Vulcan II TKL Review – Confident and Compact

Vulcan II TKL Review

We here at COGconnected have been covering the Vulcan line of keyboards since 2018, and a quick search of our site reveals a long list of high scores. One after another – 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 punches well above its $119.99 price tag. Building on the Vulcan II series, the tenkeyless (TKL) version trims off the number pad to free up valuable desk space and delivers a whole lot of performance in return.

Even right out of the box, the Vulcan II TKL screams premium. I mean, it’s wrapped in what looks like fancy Turtle Beach Christmas paper when you first pull it out. First impressions are excellent. You instantly feel like you’re getting your money’s worth, and it definitely passes the eye test.

Now, I’ll be honest: this isn’t a keyboard I’d use day to day. For starters, I’m not a competitive gamer (especially not on PC), and I like having a number pad. Plain and simple. So while the Vulcan II TKL isn’t the perfect fit for me, it’s an absolute dream for competitive players who value speed, space, and style. The tenkeyless form factor keeps things minimal, freeing up room for wider mouse sweeps in shooters and MOBAs. The extra real estate is nice, and the design is sleek, portable, and clearly built for long gaming sessions with its sturdy brushed aluminum top plate and signature low-profile Vulcan look.

Smooth, Fast, and Swappable

At the heart of the Vulcan II TKL are those sweet switches that just feel amazing. Maybe it’s because they’re pre-lubed… okay, I digress. But seriously, Turtle Beach’s mechanical switches are pre-lubed, hot-swappable, and rated for 50 million keystrokes. They feel buttery smooth with a short 1.8mm actuation. Fast enough for twitch reflexes, yet still comfortable for long typing sessions. It’s a great balance of speed and control.

That said, I do wonder how well the keycaps will hold up over time. Many keyboards end up turning shiny or becoming fingerprint magnets after heavy use, so I’m curious to see if these can withstand my less-than-pristine mitts. Time will tell.

Add in sound-dampening foam and upgraded stabilizers, and every press feels crisp and clean, with zero rattle or spring noise. They’re not clicky or overly loud like many other keyboards I’ve used. The result? A keyboard that both sounds and feels genuinely premium.

I will say; however, the spacebar feels a little different. It has a slightly louder, more clicky sound compared to the rest of the keys. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable and can be a bit distracting at first.

The Vulcan II TKL is also very customizable, 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 color wave or full-on rainbow chaos, the choice is yours. I really appreciate how much thought went into this.

The software also lets you use EASY-SHIFT[+] for advanced macros and an assignable A.I. launcher key, which is great for streamers or anyone who likes shortcuts. Plus, the keyboard has hot-swappable switches, which means you can easily replace or upgrade them without soldering. This makes it easy to maintain and ensures the keyboard can last for many years.

Silent, and Ready for Action

The ReacTap SOCD technology is a nice bonus. Interestingly, this feature is usually found in pro-level fighting gear. Basically, it makes the keyboard prioritize your most recent directional input, allowing for super-precise movement and strafing. Combine that with 100% anti-ghosting, NKRO, and onboard profile storage, and you have a keyboard that’s ready for serious competitive play.

It’s also the small details that stand out. Things like a left-side detachable USB-C cable, a volume knob with push-to-mute, and three extra switches plus a keycap puller in the box show how thoughtful this keyboard is. Every feature adds up to make the Vulcan II TKL a truly player-focused keyboard with a lot to like.

The Vulcan II TKL is a small, sturdy, and well-made mechanical keyboard that gets the basics right while giving you lots of options to customize. With hot-swappable TITAN HS switches, a solid build, and easy-to-use software, it’s just as fun to type on as it is to game with. At $119.99 (at the time of writing), it’s one of the best values in the premium TKL keyboard category. It’s quiet, customizable, and built to last.

***Keyboard was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review.***