Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL Review
The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is one of those keyboards that makes you stop and stare at the moment you take it out of the box. It’s sleek, modern, and has that premium vibe thanks to its brushed aluminum top plate. The tenkeyless layout means it’s compact enough to free up desk space, which is a big win if you’re gaming on a smaller setup or just like a cleaner workspace. But looks aren’t everything—how does it actually feel to use for both gaming and work? Let’s dive in.
The Vulcan II TKL is gorgeous. The exposed switches and low-profile keycaps give it a futuristic aesthetic, and the RGB lighting isn’t just bright—it’s vibrant and smooth. Turtle Beach’s AIMO lighting system really makes the colors pop, and it feels like the keyboard is alive when synced with your games. On my desk, it didn’t look like “just another gaming keyboard”—it felt like part of the setup, almost like a centerpiece. The build quality is solid. The aluminum top plate adds durability and a premium feel, while the underside uses lightweight plastic to keep the weight manageable. It’s sturdy enough that you don’t feel any flex when typing, and the six rubber feet keep it planted even during intense gaming sessions. The detachable braided USB-C cable is a nice touch for portability.
I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to enjoy typing on this as much as I did. The Titan HS switches are linear, so they’re smooth and consistent without that loud click you’d expect from mechanical boards. It’s quiet enough that I didn’t feel self-conscious during video calls, and the short travel distance made typing emails feel snappy. If you’re someone who spends hours writing reports or answering emails, this keyboard won’t tire you out. The only thing missing is a wrist rest, which would’ve made it perfect for marathon workdays.
This is where the Vulcan II TKL really shines. In-game, the keyboard feels like an extension of your hands. The compact size gives you more room for mouse movement, which is a lifesaver in competitive FPS titles. The switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes, so durability isn’t a concern. Every press feels deliberate and responsive—no mushiness, no lag. And that volume wheel? It’s such a small thing, but having quick audio control mid-match is a game-changer. You don’t realize how much you need it until you have it.
The RGB lighting is stunning. Turtle Beach’s AIMO system isn’t just about pretty colors—it can sync with in-game events, which adds a layer of immersion. The Swarm software gives you plenty of customization options, from macros to per-key lighting. You can save up to five profiles onboard, which is great if you switch between games or use different setups for work and play.
The Vulcan II TKL nails a lot of things: premium build, smooth switches, vibrant RGB, and a compact layout that’s perfect for gamers. But it’s not flawless. There’s no wrist rest, and while the switches are hot-swappable, the process isn’t as effortless as on some high-end boards. Also, if you’re picky about RGB bleed between keys, you might notice it here.
The Vulcan II TKL is stylish, sturdy, and versatile. It’s not just a gaming keyboard—it’s a keyboard you’ll enjoy using all day. Sure, it’s missing a few extras like a wrist rest and magnetic switches, but for the price, you’re getting a premium feel and excellent performance. If you want something that looks great on your desk and performs like a champ in-game, this is worth considering.
Article By Kevin Austin
