What makes the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS suitable for gaming?

The Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS is designed with high-performance gaming in mind. It features an 8K polling rate and a 35K scan rate, which minimizes input lag and ensures precise response times. Additionally, the Game Mode optimizes performance and LED colors, and the Windows key lock function prevents accidental interruptions during intense gaming sessions.

How does the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS handle different user needs?

The Xboard MS caters to a wide range of users by offering easy mode switching between Office Mode and Game Mode. Each mode has dedicated buttons and optimizes the keyboard's performance and LED settings to suit different activities, whether you're working or playing.

Can I customize the lighting effects on this keyboard?

Yes, the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS offers 44 preset lighting effects with 16.8 million colors to choose from. This allows you to personalize the keyboard's appearance to match your style or mood.

Is the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS compatible with different operating systems?

Absolutely. The Xboard MS is compatible with both Windows (version 7 or higher) and Mac OS X (version 10.10 or later). It also requires a USB 2.0 port or higher for connection.

What are the benefits of the keyboard's hotswap sockets?

The hotswap sockets on the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, allowing you to easily change switches without soldering. This feature is perfect for users who want to customize their typing experience or replace switches as needed.

Does the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS support any software for programming?

Yes, the Xboard MS is programmable with the web-based Bibimbap software, which allows you to configure keys and create custom profiles for different tasks or games.

How does the Quick Tap function work?

The Quick Tap function on the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS enables rapid key actuation, making it particularly beneficial for gaming and fast typing. This feature helps you execute commands swiftly and efficiently.

What is the build quality of the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS like?

The Xboard MS features a robust gasket mount design with an aluminum plate and triple-layer sound absorption. This construction not only provides durability but also enhances the typing experience by reducing noise.

Are there any additional accessories included with the keyboard?

Yes, the Cherry Pulsar Xboard MS comes with a paracord USB-C to USB-A cable, three additional switches, a switch and keycap puller, a keyboard pouch, and a manual. These accessories help you maintain and customize your keyboard.

Pulsar Xboard MS Starting at $109.99

Name: Pulsar Xboard MS
Brand: Pulsar
SKU: pulsar-xboard-ms-8k-tkl-hotswap-keyboard

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Pulsar Xboard MS
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Pulsar Xboard MS 8K TKL Hotswap Keyboard
	Based in US	-		$110	Visit Shop

Vendor

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In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

Pulsar Xboard MS

Global

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Pulsar Xboard MS 8K TKL Hotswap Keyboard

Based in US

$110

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Compare Pulsar Xboard MS vs 8BitDo Retro87 vs Titan Nation STARS80 V2 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	Pulsar Xboard MS	8BitDo Retro87	Titan Nation STARS80 V2
	72	64	79
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has built-in sound dampening Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Clicky switch options Features N-key rollover Uses a Top Mount mounting style Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1100 g Sized at 46 x 169 x 376 mm Made with a Plastic, Aluminum case Features ABS keycaps	Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 980 g Sized at 40 x 360 x 135 mm Made with a Aluminum case
Score	Scores Performance: 85.2 Build Quality: 64 Productivity: 84.6 Customizability: 69.9 Portability: 61	Scores Performance: 63.5 Build Quality: 53.2 Productivity: 73.1 Customizability: 68.6 Portability: 76.5	Scores Performance: 70.1 Build Quality: 81.6 Productivity: 62.8 Customizability: 84.3 Portability: 77.4
Name	Name Pulsar Xboard MS	Name 8BitDo Retro87	Name Titan Nation STARS80 V2
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Clicky	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 8000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Top Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Plastic, Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 46 x 169 x 376 mm	Dimensions 40 x 360 x 135 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1100g	Weight 980g

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Product Description

The Pulsar Xboard MS is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for users who need fast input response and flexible mode switching. It suits gamers seeking low latency and office users wanting efficient power use and quiet operation. Its hot-swappable sockets allow switch customization without soldering, making it suitable for hobbyists who like to modify their typing experience.

Key Features

Dual mode switching between Office and Game modes adjusts polling and scan rates for either power efficiency or ultra-fast responsiveness.
Game Mode supports up to 8K polling rate and 35K scan rate, reducing input lag for rapid key presses during gaming.
Office Mode lowers polling and scan rates to save power and reduce unnecessary processing, indicated by a blue LED.
Dedicated volume and LED control knob offers quick adjustments without software.
Programmable via web-based Bibimbap software with support for 44 preset lighting effects and 16.8 million colors.
Windows key lock prevents accidental interruptions during gameplay.

Build Quality and Typing Experience

Gasket mount design with an aluminum plate and triple-layer sound absorption reduces typing noise and vibration for a quieter, more comfortable experience.
Double shot PBT keycaps provide durable, wear-resistant legends and a matte texture.
South-facing Cherry MX2A Red switches offer a linear feel favored for gaming and fast typing.
Hot-swap sockets support both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, enabling easy switch replacement or upgrades.
Includes a paracord USB-C to USB-A cable, switch and keycap pullers, and extra switches for customization.

Compatibility and Connectivity

Wired USB-C connection ensures stable, low-latency input with no wireless option.
Compatible with Windows 7 or later and Mac OS X 10.10 or later.
Requires a modern browser with Web HID support for programming features.
ANSI layout with US QWERTY key arrangement suits standard typing needs.

Trade-offs

No wireless connectivity limits use to wired setups only.
Tenkeyless layout lacks a numeric keypad, which may be less ideal for users needing frequent number entry.
Software programming depends on browser support, which may limit offline customization.
Linear Cherry MX2A Red switches may not suit users who prefer tactile or clicky feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)