Scored using Keyboards Methodology v1.0
Keyboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Keyboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Pulsar Xboard QS Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Layout size:TKLConnection type:USBSwitch type:mechanicalPolling rate:1000 Hz

Pulsar Xboard QS Review: Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Keyboards category and whether it is worth buying.

6.4

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.3

Technical score

20%

6.5

User score

▼Worse than 72% of keyboards
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Keyboards category across these key areas: Switches, Design, Connectivity & Power, Features, Materials.
When it matters
When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

34%

6.1

Connectivity & Power

28%

3.3

Switches

20%

10

Materials

12%

7.8

Features

6%

6.5

Design

▼Worse than 65% of keyboards
6.5

User score

User score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

2.9

Number of reviews

Based on 8 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
▼Worse than 96% of keyboards
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of keyboard Pulsar Xboard QS

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Keyboards category across these key areas: Switches, Design, Connectivity & Power, Features, Materials.
When it matters
When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

34%

6.1

Connectivity & Power

28%

3.3

Switches

20%

10

Materials

12%

7.8

Features

6%

6.5

Design

6.3
User score
User score
6.5/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

2.9

Number of reviews

Based on 8 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
6.5
Popularity
Popularity
2.9/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Pulsar Xboard QS has a popularity score of 2.9 points, which is lower than that of 75.9% of products in this category.
2.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

6.4

Overall score

40%

8.9

Price

7.1
Switch type
mechanical
Switch feel
linear
Switch name
Cherry MX2A Red
Actuation force
38 g
Min actuation distance
2 mm
Min actuation distance
2 mm
This keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.5% of keyboards and equal to 33.2% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
mechanical
Layout size
TKL
Layout standard
ANSI
N. of keys
88
N. of keys
88
This keyboard has 88 keys, which is more than 62.9% of keyboards and equal to 0.9% of keyboards.
Profile
standard
Show more
Connection type
USB
Connection type
USB
This keyboard offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 57.6% of keyboards and equal to 42.5% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
N/A
Bluetooth version
N/A
Mac compatibility
?
Battery life
N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
yes
RGB lighting
yes
This keyboard has RGB lighting. 12.4% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
yes
Per-key RGB
yes
This keyboard has per-key RGB lighting. 27.6% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
88
RGB zones
88
This keyboard has 88 RGB zones, which is more than 70.4% of keyboards and equal to 0.9% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
no
Underglow / side lighting
no
This keyboard does not include underglow lighting. 8% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
south-facing
Show more
Case material
aluminum
Plate material
polycarbonate
Keycap material
PBT
Keycap profile
OEM
Legend method
double-shot
Legend method
double-shot
This keyboard uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.1% of keyboards and equal to 74.9% of keyboards.
Show more

Pulsar Xboard QS vs the average keyboard

246810TotalDesignConnectivity & PowerSwitchesMaterialsFeatures
  • Volume control wheel
    Volume wheel
    yes
    This keyboard includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.3% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    QMK support
    yes
    This keyboard supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    VIA support
    yes
    This keyboard supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 26.3% of keyboards support VIA.
  • USB passthrough port
    USB passthrough
    yes
    This keyboard includes USB passthrough, the average keyboard does not. 2.3% of keyboards include USB passthrough.
  • 5 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    88
    This keyboard has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (88 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    88 vs 83
  • 1 more keys
    N. of keys
    88
    This keyboard has more keys than the average keyboard (88 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    88 vs 87
  • 1 more keys
    N. of keys
    88
    This keyboard has more keys than the average keyboard (88 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    88 vs 87
  • USB passthrough port
    USB passthrough
    yes
    This keyboard includes USB passthrough, the average keyboard does not. 2.3% of keyboards include USB passthrough.
  • Volume control wheel
    Volume wheel
    yes
    This keyboard includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.3% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    QMK support
    yes
    This keyboard supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    VIA support
    yes
    This keyboard supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 26.3% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 5 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    88
    This keyboard has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (88 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    88 vs 83
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Connection type
    USB
    This keyboard 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
    Min actuation distance
    2 mm
    This keyboard 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
  • 51.3% higher weight
    Weight
    1,480 g
    This keyboard weighs more than the average keyboard (1480 g vs 978 g). The average keyboard weighs 978 g.
    1,480 g vs 978 g
  • 2.38x more expensive
    Pulsar Xboard QS is more expensive than the average keyboard (£310 vs £130).
    £310 vs £130
  • 23.4% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Pulsar Xboard QS
    the average keyboard
    Pulsar Xboard QS has a lower user score than the average keyboard (6.48 vs 8.000).
    6.48 vs 8
  • 10.1% worse value for money
    Pulsar Xboard QS has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.12 vs 7.8).
    7.12 vs 7.84
  • 2.09x less popular
    Pulsar Xboard QS is less popular than the average keyboard (2.94 vs 6.2).
    2.94 vs 6.15
  • 2.38x more expensive
    Pulsar Xboard QS is more expensive than the average keyboard (£310 vs £130).
    £310 vs £130
  • 23.4% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Pulsar Xboard QS
    the average keyboard
    Pulsar Xboard QS has a lower user score than the average keyboard (6.48 vs 8.000).
    6.48 vs 8
  • 10.1% worse value for money
    Pulsar Xboard QS has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.12 vs 7.8).
    7.12 vs 7.84
  • 2.09x less popular
    Pulsar Xboard QS is less popular than the average keyboard (2.94 vs 6.2).
    2.94 vs 6.15
  • 51.3% higher weight
    Weight
    1,480 g
    This keyboard weighs more than the average keyboard (1480 g vs 978 g). The average keyboard weighs 978 g.
    1,480 g vs 978 g
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Connection type
    USB
    This keyboard 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
    Min actuation distance
    2 mm
    This keyboard 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

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

X
xda-developers.com
18/01/2025
Summary of the review
P
pk.ign.com
16/09/2024
Summary of the review
M
me.ign.com
16/09/2024
Summary of the review
I
ign.com
16/09/2024
Summary of the review
L
latestintech.com
08/11/2024
Summary of the review
H
hardwareinside.de
15/10/2025
Summary of the review
I
ign.com
16/09/2024
Summary of the review
X
xda-developers.com
18/01/2025
Summary of the review
L
latestintech.com
07/11/2024
Summary of the review
T
techintest.it
20/10/2026
Summary of the review
M
me.ign.com
16/09/2024
Summary of the review
I
ign.com
16/09/2024
Summary of the review
X
xda-developers.com
18/01/2025
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 8 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Pulsar Xboard QS

  • Innovative Quick Switch technology allows seamless toggling between two different PCs via dual USB-C ports
  • Excellent build quality featuring a heavy, durable CNC-machined aluminum chassis
  • Premium typing experience with buttery smooth, factory-lubed Kailh Box Ice Mint V2 linear switches
  • Enthusiast-level customization support for QMK, VIA, and Signal RGB without needing proprietary bloated software
  • Satisfying 'thocky' sound signature due to internal foam layers and a gasket-mount design
  • Full out-of-the-box compatibility with both macOS and Windows, including dedicated layout switching

What we don't like about Pulsar Xboard QS

  • High premium price tag ($299/£292) is significantly higher than many other non-HE mechanical keyboards
  • Lack of first-party dedicated software may be intimidating or less user-friendly for non-enthusiasts
  • Extremely heavy weight (approx. 1480g) makes it non-ideal for portable use or frequently adjusting desk setups
  • RGB lighting does not shine through the PBT keycaps because they are not translucent
  • Integrated USB hub is limited to older USB 2.0 speeds
  • Minor design oversights, such as status LEDs that cannot be individually disabled and the lack of a dedicated play/pause button

Verdict

The Pulsar Xboard QS is a premium $299 wired 88-key TKL mechanical keyboard designed for dual-PC users, featuring a 1,480g CNC aluminum chassis, gasket mounting, and dedicated Quick Switching technology with two USB-C inputs. It comes pre-installed with pre-lubed Kailh Box Ice Mint V2 linear switches (38g actuation) and durable double-shot PBT keycaps, offering hot-swappable PCB compatibility for 3/5-pin switches. Main pros include its superior heavy build quality, excellent thocky sound profile, 44-effect South-facing RGB, and QMK/VIA software support. Cons include a high price point, heavy weight, limited USB hub to 2.0 speeds, and that the RGB does not shine through the keycaps.

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