Test
Let’s move on to the test of Roccat’s Vulcan II Mini Air. We put it to the test in just about every scenario: video games, office automation, etc….
Handling:
If you’re not used to this type of keyboard format, getting to grips with it can be a little complicated at first. In fact, here we lose all the function keys and numeric keypad. Instead, you’ll need to use all the shortcuts found on the Vulcan II Mini Air with a shift . .. or FN … combination. Small size also means double the functions on the keys, especially for multimedia content management. There’s no surprise here: you’ll have to use a dedicated FN key combo. Sound management is handled by the ” , ” , ” ; ” and ” : ” keys, while track management is handled by the ” w ” , ” x ” and ” c ” keys. Finally, lighting intensity is controlled via the keys on the far right of the keyboard.
Nevertheless, we’ve kept the directional arrows, which are not present on 60% format keyboards, such as the K65 RGB Mini.
The main purpose of this type of keyboard is to save space on your desk. Indeed, if you switch from a full-size keyboard (Vulcan II, for example), you’ll clearly see the difference. This Vulcan II Mini Air measures just 325 x 124 x 33 mm, as opposed to the 463 x 236 x 33 mm of the Vulcan II. That’s an enormous space saving in this case. We save an enormous amount of space on our desktops, especially for the mouse. Practical, especially if you want to play at low DPI.
On the other hand, the drawback of having such a compact and small model is its contained weight of just 576 g. On the desk, it can be moved without any blockage, and the rubber bands are clearly not going to change anything.
In use, I found that Roccat’s keyboard wasn’t elevated enough! In fact, I found it a little too low to write on in good conditions, despite the raised legs at the highest level.
Vulcan II Mini Air design:
The design of this Vulcan II Mini Air is in the same vein as that of the Vulcans. In fact, it looks exactly like the Vulcan II we recently tested. Likewise, it has changed very little since the Vulcan II Mini test.
As usual, the keys are divided into two sections. The first is flat and thin (low profile), black in color, with RGB lighting at letter level. The second part of the key is transparent and lets the RGB light through. The result is an ultra-bright, aesthetically pleasing effect.
Nevertheless, unlike Corsair and its K65 Pro Mini, the keys are simply ABS with laser engraving for lettering. What’s more, the brand announces that it will be possible to change keysets easily, since the standard cross-shaped key support is included. However, in ISO version, this promises to be rather complicated given that there are very few sets on the market.
Switches:
The Vulcan II Mini Air comes with two types of switch. 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 Mini Air 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.
Battery life:
Roccat claims a fairly long battery life for this Vulcan II Mini Air. Indeed, in “work” mode with RGB off, the brand indicates that it will last up to 750 hours. In work and play mode, with brightness at around half brightness, the Vulcan II Mini Air should last up to 150 hours. And finally, in “vacation” mode with heavy keyboard use and RGB at maximum, it would last 90 hours! In any case, that’s a pretty hefty figure.
Unfortunately, in view of the time taken for the test, we won’t be able to give you the autonomy we found straight away. Nevertheless, we’ll update this test when we’ve reached the end of its autonomy. For the test, we’re using it with the RGB at maximum.
RGB:
We end this test section by talking about the RGB present on Roccat’s wireless keyboard. Here, the result is truly beautiful. As usual with Roccat, the RGB LEDs really stand out. Beware, however, of the eyestrain this can cause. Don’t hesitate to lower the brightness a little if the need arises, especially as this will help preserve the keyboard’s battery life.
Nevertheless, it’s important to know that the keyboard is equipped with a technology that enables it to adapt to its use and avoid wasting battery power for “nothing”. In fact, the keyboard is equipped with proximity sensors that know when you’re not using the Vulcan II Mini Air. As a result, when you’re using it, brightness is at its maximum, while when you’re away from it, brightness drops. It updates relatively quickly. In less than a minute of inactivity, the light drops a notch.
