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.
