Gesture Control: Turtle Beach Vulcan II XP Air Embraces Hand Waving
Turtle Beach is introducing a unique feature to the keyboard market: gesture control. The new Vulcan II XP Air is equipped with a built-in sensor designed to recognize hand movements, allowing users to adjust audio volume or media playback by waving their hands in front of the device.
Hardware and Ergonomics
The Vulcan II XP Air is a full-size keyboard featuring low-profile keycaps. It is expanded with three multimedia keys and a rotary knob located above the number pad. Connectivity is versatile, offering wired, Bluetooth, and wireless dongle options.
Regarding battery life, Turtle Beach claims the 6,000 mAh battery can provide up to 95 hours of runtime with RGB lighting and the sensor active. Without LEDs and gesture sensing, the device is rated to last up to 2,000 hours.
The keyboard utilizes Titan HS Red linear mechanical switches, featuring a 1.8 mm actuation force and 45g of resistance. The switches are hot-swappable, and the build includes an aluminum switch plate. While the manufacturer focuses on the mechanical feel, no specific details regarding acoustic optimization are provided; the open-mount design of the switches suggests a standard, audible typing experience.
AirTrack: Innovation or Gimmick?
The core feature of the device is the AirTrack Gesture Sensor. Its functionality serves two purposes: power management and hands-free interaction. It can detect a user's presence to dim the backlight and extend battery life, and it enables "touchless control" for media playback and audio adjustments through simple hand movements.
Whether this feature holds up in daily use remains to be seen. Historically, attempts to integrate touchscreens or complex gesture controls into keyboards have struggled to compete with the reliability and simplicity of traditional hotkeys or FN combinations. The practical utility of "waving hands" in a high-stakes gaming or productivity environment is the ultimate test for this technology.
Pricing and Availability
Currently, the Vulcan II XP Air is available for pre-order via the Turtle Beach webshop for approximately €180, with shipping expected to begin on October 25. Notably, despite what promotional images might suggest, the keyboard will be available in the standard ISO layout with a large Enter key.
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