. Here, it’s really thin and hard, in plastic only.
Roccat also does a great job with the RGB LEDs on its Vulcan II. Thanks to the aluminum plate that acts as a “reflector”, you can really enjoy the keyboard’s lighting effects. However, beware of sensitive eyes. LEDs are powerful when pushed to the limit, especially when accompanied by rainbow effects, for example. The brand’s software offers a wide range of possibilities, colors and effects. On the other hand, there’s no denying that Roccat Swarm is rather dated. Indeed, the software has hardly evolved for several years.
On the other hand, the cable is slim and unobtrusive, unlike the one on the Vulcan II Max. However, it lacks a detachable cable for easy storage. What’s more, we find the bundle lacking in features. A small key-puller like MSI’s or additional keys like Corsair‘s would have been a plus!
With its Vulcan II, Roccat offers a keyboard with numerous possible shortcuts, as well as access to multimedia functions via the dedicated thumbwheel. In spite of everything, Roccat has equipped its new keyboards with its in-house switches (Titan II), which are very efficient and pleasant to use.
How much does the Vulcan II cost?
Roccat’s new Vulcan will be available from July 19 on the brand’s website or in stores. It is priced at €159.99. This is a price that doesn’t shock us in the least. Indeed, the first Vulcan 100 AIMO released in 2019 was priced at €150. So here we have a reference full of quality for a price that has changed very little in years. That’s great!
Roccat Vulcan II
We liked:
- Its meticulous, aesthetically pleasing design
- The RGB color scheme
- The keyboard’s impeccable finish
- Noble materials (aluminum cover plate)
- The number of multimedia shortcuts
- The little scroll wheel that always makes an impact!
- Rubber feet to keep it firmly in place
- The thin, discreet cable, unlike that of the Vulcan II Max
- Titan II switches , quiet and pleasant to use
We didn’t like :
- The absence of a detachable cable
- The bundle is not complete enough (no additional keys, key-puller…)
- Stiff wrist rest – a soft pad would have been appreciated!
- Software a little outdated
Once again, Roccat offers us an aesthetically pleasing keyboard of impeccable design and finish. What’s more, the RGB is really bright. In spite of everything, the brand still equips its keyboards with premium materials (aluminum) and offers high-performance, pleasant house switches. Even so, a few shortcomings remain: a detachable cable, a more complete bundle or a softer wrist rest would have been top-notch. So, for us, it’s gold!
Thanks to Roccat!
