Most gamers may be content with the Titan HS linear switches on the Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL. The smooth typing experience becomes addictive, but the mechanical keyboard is hot-swappable like more expensive alternatives.

The Vulcan newcomer is also instantly recognizable among a crowded field. It doesn’t have the most rock-solid feel, but a low-profile design promotes portability. Generous onboard storage gives gamers the freedom to travel without losing access to settings.

Some letdowns include the omission of a wrist rest that other entries in the Vulcan line offer. Nevertheless, customizable switches and flexible key mapping make the Vulcan II TKL a strong value.

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL wired keyboard is for sale now at Best Buy for $119.99. Globally, the keyboard is available at participating retailers for £89.99|€99.99.
 

The wired Vulcan II TKL is the latest addition to the former Roccat line of vibrant mechanical keyboards. A low-profile construction and swappable linear switches aim to entice a new audience. Turtle Beach also hopes that remapping capabilities like Easy Shift convert any skeptics of the tenkeyless form factor.

The latest Turtle Beach gaming keyboard ships in a purplish rectangular box, with the peripheral wrapped in tissue paper inside. Buyers also receive a switch puller, a 1.8m detachable USB-C cable, and three spare Titan HS linear switches.

Despite the popularity of even smaller form factors, the Vulcan II TKL can still downsize desktops. Although the keys are spread out, the black gaming keyboard minimizes wasted space on its edges. At around 600 grams, the accessory lacks the heft of the most premium options, but it’s also reasonably portable.

While there is a healthy amount of plastic in its construction, an aluminum top plate maintains a firm typing platform. The ABS keycaps are smooth to the touch, but the surface below is slightly gritty to control fingerprints.

The Vulcan II TKL shares several characteristics of a low-profile keyboard. Its casing is only 32mm/1.27 in thick, even if the thin keycaps rise well above its surface. Adjustable kickstands below provide for more ergonomic flexibility.

Instead of additional keys, the Vulcan II relies on secondary commands for most media controls. Still, the volume rocker in the top right corner is easy to access and grip.

With ample space below and in between keys, the per-key RGB lighting has more room to escape. That results in less concentrated illumination through the keycaps. Nevertheless, the customizable AIMO effects put on a nice display at maximum brightness.

The Swarm II software tries to unify older Roccat-era gear with newer Turtle Beach products. That transition hasn’t always been smooth, and there were some initial issues with the app communicating with the keyboard. A reinstall solved the problem, and it has changed settings reliably in the weeks since.

Swarm II is refreshingly lightweight compared to more complex systems like Razer Synapse. Changing tabs never lagged, and the streamlined UI isn’t confusing. Most of the functionality with the Vulcan II TKL is tweaked in the key assignment and AIMO lighting menus.

Past Vulcan gaming keyboards have maximized their layouts with features like Easy Shift. The capability returns with the latest model to overcome any TKL deficiencies. In Swarm II, users can activate a flashing Caps Lock key to double the commands available with each key press.

It’s also possible to change the default secondary inputs unlocked by the Fn key. Even without software running, the imprinted labels make controlling RGB lighting less frustrating.

Not to be outdone by Razer Snap Tap or SOCD features from its rivals, Turtle Beach has embraced ReacTap. Movement in competitive games becomes more foolproof, with the keyboard only recognizing the most recent directional input. However, gamers may struggle to find the option that’s hidden in the Game Mode tab.

Transparency

The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was given to the author by the manufacturer free of charge for the purposes of review. There was no third-party influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.

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Adam Corsetti – Tech Writer – 704 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025

I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.