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Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL specifications and in-depth review

Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL

Manufacturer: Turtle Beach

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is a low-profile tenkeyless mechanical keyboard aimed at gaming use, available in both black and white colorways. Built around a plastic case with an aluminum plate, it comes with a wrist rest and adjustable feet included, and ships with a detachable USB cable. Hall effect switches are at the heart of its design, giving it a distinct approach to input detection compared to conventional mechanical keyboards.

The Vulcan II TKL uses Gateron Linear Magnetic switches with an actuation force of 36 g, a total travel distance of 3.5 mm, and an adjustable actuation point ranging from 0.1 mm to 4 mm. It supports rapid trigger, dual actuation, analog input, adjustable actuation, and full NKRO, all accessible through its firmware. The layout follows ANSI US standards with OEM-profile, shine-through ABS keycaps, media functions accessible via the Fn key, and a rotary dial. RGB backlighting faces north, and the polling rate runs at 1000 Hz. The keyboard does not include USB passthrough, a display, or support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA.

Pros
  • Hot-swappable Hall effect switches allow the actuation point to be adjusted anywhere from 0.1 mm to 4 mm, giving significant flexibility over input sensitivity
  • Rapid trigger, dual actuation, and analog input support are all present, enabling precise control over how and when keypresses register
  • Full NKRO ensures every simultaneous keypress is recognized without any dropped inputs
  • The detachable USB cable reduces wear on the connection point and makes the cable easier to replace
  • A wrist rest and adjustable feet are included in the box, supporting ergonomic setup out of the box
  • Available in both black and white colorways with an aluminum plate inside a plastic case, offering some build rigidity alongside visual choice
Cons
  • No support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA firmware, which limits custom key remapping and macro programming options for users who rely on open-source configurability
  • Media controls are only accessible through the Fn key with no dedicated media keys, which can be less convenient during quick adjustments
  • There is no USB passthrough port, so no additional peripherals can be connected directly through the keyboard
  • The one-year warranty period is relatively short for a keyboard in this category
  • ABS keycaps are prone to developing a shiny surface over time with regular use
Who is this for?

This keyboard is a strong fit for competitive and precision-focused gamers who benefit from features like rapid trigger, dual actuation, and an adjustable actuation range of 0.1 mm to 4 mm — all of which allow fine-tuned control over input timing. The tenkeyless layout makes it a practical choice for users with limited desk space who still want a near-full keyboard experience, and the included wrist rest and adjustable feet make longer sessions more comfortable. Hot-swappable Hall effect switches also appeal to users who like to experiment with different actuation settings without hardware changes.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on open-source firmware customization through QMK, ZMK, or VIA will find this keyboard limiting, as none of those platforms are supported. It is also a poor fit for those who need dedicated media keys for frequent on-the-fly audio or playback control, since all media functions are locked behind the Fn layer. Additionally, users who prefer a traditional high-profile keyboard feel or require a numpad for data-entry work will find the low-profile tenkeyless format unsuitable for their needs.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Tenkeyless (80%)
Profile Low-profile
connectivity Wired
connection type USB
polling rate 1000 Hz
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 137 mm
width 365 mm
thickness 33 mm
weight 668 g
warranty period 1 years

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is a tenkeyless (80%) low-profile mechanical gaming keyboard that connects via USB with a detachable cable and operates at a 1000 Hz polling rate. It measures 365 mm wide, 137 mm tall, and 33 mm thick, weighing 668 g, making it a moderately compact and solid unit. The keyboard is not designed for Mac and uses a wired connection. It carries a 1-year warranty.

Design:

has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic
Plate material Aluminum
Case colors Black, White
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✓
Backlight facing direction North-facing

The keyboard features a plastic case paired with an aluminum plate and is available in both black and white colorways. It includes RGB backlighting with a north-facing LED direction, providing illumination through the keycaps. Adjustable feet allow for typing angle customization, and a wrist rest is included in the package.

Switches:

Switch type Hall effect
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✓
Switch name Gateron Linear Magnetic
Actuation distance (min) 0.1 mm
Actuation distance (max) 4 mm
Actuation force 36 g
Total travel distance 3.5 mm

This keyboard is equipped with Gateron Linear Magnetic Hall effect switches, which deliver a smooth, linear feel with an actuation force of 36 g and a total travel distance of 3.5 mm. The actuation point is adjustable anywhere between 0.1 mm and 4 mm, offering a wide range of sensitivity options. The switches are hot-swappable, allowing them to be replaced without soldering.

Features:

has analog input ✓
has rapid trigger ✓
has dual actuation ✓
has adjustable actuation ✓
has NKRO ✓
has USB passthrough ✕
Has a display ✕
has QMK support ✕
has ZMK support ✕
has VIA support ✕

On the features side, this keyboard supports rapid trigger, dual actuation, adjustable actuation, and analog input, making it well-suited for precision-focused input configurations. Full NKRO (N-key rollover) is also present, ensuring every simultaneous keypress is registered accurately. It does not include USB passthrough or an onboard display, and there is no support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA firmware customization.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type Shine-through, ABS
Keycap profile OEM
uses a standard key layout ✓
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial ✓

The keyboard uses an ANSI (United States) layout with a standard key arrangement, so finding compatible replacement keycaps is straightforward. The included keycaps are OEM-profile, shine-through ABS, which allow the RGB backlighting to pass through clearly. Media controls are accessible via the Fn key rather than dedicated keys, and a rotary dial is also present for additional input control.

Final Verdict

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is a feature-rich tenkeyless keyboard built around a clear focus on input precision, with Hall effect switches offering a fully adjustable actuation range and rapid trigger support that cater directly to competitive gaming scenarios. The inclusion of hot-swappable switches, a wrist rest, and a detachable cable add genuine practical value, while the aluminum plate gives the build a degree of structural solidity despite the plastic outer shell. Where it falls short is in firmware flexibility — the absence of QMK, ZMK, or VIA support narrows its appeal for users who prioritize deep software customization. For gamers who want precise, hardware-driven input control in a compact layout without dependence on open-source configuration tools, the Vulcan II TKL delivers a focused and capable package.