Usage & Final Thoughts
I have been using the Vulcan II MAX for the past month now and I’ve really enjoyed it. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like how the keyboard felt with its low-profile keycaps on top of full-size switches, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve reviewed many low-profile keyboard, but this keyboard is much more comfortable than those and actually felt quite good! If you are moving over from a keyboard with normal keycaps it might take a little bit to get used to, but after than the experience is really good. I am glad ROCCAT did not go with completely flat keycaps as those really aren’t all that comfortable at all and when gaming cause you to hit multiple keys by accident at the same time.
ROCCAT is using their own Titan II optical mechanical switches on this keyboard. Our sample came with the linear switches (you have the option for tactile), which basically mimic a Cherry MX Red and I enjoyed them quite a lot. They were very responsive and since this are actually optical switches you don’t have to worry about debounce time. For those wondering how this keyboard sounds here is a sound test.
This is a full-size keyboard so you are going to get a full compliment of keys and full number pad, which most people will appreciate. If you are not a fan of larger keyboards ROCCAT does offer a smaller version of this keyboard, the Vulcan II Mini, but this version of the keyboard does not come with the palm rest. ROCCAT has also added dedicated multimedia controls and a volume knob to this keyboard, which is a nice touch so you don’t have to tab out of a game to adjust your volume etc.
One of the biggest selling points of this keyboard is the lighting and I can easily say this is the best RGB lighting I’ve seen on a keyboard to date! One of the main reasons for this is that each switch actually has two RGB LEDs inside of just one. On top of that the lower-profile keycaps on top of full-size switches allows for more light to shine out from the switches themselves. Finally you have the translucent palm rest, which amplifies the RGB lights on the bottom edge of the keyboard. If you are looking for a keyboard that is going to be the center of attention on your desk this is definitely it!
It would have been nice to have a detachable USB cable here, but we can see why ROCCAT did not do that as you need two USB connections for the keyboard. Also detachable USB cables are not all that common on full size keyboards.
I think if you are looking for a full-size gaming keyboard this one should be at the top of your list! Right now you can pick up this keyboard for $179.99 at our favorite online retailer. Overall ThinkComputers gives the ROCCAT Vulcan II MAX Gaming Keyboard a 9 out of 10 score and our Recommended Award!
Pros:
– Extremely comfortable
– Optical mechanical switches feel great
– Best lighting we’ve ever seen on a keyboard
– 3 different adjustment levels
– Aluminum top plate
– Dedicated multimedia keys and volume knob
Cons:
– USB cable isn’t detachable
– Requires two USB ports
