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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Monsgeek M1W vs Pulsar Xboard MSWireless Flexibility vs Wired Speed

Choose the Monsgeek M1W for wireless freedom and a premium aluminum build, or the Pulsar Xboard MS for its dedicated high-speed wired gaming performance.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Monsgeek M1W

Wireless Flexibility

Build quality in the top 10% of 75% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Triple connectivity with wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • Full aluminum case construction for a premium feel.
  • Extensive modding support with QMK/VIA firmware and included foam/pad materials.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No numpad.

Get the

Pulsar Xboard MS

Wired Speed

Build quality in the top 35% of 80% boards under $150.

If you want

  • High-performance 8000Hz polling rate and 35K scan rate for gaming.
  • Dedicated hardware buttons to switch between optimized Game and Office modes.
  • Includes a protective keyboard pouch and paracord cable in the box.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a single, stationary gaming setup where ultimate speed is critical, the Pulsar Xboard MS is the focused tool. For virtually any other scenario—especially if you value a clean desk, need to switch devices, enjoy tinkering, or work on the go—the Monsgeek M1W's wireless versatility and aluminum build offer greater overall value and flexibility.

What actually differs

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.

Monsgeek M1W

Pulsar Xboard MS

  • Layout size

    75%

    80%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    ABS

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount, Plate Mount

    Gasket Mount

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Monsgeek M1W
  • Pulsar Xboard MS
Performance
70
85
Build quality
85
63
Productivity
97
85
Customizability
96
69
Portability
92
61

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Knob
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Monsgeek M1W is the clear choice for mobile professionals, modders, and programmers due to its wireless options, extensive firmware support, and included modding accessories. The Pulsar Xboard MS takes the lead specifically for competitive gamers who will benefit from its high-polling-rate wired connection and gaming-centric features. For general content creation, both are viable options with their control knobs.

For gaming

Pick the Pulsar Xboard MS

  • The Pulsar Xboard MS has a specified 8000Hz polling rate and a 35K scan rate for minimized input lag.
  • It features dedicated Game and Office mode buttons that optimize performance and LED colors.
  • It includes a Windows key lock function to prevent interruptions during gameplay.

Full specs

Monsgeek M1W vs Pulsar Xboard MS specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

11 of 25 specs differ

Monsgeek M1W

Pulsar Xboard MS

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

75%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

—
8,000 Hz

Battery

6,000 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
ABS

Plate material

Plastic, Polycarbonate
Aluminum

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

2,200 g
—

Dimensions

33 x 146 x 333 mm
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2023
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Monsgeek M1W

  • WhatGeek

    ISO

    Out of stockShips to you

Pulsar Xboard MS

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Monsgeek M1W4 stores

FAQ

Monsgeek M1W vs Pulsar Xboard MS: your questions

The Monsgeek M1W is designed for wireless use, featuring both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity alongside a 6000mAh battery. The Pulsar Xboard MS is a wired-only keyboard with no battery.

Yes, the Pulsar Xboard MS specifically advertises an 8000Hz polling rate. The Monsgeek M1W's product listing does not state a specific polling rate.

Yes, but through different methods. The Monsgeek M1W supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep customization. The Pulsar Xboard MS uses a proprietary web-based software called Bibimbap for programming.

The Monsgeek M1W has a full aluminum case. The Pulsar Xboard MS has a case made from ABS plastic, though it does feature an aluminum plate inside.

According to the vendor, the Monsgeek M1W includes extra Teflon pads, extra tape, 3mm Poron foam, and a coiled cable. Some color variants also include specific PBT keycap sets.

The Pulsar Xboard MS includes a paracord USB-C to USB-A cable, three additional switches, a switch and keycap puller, a keyboard pouch, and a manual.

The Monsgeek M1W is more geared towards modders. It comes with extra damping materials and features a multi-layer setup with Poron case foam, plate foam, an IXPE switch pad, and a VHB insulation layer pre-installed.

Yes, both the Monsgeek M1W and Pulsar Xboard MS feature a knob. The Pulsar's listing specifies it controls volume and LED settings.

Yes, the Monsgeek M1W vendor listing confirms compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

The Monsgeek M1W uses a 75% layout with 82 keys, offering a compact form with a function row. The Pulsar Xboard MS is a Tenkeyless (TKL or 80%) layout with 88 keys, which includes a full navigation cluster but no number pad.

The Pulsar Xboard MS has dedicated hardware buttons to switch between Game Mode and Office Mode, each with optimized polling rates and LED colors. The Monsgeek uses its driver software or QMK/VIA for customization but does not advertise dedicated gaming modes.

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