Ergonomics
The advantage of small keyboards (TKL and smaller formats) is that they are significantly more ergonomic than large, full-size keyboards. Because you can keep your right arm with the mouse closer to your body, which corresponds to a healthier posture.
Due to the open design, the Vulcan II Mini initially appears taller than competing products; however, the keycaps are significantly lower. An option with wrist support like the Vulcan II Max or the regular Vulcan keyboard is not available for the mini version.
The keys
Under the keycaps of my keyboard are red Titan switches of the second generation. The second generation has been improved in detail by Roccat. However, those who have already used Titan switches will hardly notice the fine changes.
How do the keys feel? When gaming, the keys feel really good and fast. I also really like the typing feel, even though I am using red switches and brown/blue switches are presumably better for typing.
The low actuation pressure of the red switches (45 grams) is convenient for me as a frequent writer, even if I miss the noticeable pressure point. As a frequent writer, I would prefer the version with the brown switches long-term, although I also like the reds.
At least Roccat also offers an option with brown switches. The price here is comparable to the model with red switches. If you write a lot in your daily life, then go for the model with brown switches. More help for choosing your switches can be found in the following article directly on MyMMO:
How loud is the keyboard? Quite audible. The first Vulcan models or the old switches always accompanied typing with a subtle metallic aftersound. This is no longer the case here.
Conclusion: High price for a limited feature package
With the Vulcan II Mini Air, you get a stylish gaming keyboard with a very good typing feel.
However, the problem is that the competition offers sometimes even more for the same price:
- At SteelSeries, you can get the wired “Pro Mini” with Doubleshot PBT keycaps and similarly good, sometimes even brighter lighting for 149.99 Euros.
- With the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless (for the test), you get an excellent gaming keyboard with many features for about 160 Euros, in a format similar to the Vulcan II Mini Air.
- Razer also has the Blackwidow V3 Mini on offer for 180 Euros; this one at least has Doubleshot ABS keycaps, but ranks lowest in the competitive environment for its software.
However, you have to give Roccat credit that they are not alone in the market with such decisions: Logitech’s G815 Lightspeed also comes with a recommended retail price of 200 Euros and only delivers cheap ABS keycaps that already look dreadful after just a few days. And there are no hotswap switches in the G815 either. Logitech’s G Pro X TKL Lightspeed (for the test) is also a cautionary example of a keyboard that performs very well but unfortunately is way too expensive with a suggested retail price of over 200 Euros.
Thus, Roccat is not necessarily alone with its high price but is also not always the best offer. Especially for that price, you can also get hotswap switches, PBT keycaps, and other premium features. With the Akko 3068-B-Plus (for the test), for example, you get a wireless gaming keyboard with these features (hotswap, Doubleshot PBT) for less than 100 Euros, and you “only” have to forfeit high-quality processing and decent software.
Moreover, you should be aware: If you already own a Vulcan keyboard, such as the TKL version, upgrading to this model is not really worth it.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Roccat Vulcan II Mini Air – 65 Prozent wireless optische mechanische Gaming-Tastatur, anpassbare... | Zu Amazon |
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What alternatives are there?
- The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a recommendation if you don’t want to spend more than 50 Euros. However, here you get rubber dome keys and no mechanics. However, the Apex 3 is almost silent.
- With the Logitech G413 TKL SE, you get a good gaming keyboard for around 70 Euros. With blue switches and PBT keycaps, you get a good deal.
- An alternative could also be Roccat’s TKL model, the Vulcan TKL. You can regularly find the gaming keyboard on sale for around 100 Euros. The keyboard offers great switches with unique design and detachable cable. Unfortunately, Roccat does not use PBT keycaps.
More gaming keyboards: Are you looking for more recommendations in the peripheral area? Then check out the following buying guide on MyMMO. Here we explain which keyboards are currently the most worthwhile:
The best gaming keyboards you can currently buy
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