After 4 years of clacking, I used to be prepared for a change.
I first made the soar from a membrane keyboard to a mechanical one in 2020 with an $80 Aukey keyboard. It was a hulking mess loaded with 104 keys, an infinite quantity knob, and gaudy blue buttons particularly there for on-board RGB customization. Its flaws didn’t concern me, although; I used to be too busy obsessing over the candy sound of clicking. It didn’t take a lot to show me right into a convert, as I may really feel myself typing with higher precision due to the tactile and audio suggestions.
Loads has modified for me in these 4 years. A shedding cat and a brand new residence co-working setup with my companion meant that my loud, hair-collecting PC setup had grow to be a detriment to my wants. I wanted a brand new answer, and Turtle Seashore’s Vulcan 2 TKL Professional was the right experiment. The keyboard would as soon as once more push me out of my typing consolation zone by introducing me to the world of magnetic Corridor Impact switches. Now that I’ve tried it, I’m unsure I’ll be going again anytime quickly.
Magnetic typing
I started working into issues with my Aukey setup a few 12 months into proudly owning it. Whereas I used to be keen on its loud switches, they tended to gather cat hair and different particles a lot faster than I assumed. I used to be continuously wrenching keys off to wash it, pulling up spools of mud. It didn’t maintain as much as put on and tear very properly both, as keys would persistently stick on me after a couple of years of fixed use. The final straw got here when my girlfriend and I moved in collectively and I abruptly turned hyper-aware of simply how loud the switches have been. That, paired with a transfer to a smaller desk area, meant that I had numerous issues to resolve.
Whereas my unique plan was to maneuver to an identical Alienware mechanical keyboard, I made a decision to offer the Vulcan 2 TKL Professional a attempt when it got here throughout my desk for testing. Its compact dimension was a a lot better match for my wants, in order that was a very good begin. I plugged it in, watched its white body gentle up with coloration, and began typing. I used to be stunned for a second; it felt and sounded fully completely different than what I used to be used to, however I couldn’t determine why.
What I hadn’t realized on the time is that the Vulcan 2 makes use of magnetic Corridor Impact switches as a substitute of the usual mechanical ones I used to be used to. That’s a more moderen know-how during which the keys don’t really make bodily contact with something when pressed. As a substitute, they use magnets to register keystrokes. In principle, that results in each more-precise typing and more-durable keys. Contemplating that my outdated keyboard wanted fixed upkeep, I used to be particularly intrigued by that second half. Regardless of my preliminary unease in regards to the really feel, I made a decision to keep it up.
The Vulcan 2’s switches are a lot quieter than what I’m used to.
The primary hurdle was getting used to what felt like a tougher, shorter cease after I pressed a key down. The Vulcan’s switches felt just a little extra inflexible than what I used to be used to initially, which initially felt just a little arduous on my fingers. As soon as I adjusted to that (utilizing the Swarm 2 app to regulate actuation), I rapidly bought a way for a way satisfying Corridor Impact switches will be.
My typing has felt extra fluid than my outdated mechanical keyboard, as I can transfer between keys quicker with out dropping accuracy. That’s helped by the truth that the Vulcan 2 makes use of some particularly easy key caps that nearly make me really feel like I’m gliding over porcelain tiles. They’re skinny caps resting on excessive switches, leaving numerous area for the RGB lights to shine via and ensure every particular person keystroke with a fast flash.
Whereas the texture could also be an acquired style, the drop in decibel stage is an enormous improve. With no bodily contact being made, the Vulcan 2’s switches are a lot quieter than what I’m used to. The sound is extra in between a mechanical and membrane keyboard. They nonetheless make a noise, nevertheless it’s extra of a muted clacking, as if I’m typing below a blanket. It’s a hotter, much less harsh tone that I’m certain might be considerably much less annoying to my girlfriend when she’s working one room away.
The large check, although, would come right down to how properly it might deal with the mess that comes from a cat who loves to hang around on my desk. Her shedding was finally my mechanical keyboard’s downfall, and I hoped that Corridor Impact switches would do away with any contact interferences which may have been slicing into my keystrokes.
Whereas it’s too early to say how that’ll shake out, I’ve seen that it’s a lot simpler for me to truly see that particles in my keyboard now. Due to its economical change design, I can see straight right down to the board and spot any stray hairs between keys. That makes it simpler to take care of on the fly, as I can merely blow it out slightly than wrenching keys off to even see the board. That makes me hopeful that I’ll have a keyboard that each lasts longer and appears cleaner.
In the intervening time, I don’t plan on packing up my Vulcan 2 anytime quickly. I’m offered on the idea of Corridor Impact tech for now thanks to express typing, simple customization, and a gentler sound. Turtle Seashore’s stab at it feels robust, particularly at a $150 value level, even when I want the keys had only a bit extra flex to them (extras like a quantity knob, palm relaxation, and the very helpful Swarm 2 app make up for that nitpick).
Will my honeymoon section stand the check of time, or will I be seeking to the subsequent huge development as soon as my keys inevitably put on out? I’ll let you know in 4 years, however one thing tells me the Vulcan 2 will survive that wait.
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