Geon F8X vs Pulsar PCMK V2 HEBuild or Hall Effect
Choose the Pulsar PCMK V2 HE for adjustable Hall Effect actuation and Rapid Trigger, or the Geon F8X for a heavier aluminum build with broader layout and modding options.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Geon F8X
Build quality in the top 15% of 80% boards at any price.
- Anodized aluminum case with a listed weight of 3800g.
- Supports ANSI and ISO layouts, including solder ANSI/ISO PCBs according to the vendor listing.
- QMK and VIA compatible, with hot-swap support listed.
Get the
Pulsar PCMK V2 HE
Hall effect
Build quality in the top 35% of 80% boards under $150.
- Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 4.0mm.
- Rapid Trigger and a listed 8000 Hz polling rate.
- Prebuilt with PBT keycaps, N-Key Rollover, and hot-swap support.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Choose the Pulsar PCMK V2 HE if gaming controls are the priority, particularly its adjustable Hall Effect actuation and Rapid Trigger. Pick the Geon F8X if you want ISO support, QMK/VIA, multiple plate choices, or a kit designed for more involved customization. Check the PCMK V2 HE's magnetic-switch and ANSI-only limits before buying.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Geon F8X
Pulsar PCMK V2 HE
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
No
Yes
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
8,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Plastic
Mount style
Top Mount
Plate Mount
- Geon F8X
- Pulsar PCMK V2 HE
- Performance
- 7398
- Build quality
- 8163
- Productivity
- 7776
- Customizability
- 9161
- Portability
- 5261
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The PCMK V2 HE is the clear fit for gaming if adjustable Hall Effect actuation and Rapid Trigger are priorities. The F8X has the edge for layout flexibility, firmware-based customization, and hands-on building. Office and programming preferences lean toward the F8X, especially for ISO users. Travel and content creation are closer calls, with the F8X's listed weight and carrying case relevant for travel, while both offer RGB and sound dampening.
Pick the Pulsar PCMK V2 HE
- The PCMK V2 HE has Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 4.0mm.
- Its Rapid Trigger feature and listed 8000 Hz polling rate target responsive gaming input.
- The F8X lists a 1000 Hz polling rate and does not list Hall Effect switches.
Geon F8X vs Pulsar PCMK V2 HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 25 specs differ
Geon F8X
Pulsar PCMK V2 HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Geon F8X
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Pulsar PCMK V2 HE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Geon F8X vs Pulsar PCMK V2 HE: your questions
The PCMK V2 HE is the stronger fit for gaming-focused features, with Hall Effect switches, adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, Rapid Trigger, and a listed 8000 Hz polling rate. The F8X lists a 1000 Hz polling rate and does not list Hall Effect switches.
Yes, the F8X metadata lists ANSI and ISO support, and the vendor describes solder ANSI/ISO PCBs. The Pulsar PCMK V2 HE is ANSI-only.
No, the PCMK V2 HE compatibility rule specifies magnetic switches only, and standard MX switches will not fit. Its vendor description identifies the switches as Pulsar x Gateron magnetic switches.
Yes, QMK and VIA support are listed for the F8X. The vendor also describes its PCBs as QMK/VIA compatible.
Yes, Rapid Trigger is listed as a feature of the PCMK V2 HE. Its Hall Effect switches also have an adjustable actuation point from 0.1mm to 4.0mm.
The F8X lists aluminum, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, FR4, and plastic plate options in its metadata. The PCMK V2 HE lists an aluminum plate.
Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The PCMK V2 HE uses magnetic switches only, while the F8X vendor listing describes wired hot-swap and solder PCB options.
The F8X is listed at 3800g, and its vendor description gives fully built weights of about 3.7kg with stainless steel or 3.8kg with brass. A weight is not listed for the PCMK V2 HE, so a direct comparison is not available.
The F8X vendor listing includes a carrying case among the listed contents. Its metadata lists a weight of 3800g, which buyers may want to consider when planning to carry it.
Yes, Mac/Win support is listed for the PCMK V2 HE, and the vendor description also specifies Windows and Mac compatibility. The F8X metadata does not provide the same operating-system compatibility listing.
The F8X is the more mod-oriented option, listed as a DIY kit/barebones with QMK/VIA, hot-swap support, multiple plate options, and alternative mounting configurations described by the vendor. The PCMK V2 HE is prebuilt and restricted to magnetic switches.
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