ROCCAT has become a prominent player in the gaming keyboard market by offering a unique combination of style, functionality, and durability. The latest addition to their lineup, the ROCCAT Vulcan II, perfectly embodies these qualities. Although it may not boast the same visually stunning design as its more expensive counterpart, the Vulcan II Max, it still provides an excellent option for gamers on a tighter budget. This keyboard ensures that users don't have to sacrifice important features, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable gaming keyboard option.
Unveiling Elegance and Functionality
The Vulcan II presents itself as an elegantly functional keyboard, bearing a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the ROCCAT Vulcan II Max. With its beautifully lit design, the keyboard captures attention effortlessly. The smooth mechanical switches allow for a pleasant typing experience, while the dedicated media keys provide convenient control over audio and video playback. Additionally, the built-in secondary functions add versatility to the keyboard's functionality.
However, in an effort to offer a more affordable option, the Vulcan II compromises on certain features. The lighting scheme is more restrained compared to its higher-priced sibling, and the wrist rest is less appealing. Furthermore, the ROCCAT Vulcan II comes with a non-detachable USB cable, which may limit its portability. Despite these drawbacks, the Vulcan II remains an attractive choice for those seeking an aesthetically pleasing and functional keyboard without breaking the bank.
Although there are compromises involved, Roccat has evidently made a conscious effort to uphold the brand's well-known excellence and design while providing its products at a lower cost. A prime example of this is the ROCCAT Vulcan II, which is currently being sold for $149.99, a substantial reduction from the usual price of $229.99 for the Vulcan II Max. This significant price drop demonstrates Roccat's commitment to making its products more accessible to a wider range of consumers without compromising on the brand's reputation for excellence.
Where Aesthetics Meet Durability
The Vulcan II is a remarkable wired keyboard that offers a full-size experience, complete with Roccat's innovative Titan II Red linear mechanical switches. This keyboard stands out not only for its impressive functionality but also for its sleek design. With a lightweight plastic chassis and a robust aluminum top plate sporting a brushed metal finish, the ROCCAT Vulcan II exudes a premium feel that is both practical and visually appealing. Whether it's for work or gaming, this keyboard is sure to enhance any user's typing or gaming experience.
The Vulcan II keyboard from Roccat is a lightweight gaming accessory, weighing just 2.09 pounds (949g). Despite its lightness, it offers excellent stability, allowing for easy maneuverability during intense gaming sessions. Available in black and white color options, this keyboard is not just visually appealing, but also packed with useful features. Dedicated media keys, numlock, “Easy-Shift,” and Game Mode indicator lights enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, the ROCCAT Vulcan II comes with a braided 6-foot (1.8m) fixed USB-A cable, emphasizing Roccat's dedication to providing a user-friendly and high-quality gaming accessory.
The included wrist rest, although constructed of hard plastic, offers substantial support for extended gaming or typing sessions. While it may not be plush and cushioned, it effectively maintains a comfortable alignment between the wrists and hands. This ensures that users can engage in prolonged activities without experiencing discomfort or strain. Despite its simple construction, the wrist rest proves to be a practical and functional addition to enhance overall comfort and ergonomics during extended periods of use.
ROCCAT Vulcan II: A Symphony of Performance
One of the major highlights of the Vulcan II keyboard is its Titan II mechanical red switches. These switches provide a seamless and frictionless keypress experience, as they lack any tactile bump or audible click. The ABS keycaps of the keyboard are thin, shallow, and slightly dished, which allows the vibrant per-key RGB lighting to shine through beautifully. Although these keycaps may not be the most suitable for typing purposes, they greatly enhance gaming performance by offering smooth and swift linear switches that make gaming a breeze.
The Titan II mechanical red switches offer a well-rounded experience in terms of actuation force, distance, and travel. With these switches, users can enjoy a smooth keypress without any bothersome tactile bump or audible click. Although the Titan II mechanical switches have the same weight as their optical counterparts, they provide a slightly weightier feel, resulting in a more gratifying sound. Overall, these switches are a great choice for those seeking a satisfying and immersive typing or gaming experience.
The gaming experience on the Vulcan II is truly enjoyable due to its swift linear switches and slick keycaps. The linear switches allow for smooth and seamless keystrokes, enabling gamers to execute actions with precision and speed. Additionally, the keycaps' sleek design contributes to the overall pleasant experience, as they provide a comfortable and effortless touch. The keys' light actuation weight further enhances gameplay, allowing for quick and consistent presses without causing fatigue. With these remarkable features, the Vulcan II undoubtedly offers gamers a highly satisfying gaming experience.
When it comes to the typing experience, the Vulcan II's switches truly stand out with their exceptional smoothness, making typing an absolute pleasure. However, some users may find the ABS keycaps to be slightly slippery. Despite this, the keycaps serve a significant purpose by showcasing the keyboard's remarkable per-key RGB lighting. The vibrant and customizable lighting adds an element of visual appeal to the overall typing experience, making each keystroke a visually stunning event.
Empowering Customization and Control
The Vulcan II is a highly versatile gaming keyboard that is enhanced by Roccat's universal peripheral software, Swarm. This software enables gamers to enjoy advanced customization options, such as keybindings and per-key RGB lighting adjustments. With the Vulcan II's onboard storage capacity of up to five profiles, users can create personalized settings for various games or different individuals. This feature ensures that each gamer's experience is tailored to their preferences and enhances their overall gaming performance.
The lighting effects on the Vulcan II are truly impressive, offering a wide array of vibrant and varied options that create a dazzling display of colors. While the keyboard may not quite reach the level of the dual-LED switches and bottom light spill found on the Vulcan II Max, it still manages to captivate with its eye-catching visuals. The lighting adds a pleasant aesthetic touch to the overall design of the Vulcan II, enhancing the overall experience for users.
A Fusion of Performance and Aesthetics
The Roccat Vulcan II is a keyboard that truly stands out with its impressive performance. Its unique Roccat Titan II mechanical switches offer a smooth and responsive typing and gaming experience, making every keystroke feel satisfying. Not only does it perform well, but it also boasts a solid build quality that ensures durability. The sleek black aesthetic adds a touch of sophistication to any setup. Additionally, the keyboard comes with dedicated media controls, allowing for easy access to volume and playback settings.
The per-key RGB lighting is another standout feature, providing vibrant and customizable lighting effects. To top it all off, Roccat's Swarm software provides users with extensive options for key remapping and customization, allowing for a truly personalized experience. Overall, the Roccat Vulcan II is a top-notch keyboard that excels in both performance and aesthetics.
Fine-Tuning the Experience
Despite its impressive features, the Vulcan II keyboard does have its drawbacks. One area of improvement could be the wrist rest, which although functional, lacks the luxurious feel that many would expect from a keyboard in this price range. Furthermore, while Roccat's Swarm software offers a wide range of customization options, it may take some time for users to fully grasp and utilize its capabilities, potentially deterring those who prefer a more user-friendly interface.
The ROCCAT Vulcan II is a keyboard that effortlessly combines style, comfort, and performance. It has managed to strike a perfect balance between these three elements, making it an ideal choice for both gamers and typists. While it does have a few minor drawbacks, they are easily overshadowed by its numerous strengths. The keyboard provides a satisfying typing experience with its tactile switches and responsive keys.
Additionally, its sleek and modern design adds a touch of elegance to any gaming setup or office desk. Furthermore, the competitive price point of the ROCCAT Vulcan II makes it even more appealing, offering exceptional value for a mid-range keyboard. Overall, it is a reliable and high-quality option that is sure to meet the needs of any demanding user.
