ROCCAT, a renowned PC peripherals brand owned by Turtle Beach Corporation, has introduced its first-ever wireless gaming keyboard, the Vulcan II Mini Air. This new addition to the Vulcan II series combines performance, durability, and functionality in a compact 65% form factor. With the introduction of the Mini Air, ROCCAT aims to provide PC gamers with a wireless keyboard that offers an optimal gaming experience while freeing up desktop space.
Wireless Connectivity and Advanced Features
The ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air can be connected to a variety of devices using ROCCAT’s 2.4GHz Stellar Wireless or three unique Bluetooth channels. The keyboard incorporates factory pre-lubricated TITAN II Optical Switches, ensuring smooth and ultra-responsive keystrokes. Notably, the Mini Air is the first optical keyboard to feature built-in proximity sensors that detect when gamers step away from their desk. This feature, in combination with ROCCAT’s Swarm software, optimizes battery life.
Sleek Design and Key Features
The Vulcan II Mini Air retains the series’ sleek and low-profile design, with a premium aluminum top plate. It also features AIMO RGB lighting powered by ROCCAT’s Swarm software, allowing gamers to customize their keyboard’s lighting effects. Key features such as ROCCAT’s Easy-Shift[+]™ button duplicator technology, full NKRO (n-key rollover), and anti-ghosting technology are incorporated to ensure accurate and reliable keystrokes.
Availability and Pricing
The Vulcan II Mini Air will be launched on July 19th, 2023, and is currently available for pre-order on the official ROCCAT website and select retailers in specific regions. The keyboard has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $179.99 (€179.99).
Recognition and Positive Reviews
ROCCAT’s wired Vulcan II Mini and Vulcan II Max keyboards have received significant acclaim from both fans and reviewers. These keyboards have been recognized for their aesthetics and performance by reputable publications and websites. IGN, Tom’s Hardware, PCMag, and CGMagOnline all included the Vulcan II Max in their respective lists of best gaming keyboards for its outstanding design and functionality. RTINGS also praised the Vulcan II series for its exceptional gaming performance, while TechRadar awarded the Mini version a high review score of 4.5/5. Furthermore, consumer reviews on Best Buy and Amazon have given the keyboards impressive ratings of 5/5 and 4.7/5, respectively.
Wireless Portability and Battery Life
Juergen Stark, CEO of Turtle Beach Corporation, emphasized that the Vulcan II Mini Air offers wireless portability and groundbreaking proximity sensor technology that sets it apart from other keyboards. The Mini Air boasts over 30 hours of battery life with continuous use and full RGB lighting enabled. When the keyboard is used for five hours per day without RGB lighting, thanks to the proximity sensor, it has the potential to last an astonishing 750 hours before needing to be recharged.
Gaming Grade Features and Customization
The Vulcan II Mini Air incorporates ROCCAT’s Red/Linear TITAN II Optical Switches, which are specifically designed for competitive gaming that demands speed, precision, and rapid keystrokes. The switches are compatible with third-party keycaps and have transparent housings to enhance the brightness of the RGB lighting. Additionally, these switches offer a remarkable lifespan of 150 million keystrokes. The Mini Air’s 29 multi-function Smart Keys feature dual LEDs, providing visual cues when secondary functions are active. Combined with ROCCAT’s EasyShift[+] technology, these Smart Keys offer added functionality, allowing the Vulcan II Mini Air to offer the same level of functionality as its full-sized counterparts.
Onboard Memory and AIMO RGB Lighting
The Vulcan II Mini Air comes equipped with a 4MB onboard memory, which allows users to save up to five profiles of custom RGB lighting, key reassignments, and other settings. This feature ensures convenient portability, enabling gamers to carry their personalized settings wherever they go. The keyboard’s anodized aluminum backplate guarantees structural integrity and serves as the foundation for ROCCAT’s AIMO RGB lighting technology. Upon unboxing, users can enjoy vibrant lighting displays that sync with other AIMO-enabled products. The Vulcan II Mini Air surpasses standard gaming keyboards with its double RGB lighting refresh rate, delivering smooth and captivating effects that enhance the overall desktop lighting experience.
Color Options and Availability
ROCCAT offers the Vulcan II Mini Air in two attractive color options: Ash Black and Arctic White. PC gamers can express their personal style by choosing the variant that best complements their gaming setup.
In summary, the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air represents a significant milestone for the brand as its first wireless gaming keyboard. It combines performance, durability, and functionality into a compact form factor, catering to PC gamers who prioritize wireless freedom and desktop space. With its advanced features, sleek design, and positive reception from reviewers and consumers alike, the Vulcan II Mini Air aims to provide an exceptional gaming experience for enthusiasts.
