ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air Keyboard Review: Small Size, Big Performance

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Welcome to our ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air Keyboard Review! If you’ve been hunting for a keyboard that’s both compact and wireless, yet still packs a punch for gaming and office work alike, then you’ve landed in the right place. This keyboard is not just a gadget; it’s a statement piece for your desktop setup. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into everything this keyboard has to offer, from its flashy RGB lights to its ultra-responsive switches. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot to love, but a few quirks you might want to consider before clicking ‘Add to Cart.’

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First Impressions: A Feast for the Eyes

Let’s talk aesthetics first. The ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is like the sports car of keyboards. It’s sleek, compact, and those RGB lights – wow! With a 65% layout, it’s a minimalist’s dream. You get the essential keys, including the arrow keys, without the bulk of a full-sized keyboard. The aluminum top plate adds a touch of durability and class, making it look as good as it performs.

Stellar Wireless Performance

Wireless keyboards can sometimes be a gamble when it comes to performance, but not the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air. This keyboard features ROCCAT’s Stellar Wireless technology, which ensures a reliable connection whether you’re using the USB receiver or Bluetooth. Plus, it can connect to up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth. Whether you’re hopping between your PC, tablet, and smartphone, this keyboard has got you covered. Just imagine typing your essay on your tablet, switching to reply to a text on your phone, and then jumping back to finish that boss fight on your PC, all without missing a beat.

The Titan II Optical Red Switches

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the keys. The ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is equipped with Titan II Optical Red switches. These switches are like the Ferraris of the keyboard world: fast, smooth, and super responsive. They have a short pre-travel distance, which means your keystrokes register almost instantly. This is a huge plus for gamers who need every millisecond of advantage. However, if you’re planning to use this keyboard for typing out long documents, be prepared for a learning curve. These switches are very sensitive and can be a bit too responsive for casual typing.

RGB Lighting: Light Up Your World

One of the standout features of the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is its RGB lighting. Each key has its own customizable light, and the effects are nothing short of mesmerizing. You can sync the lighting with other ROCCAT peripherals using the companion software, creating a cohesive light show across your entire setup. There are also additional LED lights on select keys to indicate when secondary functions are active. It’s like having a mini light show right at your fingertips!

Battery Life: Bright and Long-Lasting

With great power comes great responsibility – and battery life is a big part of that equation. Fortunately, the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air doesn’t disappoint. Thanks to the proximity sensor, the keyboard can automatically lower the brightness when you step away, conserving battery life. You can get several days of use on a single charge, even with the RGB lights blazing. Just remember to turn off the lights when you’re not using them to extend the battery life even further.

Build Quality: A Mixed Bag

While the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air shines in many areas, build quality is a bit of a mixed bag. The aluminum top plate is sturdy and gives the keyboard a premium feel. However, the keycaps and bottom chassis are made of ABS plastic, which can feel a bit cheap. Over time, the keycaps can develop a shiny finish and become slippery, which isn’t ideal for long gaming sessions or extended typing. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re particular about the feel of your keys.

Office Use: More Than Just a Gaming Keyboard

Although the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is marketed as a gaming keyboard, it’s surprisingly capable for office use as well. The wireless connectivity and ability to switch between multiple devices make it a versatile addition to your desk. The linear switches are fairly quiet, so you won’t annoy your coworkers (or your family) while you type. However, the low-profile keycaps might take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to traditional office keyboards.

Mobile/Tablet Use: Portable but Tall

If you’re someone who likes to use a keyboard with your tablet or smartphone, the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is a solid choice. Its compact size and wireless connectivity make it a good fit for mobile use. However, it’s a bit taller than most mobile keyboards, which can be a little awkward if you’re used to thinner, low-profile designs. Plus, the flat keycaps might take some time to get used to, especially if you’re typing on a flat surface like a table or your lap.

Customization: Make It Your Own

Customization is where the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air really shines. Using the companion software, you can tweak everything from the RGB lighting to the key functions. The Easy-Shift[+] key duplicator technology allows you to assign secondary functions to your keys, effectively doubling your keybinds. This is a huge plus for gamers who need quick access to various commands. Additionally, you can store up to five profiles on the keyboard itself, making it easy to switch between different setups for different games or tasks.

Proximity Sensor: Smart and Efficient

One of the more unique features of the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is the proximity sensor. This sensor detects when you step away from the keyboard and automatically lowers the RGB brightness to save battery. It’s a small touch, but it shows the level of thought that went into designing this keyboard. It’s smart, efficient, and helps ensure that your keyboard is ready to go when you are.

Typing Experience: A Matter of Preference

Typing on the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is a unique experience. The Titan II Optical Red switches are incredibly responsive, which is great for gaming but can be a bit too sensitive for regular typing. If you’re someone who prefers a bit more resistance and tactile feedback when typing, you might find these switches a bit challenging to get used to. However, if speed and responsiveness are your top priorities, you’ll likely enjoy the typing experience this keyboard offers.

Pros and Cons: A Quick Rundown

Before we wrap up, let’s do a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air.

Pros:

  • Compact 65% Layout: Saves space without sacrificing essential keys.
  • Stellar Wireless Performance: Reliable connection with USB and Bluetooth.
  • Titan II Optical Red Switches: Fast and responsive for gaming.
  • Customizable RGB Lighting: Each key has its own customizable light.
  • Proximity Sensor: Smart feature to save battery life.
  • Multi-Device Connectivity: Connect up to three devices simultaneously.

Cons:

  • ABS Plastic Keycaps: Can feel cheap and become slippery over time.
  • Low-Profile Keycaps: May take some getting used to for typing.
  • Sensitive Switches: Great for gaming, less ideal for typing.
  • Tall Design: Not as portable-friendly as other mobile keyboards.

Recommendation: Is It Worth It?

So, should you buy the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air? If you’re a gamer looking for a compact, wireless keyboard with top-notch performance, then absolutely. The Titan II Optical Red switches provide a gaming experience that’s hard to beat, and the customizable RGB lighting is a great bonus. The wireless capabilities and multi-device connectivity make it versatile enough for office use, and the proximity sensor is a smart touch that helps conserve battery life.

However, if you’re primarily looking for a keyboard for typing or you prefer a more traditional feel, you might want to try it out first. The sensitivity of the switches and the low-profile keycaps are not for everyone, and the ABS plastic build might not satisfy those looking for a premium feel.

In the end, the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is a strong contender in the gaming keyboard market. It offers a great blend of performance, aesthetics, and functionality, making it a worthy addition to any gamer’s arsenal. Just be aware of its quirks, and you’ll likely find it to be a valuable tool in your gaming and productivity setup.

That wraps up our ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air Keyboard Review. We hope you found this helpful and that it gave you a clearer picture of what to expect from this sleek, powerful keyboard. Happy gaming!

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