ROCCAT’s Exciting New Release
The wireless revolution in PC peripherals has taken an exciting turn with the release of the Vulcan II Mini Air by ROCCAT. Building upon the success and brilliance of the Vulcan II Mini, the Air model introduces the convenience of wireless connectivity and the power of an extensive battery life. This review examines the feature-rich and performance-oriented ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air, focusing on the design, performance, pricing, and overall value for money, aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of what to expect from this compact and visually stunning wireless keyboard.
Reviewing the Vulcan II Mini’s Legacy
The Vulcan II Mini, released by ROCCAT last year, drew widespread acclaim for its performance and elegant design. As one of the best mini-keyboards on the market, the 65% form factor device offered a multitude of features typical of ROCCAT products. The Vulcan II Mini was a space-saving powerhouse with smart keys and dual-LED lighting, making it a go-to keyboard for many users. The Mini Air version, the wireless variant of this esteemed device, maintains the same high-quality performance while offering wireless capabilities.
Design Features of the Vulcan II Mini Air
The Vulcan II Mini Air has some minor design variations compared to its wired sibling. Although both devices are 65% keyboards, the Mini Air is slightly bigger and heavier than the original Mini. It’s a minor difference, but it’s noticeable when you place the keyboards side by side. This increased size is put to good use, as the top of the keyboard cleverly conceals the on/off switch, USB-C port, and a holder for the wireless USB dongle. This design enhances the user experience by providing easy access to these essential components.
Wireless Capabilities and Performance
As ROCCAT’s first-ever wireless keyboard, the Vulcan II Mini Air represents a significant leap in technology for the renowned peripheral brand. Known for its wired keyboards, ROCCAT has delivered a wireless device that keeps all the winning traits of the brand intact. For instance, the Mini Air features Titan II optical switches, offered in both linear and tactile styles for personalized preference. These switches deliver highly responsive typing, and users report no noticeable latency.
Connectivity and User Experience
The Mini Air operates on a 2.4GHz channel, ensuring stable and lag-free wireless connectivity. In terms of performance, this wireless variant aligns with its wired predecessor. Additionally, the keyboard features Bluetooth 5.2 support and can pair up to three devices simultaneously. This capability allows users to switch between different devices seamlessly, adding another layer of convenience.
Flexibility in Usage and Battery Life
The keyboard offers the option to be used either wirelessly or with the included USB-C to USB-A cable. This flexibility ensures that users can select their preferred setup based on their activities, be it gaming, productivity tasks, or other PC activities. The wired option offers benefits such as uninterrupted connectivity, which is particularly crucial for intensive gaming sessions. One of the key features of the Vulcan II Mini Air is its 750-hour battery life with the RGB lights off. This extended battery life ensures you can use your keyboard for an extended period without worrying about the battery draining. A built-in proximity sensor aids in conserving battery life by adjusting the lighting based on motion detection.
Smart Keys and Customization
The Mini Air comes with 29 smart keys, which allow users to bind secondary inputs, effectively expanding the range of actions possible with the keyboard. Dual-LED indicators provide visual feedback when these smart keys are active. Further customization, including RGB lighting effects and keybindings, can be made via the Swarm application.
User Interface and Pricing
Despite having so many features packed into a small frame, the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is incredibly easy to use. The user-friendly layout and the straightforward Swarm app make it a breeze for both beginners and seasoned gamers alike. However, it should be noted that the user interface of the Swarm app could use a design upgrade to improve usability. The Vulcan II Mini Air carries a premium price tag, which aligns with similar high-end wireless keyboards such as the K70 Mini Wireless and Apex Pro Mini Wireless. Despite this, the features and performance of the Vulcan II Mini Air make it a worthy contender in the mechanical keyboard market.
Positioning the Vulcan II Mini Air
In summary, the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air is a sleek, durable, and highly functional addition to the compact wireless keyboard market. Its standout features, such as the Titan II optical switches, smart keys, and impressive battery life, combined with the flexibility of both wireless and wired use, make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact and feature-rich keyboard. Although user experiences may vary, the Vulcan II Mini Air presents a fantastic mix of design, performance, and overall value, placing it as a top-tier contender in its category.
