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Pulsar Xboard MS Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 8000 Hz

Pulsar Xboard MS review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.3

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

6.9

Features

6.0%

7.2

Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 8.2
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    9.0

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 2.8
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Pulsar Xboard MS is a high-performance tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard engineered for competitive gaming with an elite 35K scan rate, 8K polling rate, and an ultra-low 0.16ms latency. It features a hot-swappable gasket-mount design with a triple-absorption sound dampening structure, south-facing RGB with 44 preset effects, and durable double-shot PBT keycaps. Main pros include its exceptional responsiveness, premium 'thocky' sound profile, and a dedicated mode switch to transition between office and game settings. However, it lacks wireless connectivity, features a mostly plastic case that may feel less premium than aluminum alternatives, and the volume knob's protective film can be difficult to remove without scratching the surface.

Technical Specifications of Pulsar Xboard MS

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

?

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

?

Switches

20.0%

?

Materials

12.0%

?

Features

6.0%

?

Design

6.7
Pulsar Xboard MS has a technical score of 6.68 points, which is lower than that of 52.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Pulsar Xboard MS has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 79.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.6
Pulsar Xboard MS has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is lower than 58.5% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cherry MX2A Red
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

45 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 mm
Pulsar Xboard MS has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.3% of keyboards and equal to 33.4% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

TKL
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

88
Pulsar Xboard MS has 88 keys, which is more than 62.3% of keyboards and equal to 0.9% of keyboards.
Includes 1 extra keys.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
Pulsar Xboard MS offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Pulsar Xboard MS is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Pulsar Xboard MS has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Pulsar Xboard MS has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

88
Pulsar Xboard MS has 88 RGB zones, which is more than 70.7% of keyboards and equal to 0.9% of keyboards.
Zone or preset RGB only.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Pulsar Xboard MS does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

south-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

PBT
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

double-shot
Pulsar Xboard MS uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

Pulsar Xboard MS vs the average keyboard

  • 8x higher polling rate
    Pulsar Xboard MS has a higher polling rate than the average keyboard (8,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a polling rate of 1,000 Hz.
    What it is: Measures how often the keyboard reports input to the computer each second.
    When it matters: When low input delay matters and you want the keyboard reporting to the PC as often as possible.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pulsar Xboard MS has a higher polling rate than the average keyboard (8,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a polling rate of 1,000 Hz.8000 Hz vs 1000 Hz
  • Volume control wheel
    Pulsar Xboard MS includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a dedicated wheel or roller for hardware volume control.
    When it matters: When frequent hardware volume control matters enough that you do not want to rely on function-key shortcuts.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pulsar Xboard MS includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • 35x higher matrix scan rate
    Pulsar Xboard MS has a higher matrix scan rate than the average keyboard (35,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a matrix scan rate of 1,000 Hz.
    What it is: Measures how frequently the keyboard scans the key matrix for inputs.
    When it matters: When you want more context on how quickly the board checks for key presses during fast or repeated input.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pulsar Xboard MS has a higher matrix scan rate than the average keyboard (35,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a matrix scan rate of 1,000 Hz.35000 Hz vs 1000 Hz
  • 5 more RGB zones
    Pulsar Xboard MS has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (88 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    Zone or preset RGB only.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Pulsar Xboard MS has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (88 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.88 vs 83
  • 1 more keys
    Pulsar Xboard MS has more keys than the average keyboard (88 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    Includes 1 extra keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pulsar Xboard MS has more keys than the average keyboard (88 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.88 vs 87
  • 2 newer release date
    Pulsar Xboard MS is newer than the average keyboard (2,025 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.
    February 2025.
    What it is: States when the keyboard was officially launched or became available.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer board for more recent wireless standards, firmware support, or hardware revisions.

    Importance: LOW

    Pulsar Xboard MS is newer than the average keyboard (2,025 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.2025 vs 2023
  • 11.9% lower weight
    Pulsar Xboard MS weighs less than the average keyboard (860 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pulsar Xboard MS weighs less than the average keyboard (860 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.860 g vs 976 g
  • 1 more keys
    Pulsar Xboard MS has more keys than the average keyboard (88 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 11.9% lower weight
    Pulsar Xboard MS weighs less than the average keyboard (860 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 2 newer release date
    Pulsar Xboard MS is newer than the average keyboard (2,025 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.
  • 8x higher polling rate
    Pulsar Xboard MS has a higher polling rate than the average keyboard (8,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a polling rate of 1,000 Hz.
  • 35x higher matrix scan rate
    Pulsar Xboard MS has a higher matrix scan rate than the average keyboard (35,000 Hz vs 1,000 Hz). The average keyboard has a matrix scan rate of 1,000 Hz.
  • Volume control wheel
    Pulsar Xboard MS includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • 5 more RGB zones
    Pulsar Xboard MS has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (88 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.

Total
Design
Switches
Features
  • 7.5 mm higher keyboard height
    Pulsar Xboard MS is taller than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 8 mm thicker design
    Pulsar Xboard MS is thicker than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Pulsar Xboard MS offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Pulsar Xboard MS has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Pulsar Xboard MS offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Pulsar Xboard MS offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Pulsar Xboard MS has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pulsar Xboard MS has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 5.77x less popular
    Pulsar Xboard MS is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Pulsar Xboard MS is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
  • 7.5 mm higher keyboard height
    Pulsar Xboard MS is taller than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's vertical dimension from its base to its highest point.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to fit under shelves, trays, or other tight desk constraints.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pulsar Xboard MS is taller than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.46 mm vs 38.5 mm
  • 8 mm thicker design
    Pulsar Xboard MS is thicker than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's front-to-back depth or body thickness.
    When it matters: When front height and overall keyboard bulk affect comfort or portability.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Pulsar Xboard MS is thicker than the average keyboard (46 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.46 mm vs 38 mm
Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Switches

Graphic comparison of Pulsar Xboard MS and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pulsar Xboard MS?

  • Extremely low latency with an 8K polling rate and 35K internal scan rate
  • Premium typing feel with a triple-layered gasket mount and sound dampening structure
  • Durable, double-shot PBT keycaps that resist wear and shine
  • Easy customization via the web-based 'Bibimbap' driver without needing software installation
  • Hot-swappable PCB supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches for easy modding
  • Dedicated physical buttons to quickly toggle between 'Office' and 'Game' modes
  • Smooth, consistent feel from the stock Cherry MX2A Red linear switches

What customers dislike about Pulsar Xboard MS?

  • Full plastic chassis lacks the premium, heavy feel of aluminum alternatives
  • Rotary volume knob is prone to scratching, and the protective film is difficult to remove
  • Clamshell case design makes it difficult to open for internal modifications without damage
  • Lacks advanced gaming features found in Hall Effect keyboards, such as Rapid Trigger or adjustable actuation
  • Reports of inconsistent quality control, including double-input issues or unintended key actuations
  • No USB passthrough ports or built-in numpad, which some users expect at this price tier

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