Vulcan II TKL Review – Confident and Compact

Vulcan II TKL review

We at COGconnected have been covering the Vulcan line of keyboards since 2018, and a quick search on our site reveals a long list of high ratings. One by one, it's an impressive run. So it's no surprise that Turtle Beach continues to carve out its place in the premium keyboard market with the Vulcan II TKL. This compact mechanical board far exceeds its $119.99 price tag. Based on the Vulcan II series, the ten-keyless (TKL) version removes the numeric keypad to free up valuable desktop space and delivers high productivity in return.

Even right out of the box, the Vulcan II TKL screams excellence. I mean, it's wrapped in what looks like fancy Turtle Beach Christmas paper when you first take it out. First impressions are great. You'll instantly feel like you've gotten your money's worth and it definitely passes the eye test.

I'll be honest: this is not a keyboard I would use day in and day out. Let's start with the fact that I'm not a competitive gamer (especially on PC) and I like having a number pad. Simple and clear. So while the Vulcan II TKL isn't ideal for me, it's an absolute dream for professional players who value speed, space, and style. The form factor without the ten-button input is minimal, freeing up space for wider mouse movements in shooters and MOBAs. The extra real estate is nice, and the design is sleek, portable, and clearly built for long gaming sessions, thanks to the durable brushed aluminum top panel and Vulcan's signature low-profile look.

Smooth, fast and replaceable

At the heart of the Vulcan II TKL are amazing switches that provide an absolutely amazing feel. Maybe it's because they're pre-lubricated…okay, I digress. Seriously though, Turtle Beach mechanical switches are pre-lubricated, hot-swappable, and rated to last 50 million keystrokes. They feel very smooth with a short 1.8mm press. Fast enough for twitching reflexes, yet comfortable for long typing sessions. It's a great balance of speed and control.

However, I wonder how well the keycaps will hold up over time. Many keyboards become shiny or become fingerprint magnets after heavy use, so I'm curious to see if they can hold up to my less-than-clean hands. Time will show.

Add sound-absorbing foam and advanced stabilizers, and every click is crisp and clear, without rattle or spring noise. They don't click or are overly loud like many other keyboards I've used. Result? A keyboard that sounds and feels truly premium.

I'll say; however, the spacebar feels a little different. The sound is a little louder and clickier than the other keys. It's not disruptive, but it's noticeable and can be a little distracting at first.

The Vulcan II TKL is also easy to set up, which is a big plus. You can change the color of each key individually using the Swarm II software, and it can sync with AIMO lighting for cool effects. Whether you want a soft wave of color or complete rainbow chaos, the choice is yours. I really appreciate how much thought was put into this.

The software also allows you to use EASY-SHIFT.[+] for advanced macros and a assignable AI launch key, which is great for streamers or those who love keyboard shortcuts. Additionally, the keyboard features hot-swappable switches, meaning you can easily replace or upgrade them without soldering. This simplifies maintenance and ensures that the keyboard will last for many years.

Quiet and ready for action

ReacTap SOCD technology is a nice bonus. Interestingly, this feature is usually found in professional-grade combat gear. Essentially, this forces the keyboard to prioritize the last directional input, allowing for ultra-precise movement and strafing. Add in 100% anti-ghosting, NKRO, and built-in profile storage, and you've got a keyboard ready for serious competitive gaming.

Small details also stand out. Things like the detachable USB-C cable on the left side, a volume knob with mute function, and three additional switches, as well as a key puller in the box, show how well thought out this keyboard is. Each feature combines to make the Vulcan II TKL a truly gamer-focused keyboard that has a lot to like.

The Vulcan II TKL is a small, durable, well-made mechanical keyboard that delivers on the basics while still providing plenty of customization options. With TITAN HS's hot-swappable switches, durable build, and easy-to-use software, typing on it is as much fun as playing. At $119.99 (at the time of writing), it's one of the best prices in the premium TKL keyboard category. It's quiet, customizable and durable.

***The keyboard was provided by COGconnected for the purposes of this review.***