| Form Factor: TKL | Switch: Roccat Titan Optical (Linear) | Connector: USB | Keyboard Software: Roccat Swarm |
| Dimensions (cm) (W x H x D): |
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| Weight (Kg): |
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| Price: | £149.99 (MSRP) |
| RGB Lighting: | Yes |
| Media Controls: | Yes |
| Macro Keys: | Yes (non-dedicated) |
| Removable Cable: | Yes |
| Windows Lock: | Yes |
| Keyboard Status: | Fully working |
| Other Features: |
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The Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro is a gaming keyboard which features optical switches. Aesthetically, it is identical to its predecessor, the Roccat Vulcan TKL.
TL;DR
Before analogue switches took over the market, keyboards with optical switches offered people a smoother experience with an increase in reliability. So, for its time, this was a great keyboard, and was probably one of the best in its class. Although, there are now plenty of analogue keyboards with the Wooting 80HE being one of the most notable.
However, the optical switch space is now act as the “middle” option – they’re empirically superior than traditional switches, but not as good as adjustable hall-effect switches. In this space the Keychron K8 Wireless stands out as a really good option as it is hot-swap, wireless and features a TKL layout for around £100.
Build Quality: 8/10
The base is made of durable enough plastic with the top being made of brushed aluminium.
Just like its predecessor, the TKL Pro also uses the same thin, laser ablated keycaps. While this is cheap way to make keycaps, they aren’t great for longevity.
However, Roccat finally gave us a removable braided cable which adds to the keyboards’ longevity. This was a surprisingly absent feature from its predecessor, so it’s great to see it here.
Overall, apart from the keycaps, the keyboard is well built, but it doesn’t do anything outstanding.
Features: 8/10
One of selling features is the Easy Shift function which is essentially another layer. However, for whatever reason, this keyboard is incompatible with Swarm II despite it being the newer Pro version meaning it cannot take advantage of newer features like GAME MODE and FN Mode.
I’ve already featured Swarm and its many downsides in my Roccat Vulcan 122 AIMO review, in case you were interested.
Also, and I promise this is the last time I will mention it; only some keys are compatible with the Easy Shift feature. It’s an already very limiting feature, so it would’ve been nice see all the keys have an Easy Shift function.
Lastly, this keyboard features optical switches which in theory should make them smoother more reliable.
Other features I haven’t mentioned:
RGB lights that would dim after a few minutes of inactivity – A great feature which improves LED light longevity. LEDs being burnt out was an issue in my Corsair K70 RGB keyboard which I reviewed over 5 years ago and was my daily driver for about 2 years.
Media keys from the F9 to F12, a mute button and a volume knob.
A removable braided cable. Finally.
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Overall, it’s very similar to its predecessor. The two biggest differences are the switches and the braided removable cable.
Daily Performance: 7/10
Despite this being the black model, the RGB still stands out as the keyboard features a ‘floaty’ keycap design. Although, the white model still looks better in my opinion.
Additionally, just like its predecessor, both the RGB LED for CAPS LOCK and SCROLL LOCK turn white when enabled – it even works when the all the RGB LEDs are turned off.
However, they still have a few issues.
Once again, the stabilizers are still rattily, but are no longer what I would consider to be ‘loud’. It’s still far from perfect though.
Strangely, this keyboard is incompatible with Swarm II despite it being the newer model. Not sure why. And yes, Swarm I still refuses to save my changes on this keyboard – that part hasn’t changed.
Overall, Roccat has neglected this keyboard whether intentionally or not as it is only compatible with the older Swarm I software. However, apart from that, it performs similarly to its predecessor.
Reliability: 9/10
This will be a very reliable keyboard given it uses optical switches. Roccat claims the switches have a “100 million keystroke life-cycle” as opposed to its predecessor which could only boast of 50 million.
However, as with its predecessor, the RGB LEDs and the keycaps will need replacing at some point in the future, but replacing the keycaps is an easy task given the switches use the MX Mount and the keyboard uses a standard layout.
Overall, the only downside with this keyboard is the RGB LEDs and the keycaps. The rest should hold up for many decades to come.
Value: 1/10
There’s very little on the table for the asking price of £150.
However, these are known to go on sale very often. They are currently £89.99 on Amazon at the time of writing this review. Still, there are better options out there and I’m evaluating its value on MSRP pricing.
The Keychron K8 Wireless is the keyboard I would recommend as it features a TKL layout, hot-swap Gateron optical switches and could be used wirelessly. These typically go for around £100. The exact price hard to determine as it is dependent on your configuration.
Overall, have a look at what Keychron is offering if you want a good deal or look into the used market and see if you can pick one of these for £50 or less.
Final Score = 33/50 (66%)
Places to purchase this keyboard:
eBay | Turtle Beach | Amazon