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Pulsar XBOARD MS specifications and in-depth review

Pulsar XBOARD MS

Manufacturer: Pulsar

The Pulsar XBOARD MS is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard built for gaming use, combining an aluminum and plastic construction with a gasket mount design that sits in the 80% layout category. It comes in both black and white colorways and features RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs, along with adjustable feet and a detachable cable for a cleaner desk setup. The keyboard ships with Cherry MX2A Red linear switches and supports hot-swapping, giving users flexibility to change switches without soldering.

On the technical side, the XBOARD MS runs at an 8000 Hz polling rate via USB and supports full N-key rollover alongside QMK and VIA compatibility for extensive remapping and firmware customization. The Cherry MX2A Red switches have a 2 mm actuation point, 4 mm total travel, and a 40 g actuation force. Keycaps are PBT double-shot in an OEM profile with a standard ANSI layout, and media functions are accessible through an Fn key layer complemented by a rotary dial. The keyboard measures 360 × 163 × 35 mm and weighs 1480 g, and it carries a 2-year warranty.

Pros
  • Hot-swappable switches allow users to change out Cherry MX2A Red linears without any soldering
  • 8000 Hz polling rate provides a highly responsive wired connection suited for fast-paced gaming
  • Gasket mount design offers a softer, more cushioned typing feel compared to rigid plate-mounted constructions
  • QMK and VIA support enable deep key remapping and firmware customization through widely used open-source tools
  • N-key rollover ensures every simultaneous keypress is accurately registered with no input conflicts
  • Detachable cable adds convenience for transport and cable management
Cons
  • At 1480 g, the keyboard is relatively heavy for a tenkeyless form factor, making portability less practical
  • No rapid trigger or adjustable actuation support, which limits dynamic keystroke sensitivity options
  • Media functions are only accessible via the Fn key layer, with no dedicated media keys available
  • Does not include a wrist rest, which must be sourced separately for extended typing sessions
  • No USB passthrough port, reducing desk connectivity options
Who is this for?

The XBOARD MS is well-suited to PC gamers who prioritize responsive, low-latency input, as its 8000 Hz polling rate and N-key rollover make it a strong fit for competitive or fast-paced gaming sessions. The hot-swappable socket design and QMK and VIA firmware support also make it a good match for enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their switch feel and key behavior without needing specialized hardware. Users who prefer a tenkeyless layout for a more compact desk setup while retaining a full alphanumeric and function row will find the form factor practical for both gaming and general use.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on advanced actuation features such as rapid trigger, adjustable actuation, or analog input — common in keyboards targeting precision competitive play — will find those capabilities absent here. The keyboard's weight of 1480 g makes it a poor fit for anyone who frequently transports their setup, as it is on the heavier end for a tenkeyless board. Additionally, those who work primarily on macOS will face limitations, as the keyboard is not designed with Mac-specific key layouts or dedicated Mac keys in mind.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Tenkeyless (80%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wired
connection type USB
polling rate 8000 Hz
Mount type Gasket mount
designed for Mac ✕
has a detachable cable ✓
height 163 mm
width 360 mm
thickness 35 mm
weight 1480 g
warranty period 2 years

The Pulsar XBOARD MS is a wired mechanical gaming keyboard in a tenkeyless (80%) layout with a standard profile and gasket mount construction. It connects via USB and operates at a polling rate of 8000 Hz, offering a highly responsive input signal. The keyboard features a detachable cable and is not designed for Mac use. Physically, it measures 360 mm wide, 163 mm tall, and 35 mm thick, with a total weight of 1480 g. It is backed by a 2-year warranty.

Design:

has RGB lighting ✓
Has a backlit keyboard ✓
Case material Plastic, Aluminum
Plate material Aluminum
Case colors Black, White
has adjustable feet ✓
includes a wrist rest ✕
Backlight facing direction South-facing

The XBOARD MS features a case built from a combination of plastic and aluminum, with an aluminum plate, and is available in both black and white colorways. It includes a backlit keyboard with RGB lighting directed south-facing, which is well-suited for shine-through keycaps. The keyboard has adjustable feet for typing angle customization, though it does not include a wrist rest.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches ✓
Switch name Cherry MX2A Red
Actuation distance (min) 2 mm
Actuation distance (max) 2 mm
Actuation force 40 g
Total travel distance 4 mm

The XBOARD MS comes equipped with Cherry MX2A Red mechanical switches, which offer a linear feel with no tactile bump or audible click. They actuate at 2 mm into a total travel distance of 4 mm, requiring an actuation force of 40 g — making them relatively light to press. The keyboard also supports hot-swappable switches, allowing users to replace switches without soldering.

Features:

has analog input ✕
has rapid trigger ✕
has dual actuation ✕
has adjustable actuation ✕
has NKRO ✓
has USB passthrough ✕
Has a display ✕
has QMK support ✓
has ZMK support ✕
has VIA support ✓

The XBOARD MS supports N-key rollover (NKRO), ensuring every simultaneous keypress is registered without conflict. On the firmware side, it is compatible with QMK and VIA, giving users broad options for remapping keys and customizing behavior through open-source tooling. The keyboard does not include analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, adjustable actuation, USB passthrough, a display, or ZMK support.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type PBT, Double-shot
Keycap profile OEM
uses a standard key layout ✓
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial ✓

The XBOARD MS uses an ANSI (United States) layout with a standard key arrangement, making it broadly compatible with third-party keycap sets. The included keycaps are PBT double-shot in an OEM profile, offering a familiar sculpted feel across rows. Media functions are accessible via the Fn key layer rather than dedicated keys, and the keyboard also includes a rotary dial for additional input control.

Final Verdict

The Pulsar XBOARD MS is a well-specified tenkeyless mechanical keyboard that targets gaming-oriented users who value both responsiveness and customizability. Its 8000 Hz polling rate combined with QMK and VIA support positions it firmly in the enthusiast segment, offering meaningful input performance alongside flexible firmware control. The gasket mount construction and hot-swappable Cherry MX2A Red switches add practical value for those who want to refine their typing or gaming experience over time. That said, the absence of rapid trigger, adjustable actuation, and Mac support means it caters to a specific audience rather than a broad one. For users whose priorities align with its feature set, the XBOARD MS represents a coherent and capable package within the 80% keyboard category.