TurboVS
Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL

Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL

Manufacturer: Turtle Beach

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is a gaming mechanical keyboard designed for gamers seeking a compact and responsive experience. It features Hall effect switches that provide linear feedback and minimal actuation distance for fast, precise key presses.

This keyboard boasts a tenkeyless layout, making it ideal for space-conscious setups, and includes RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics. With a polling rate of 1000 Hz, it ensures a highly responsive gaming experience, while its durable plastic case and aluminum plate provide robust build quality.

Pros
  • The keyboard features hot-swappable switches, allowing users to easily customize or replace switches without soldering.
  • It includes a wrist rest for added comfort during extended gaming or typing sessions.
  • The compact tenkeyless layout saves desk space while still providing essential functionality.
  • It supports dual actuation and adjustable actuation, offering customizable responsiveness for different gaming or typing needs.
  • The north-facing RGB backlighting ensures clear and even illumination on the keycaps.
Cons
  • The keyboard is not designed for Mac systems, limiting its compatibility for Mac users.
  • It lacks USB passthrough, which could have added convenience for connecting other devices.
  • There is no display or support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA, limiting customization options for advanced users.
Who is this for?

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is ideal for gamers who prioritize a compact, tenkeyless layout for saving desk space without sacrificing essential gaming features. Its hot-swappable switches make it a great choice for users who like to experiment with different switch types or need easy maintenance. Additionally, the inclusion of adjustable actuation allows for fine-tuning keypress responsiveness, appealing to players who require precision and fast reaction times in competitive gaming.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard is not suitable for users who prefer a Mac-compatible device, as it is not designed for Mac systems. It's also not ideal for those who need extensive customization, as it lacks support for QMK, ZMK, or VIA, and does not have a display or USB passthrough. Additionally, users looking for a full-sized layout may find the tenkeyless design limiting, especially for tasks that require a dedicated number pad.

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
release date October 2025
warranty period 1 years

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is a wired, gaming mechanical keyboard with a polling rate of 1000 Hz for fast and responsive performance. It features a tenkeyless (80%) layout, reducing desk space while maintaining essential functionality. The keyboard is built with a detachable cable for added convenience and portability, and it has a compact form factor with a height of 137 mm, width of 365 mm, and thickness of 33 mm. Weighing 668 g, it comes with a one-year warranty, but it is not designed for Mac systems.

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 Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL features a backlit keyboard with customizable RGB lighting, offering vibrant illumination for gaming setups. The case is made from durable plastic, while the plate is crafted from aluminum for added sturdiness. It also includes a wrist rest for comfort during extended sessions and has adjustable feet to customize the keyboard's angle. The backlight is directed north-facing, ensuring it shines clearly on the keycaps.

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

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is equipped with Gateron Linear Magnetic switches, offering a linear switch feel for smooth, uninterrupted key presses. These switches feature a minimal actuation distance of just 0.1 mm, allowing for quick response times, with a total travel distance of 3.5 mm. The keyboard also supports hot-swappable switches, enabling users to easily replace the switches without soldering for customizable tactile experiences. The actuation force is set at 36 g, providing a light yet responsive typing experience.

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 ✕

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL includes a range of advanced features designed for precise control and customization. It offers dual actuation for two different actions per key press, as well as adjustable actuation to fine-tune responsiveness. Additionally, it supports NKRO (N-Key Rollover), ensuring every keypress is registered accurately, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously. The keyboard also features rapid trigger functionality for ultra-fast actuation in gaming scenarios. While it lacks USB passthrough, display support, and QMK/ZMK/VIA compatibility, it delivers a solid set of performance-oriented features for serious gamers.

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 Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL features an ANSI (United States) key layout with Shine-through, ABS keycaps, providing clear visibility of the backlight. Its OEM keycap profile offers a standard, comfortable typing experience. While it uses a standard key layout, media keys can be accessed via the Fn key, and it also includes a rotary dial for additional control over volume or other customizable functions.

Final Verdict

The Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL is a solid choice for gamers who value a compact, customizable design and fast, precise input. With features like hot-swappable switches and adjustable actuation, it provides excellent flexibility for different gaming styles and preferences. While it may not be suitable for Mac users or those requiring extensive customization options like QMK or VIA support, it excels in its core strengths, making it a highly capable keyboard for those focused on performance and ergonomics. Overall, the Vulcan II TKL is well-suited for serious gamers who appreciate responsive controls and a space-saving layout.