Roccat Vulcan TKL Professional RGB Gaming Keyboard Assessment

PerformancePSU Verdict: 4.5/5

Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro KeyboardView on Amazon

From the Reviewer

The Roccat Vulcan TKL Professional is a well-constructed keyboard that may complement nearly any PC gaming setup. Its extremely responsive Titan Optical Switches are wonderful to make use of and carry out nice in all genres of video video games. With that being stated, we did not really feel just like the typing expertise or construct high quality was good sufficient to warrant the worth tag when coupled with the actual fact it does not have wi-fi connectivity like different keyboards within the value bracket nonetheless, this keyboard is aimed toward players and with that in thoughts is does gaming exceptionally effectively with blazing-fast response charges and delightful gamer aesthetics.

Professionals

  • Appears Lovely
  • Area Saving TKL Format
  • Blazing Quick Response
  • Excessive-end Building

You probably have not heard of Roccat earlier than, they’re a german-based computer {hardware} producer that has been round since 2007 making high-end peripherals reminiscent of keyboards, mice, headsets, mice pads and even microphones and have since grown to a worldwide model sponsoring eSports groups and producing merchandise of unparalleled high quality. At the moment, I’m going to be reviewing the Roccat Vulcan TKL Professional Keyboard which comes with crimson, linear optical switches.

Vulcan TKL Pro Gaming Keyboard - Roccat Logo
Vulcan TKL Professional Gaming Keyboard – Roccat Emblem

Optical switches I hear you say; That’s proper; this keyboard doesn’t use normal electrical mechanical switches – no, no, no. These switches use optics (mild) as an alternative which have been paired with a 32-bit ARM Cortex-MO CPU for blazing-fast real-world efficiency.

So with out additional ado, let’s check out what’s on supply from Roccat’s Vulcan TKL professional optical swap gaming keyboard and see if it could reside as much as the hype and my expectations.

I wish to thank Roccat for making this gaming keyboard assessment occur. After we observed a variety of eSports professional’s utilizing this keyboard, we reached out to their PR workforce to see if they may present a pattern for us to take a look at. This doesn’t and won’t have an effect on how I conduct my assessment and I’ll proceed to be unbiased whatever the welcomed assist by Roccat.

Specs

On paper (and aesthetically), The Vulcan TKL Professional compact keyboard seems to be spectacular. Aesthetically, it stands out with its low-profile physique, compact design, RGB lighting and top-hat fashion keycaps. On paper, it sports activities Roccat Titan Optical Switches, a brushed metallic prime plate and a 1.4mm actuation charge.

Roccat Vulcan TKL Professional specs
CPU 32-bit ARM Cortex-MO
Switches Titan Optical Switches
Change Variants Linear Solely
Change Actuation 1.4mm actuation
Polling Fee 1000hz
Kind Issue Ten Keyless (TKL)
Lighting AIMO Lighting
Quantity Adjustment Sure
Low-Profile Sure
Connectivity Wired (USB-C)
Supplies Metallic Prime-plate, Plastic Physique
Colors Obtainable Black & White
Weight 660g
Dimensions 360mm x 133m x 34m
Value $159.99

I’ve not heard a lot earlier than about Titan Optical Switches, so, I spent a bit little bit of time performing some analysis on what they’re. It appears Roccat was the primary firm to develop optical-based switches that also has that signature mechanical really feel and sound that now we have all come to like (and our bosses too).

Roccat claims to “harness the velocity of sunshine” for lightspeed actuation that’s responsive and correct in gaming and different and functions.

Outdoors of the advertising and marketing jargon, Titan optical switches are available in two variations. Pink Linear switches which have an actuation of 1.4mm and the Tactile Brown switches have an actuation of 1.6mm with each being rated for 100 million clicks. It’s sensible to notice although that the Vulcan TKL Professional is simply out there with crimson linear switches, so, you may wish to discover one other keyboard such because the Roccat Vulcan Pro which lets you configure the swap you get.

Unboxing

Vulcan TKL Pro Gaming Keyboard - Front of the box
Vulcan TKL Professional Gaming Keyboard – Entrance of the field

Having a look on the entrance of the field, now we have clear Roccat Vulcan TKL Professional branding with the keyboard because the centrepiece.

Titan Optical Switch Marketing
Rear of the Vulcan TKL Professional field

The rear of the field exhibits varied key options of the keyboard with the keyboard and its Titan Optical Switches taking over essentially the most actual property.

MrSavage Endorsement
MrSavage Roccat Endorsement on the Rear

On the rear, to the left, I see Roccat capitalising on suggestions from MrSavage, Dreamhack Fortnite champion which states; “The Titan Optical swap is far more responsive than a mechanical. It feels simply the identical besides that it reacts a lot sooner”.

Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro - fresh in the box
Roccat Vulcan TKL Professional – recent within the field

Opening the field, you might be immediately greeted by the keyboard wrapped in plastic packaging to maintain it free from mud.

Vulcan TKL Pro Optical Switch Gaming Keyboard - Istructions and Cable
Vulcan TKL Professional Optical Change Gaming Keyboard – Directions and Cable

Additional wanting within the field is a small leaflet in addition to a USB-C to USB-A adapter. When you didn’t know already – this keyboard will not be wi-fi regardless of the removable cable however extra on that later.

Aesthetics

Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro Keyboard
Roccat Vulcan TKL Professional Keyboard

Visually, the Roccat Vulcan TKL Professional form of jogs my memory of Logitech’s G913 TKL with the same low-profile design and metallic physique nonetheless, this specific keyboard is extra compact, however, lacks the shortcut keys that the Logitech does have throughout its prime bevel however positively makes up for this of their software program with strong keybinding configuration choices.

Vulcan TKL Pro - Volume Controller
Vulcan TKL Professional – Quantity Controller

To the highest proper nook, now we have a easy quantity management that has optimistic suggestions for every step when turned.

Vulcan TKL Pro - Titan Optical Switches in Action
Vulcan TKL Professional – Titan Optical Switches in Motion

Roccat’s Vulcan TKL Professional keyboard makes use of custom-made Titan Optical Switches which can be able to displaying as much as 16.8 million colors and do an ideal job of overlaying your entire spectrum – even the smallest adjustment in color represents a change. These switches are arguably among the most saturated I’ve seen but.

Construct High quality

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Vulcan TKL Professional – Metallic Physique Prime View

Wanting nearer on the Vulcan TKL Professional keyboard, the highest is comprised of a darkish brushed impact metallic prime which feels high-end, premium to the contact and well-constructed. Whereas not a heavy keyboard, Roccat has carried out an ideal job to get the burden good in order that it doesn’t really feel like an affordable piece of plastic.

Vulcan TKL Pro Gaming Keyboard - Rear USB-C
Vulcan TKL Professional Gaming Keyboard – Rear USB-C

To the rear, centred in the course of the keyboard is the removable USB-C connector. You’ll assume from this characteristic that the keyboard would characteristic wi-fi assist, however, sadly solely helps connection by way of cable.

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Vulcan TKL Professional – Change Aspect shot

Total, the keyboard feels sturdy and well-built and is aesthetically pleasing to take a look at.

When in comparison with the Coolermaster CK352 and SteelSeries APEX TKL Professional that now we have already reviewed, we’d say that is essentially the most premium feeling of all of them thus far.

Software program

CD-Roms and DVDs are a relic of the previous instances. Hardly ever do you get bundled drivers with {hardware} anymore, so, I headed over to Roccat download page and grabbed a duplicate of the Roccat Swarm software program. I used to be capable of get this by configuring the dropdowns appropriately. Regardless of having downloaded the software program immediately from their web site, upon opening Swarm, there was a brand new model replace discover so I went forward and did that first.

Roccat Swarm Dashboard
Roccat Swarm Dashboard

The primary impression of the software program when in comparison with different producers is that it’s fairly easy in look. An odd characteristic, out there within the normal tab is sounds upon key press. Now don’t get me flawed, for the primary 30 seconds it was a pleasant ‘quirk’ however total I simply discovered it impractical and distracting so I simply turned it off. There are 5 keypress presets; Off, Click on, Typewriter, Beam and Sci-fi.

Roccat Swam Lighting Options
Roccat Swam – 10 Lighting Choices

Roccat offers 10 illumination presets together with AIMO clever lighting. AIMO RGB lighting claims to liven up RGB lighting stating on their web site: RGB lighting typically suffers from restricted performance or predictable, boring results. ROCCAT® AIMO delivers extra. It’s a related, natural lighting expertise.

Roccat Swam - Powerful Keybinding Configuration
Roccat Swam – Highly effective Keybinding Configuration

There’s a key project tab too which lets you program an enormous quantity of various shortcuts and macros from shutting down your PC, opening a brand new browser tab, opening applications, executing scripts and extra. That is arguably one of the crucial highly effective options of Roccat’s Swarm software program permitting you to customize the keyboard to your individual preferences.

Actual-world Utilization

So what’s the Vulcan TKL professional gaming keyboard with optical switches like to make use of? Do the keys really really feel like actual mechanical switches? Are the keys noticeably faster than regular mechanical switches? What’s the audible expertise like when typing on the Vulcan TKL Professional? Let’s speak a bit in regards to the expertise when utilizing this keyboard and discover out.

Gaming

The most important promoting level for this keyboard is their in-house Titan Optical Switches which they declare enhance responsiveness when utilizing them. On the field, now we have MrSavage himself backing up this declare too, however, the query is, are you able to discover it within the real-world?

Counter Terrorists in CS:GO

Effectively, the quick reply to that query is, sure. You possibly can positively really feel that the keyboard is very responsive, however, is that due to the comparatively low actuation charge of 1.4mm or is that due to their optical swap know-how? I’m not solely positive, however, I can say that that is the right gaming keyboard for all genres of video games because of the extremely responsive nature of the keys and the way they reply to your enter.

Writing Expertise

Typing on the Vulcan TKL Pro
Typing on the Vulcan TKL Professional

For essentially the most half, I discovered the typing on the Vulcan TKL Professional keyboard a nice expertise with good spacing between keys and an affordable sound. Having used a SteelSeries APEX TKL Pro for the previous two years as a each day, it took zero adjustment time to make use of this keyboard.

Vulcan TKL Pro with Optical Switches - Space Bar Close Up
Vulcan TKL Professional with Optical Switches – Area Bar Shut Up

99.8% of the keys have a stunning ‘thwack’ sound to them however there’s a small gripe with the house bar. It sounds significantly completely different to the remainder of the keys and likewise has a slight little bit of echo to it. It’s not the worst but it surely does have me pondering to myself about the way it may very well be dulled out a bit. Possibly switching out the keycaps could be a very good begin however I’m in love with their ‘top-hat’ fashion keycaps.

Vulcan TKL Pro Keycap Closeup
Vulcan TKL Professional Keycap Closeup

I believe it will be sensible to say at this level that this keyboard is aimed in direction of the gaming market and is marketed to PC players. With this in thoughts, remembering that it was not solely designed to be typed on, it’s not the worst keyboard I’ve used, however, Roccat’s Vulcan TKL Professional is unquestionably not on the extent of a Keychron K8 Pro with regards to typing expertise and the sound produced when utilizing it.

Ultimate Ideas

I’ll be trustworthy with you, I had a Roccat keyboard some years in the past once they first began releasing {hardware} and it didn’t impress me in any respect. The keys caught, my wrists damage from lengthy durations of typing or gaming and the led lighting wasn’t the most effective, so you may think about I didn’t have the best hopes for this keyboard however I’ll eat my phrases and say this is without doubt one of the finest gaming keyboards I’ve ever used. Okay, so it has a few pitfalls reminiscent of an echoey house bar and the shortage of wi-fi connectivity, however, the construct high quality and total expertise when utilizing this keyboard completely blew me away.

So who would I like to recommend this keyboard for? Definitely, this is without doubt one of the finest gaming keyboards out there available on the market at present. The general aesthetic, lighting and options of the Vulcan TKL Professional keyboard screams PC gamer. Performance-wise, I believe it an excellent gaming keyboard that’s good for any gaming setup however, in case your major utilization will probably be enormous quantities of typing reminiscent of writing or programming then I’d doubtless advocate a distinct keyboard reminiscent of a Keychron.