Pulsar
PCMK 2 HE TKL
AUTHOR:Onie T.
TESTED BY:James L., and Arthur B.
Published:

The Pulsar PCMK 2 HE TKL is an 87-key tenkeyless keyboard designed for high performance in both gaming and productivity. Featuring advanced Gateron x Pulsar Hall Effect magnetic switches, it supports an 8K polling rate for ultra-responsive input, making it ideal for users who need fast reaction times. This model is available in both ISO and ANSI layouts, and its hot-swappable switch functionality allows users to personalize the feel of each key by mixing compatible switches across the board. It also includes a removable ID tag, allowing further customization for those looking to add a personal touch.

Priced at $159.99 USD and available directly from Pulsar, the PCMK 2 HE TKL is positioned as a high-quality, mid-range option. With features like Rapid Trigger, Adjustable Actuation, and Quick Tap, this wired keyboard is built for both gaming and productivity.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE GOOD

  • Switch Compatibility

    The PCMK2 HE TKL is hot-swappable, supporting both N and S Pole switch types, which allows users to combine different switch types within a single setup.

  • Latency

    Equipped with an 8K polling rate and Hall Effect switches, this keyboard achieves impressively low latency, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming and productivity tasks.

THE BAD

  • Nothing at the time of writing

THE REST

  • Overall

    The PCMK 2 HE TKL is ideal for users prioritizing speed in gaming responsive typing. Its 44 preset RGB lighting options and sleek black-and-white design make it adaptable for most setups.

Hardware
HardwareNotes

In the Box, the PCMK 2 HE TKL includes the keyboard, a paracord USB Type-C to Type-A cable, a keycap and switch puller, a dust cover, a sticker, and user documentation.

Constructed with an aluminum alloy top plate and transparent plastic chassis, the keyboard is reinforced by sound-dampening foam layers, which add rigidity and reduce board flex. However, a slight echo is noticeable when typing, due to the open frame design, though no rattling was observed.

The keycaps are Cherry profile, non-shine-through, double-shot PBS.

In the Box

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Front of the box.

Dimensions
The keyboard is placed on a 900 x 400 mm desk pad next to a Logitech MX Master 2S mouse.

The keyboard is placed on a 900 x 400 mm desk pad next to a Logitech MX Master 2S mouse.

Height
Width Max
Depth W/ Palm Rest
Depth
Weight
Construction
The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys.

The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys.

Chassis Material
Base Plate Material
Base Plate Color
Stabilizers
Keycaps
The left side of the keyboard.

The left side of the keyboard.

Keycap Material
Lettering
Shine Through Keycaps
Connectivity
The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-C to Type-A detachable cable.

The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-C to Type-A detachable cable.

Wireless
Wired
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
Multi-Device Pairing
Receiver
Receiver Storing
Battery Type
Computer Side Connector
Keyboard Side Connector
Cable Length
Detachable Cable
USB Passthrough
Features & Software
Features & SoftwareNotes

The PCMK 2 HE TKL keyboard is customizable through Pulsar's web-based software, "Bibimbap". To access it, users will need to navigate (Download > Keyboard > PCMK 2HE > Keyboard Layout > Software > Download) through the Downloads section on Pulsar's website, where they can configure RGB colors, rapid triggers, response speeds, and macros. The software, compatible with Chrome and Edge browsers, supports both Windows and Mac systems, and allows up to three profile configurations.

The keyboard features 44 preset RGB lighting modes, Adjustable Actuation Points (ranging from 0.1 mm to 4.0 mm), and Quick Tap for instant input, Pulsar's version of SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Directions). Additional Rapid Trigger settings enhance response times.

Software
Software
Mandatory Registration
Number Of Profiles
Onboard Memory
Cloud Sync
Macro Programming
QMK Firmware Compatible
VIA Key Configurator Compatible
Windows Compatible
MacOS Compatible
Backlighting
RGB Software
Backlighting
Backlighting Color
Per Key Illumination
Performance
PerformanceNotes

This keyboard is equipped with Gateron Double Rail Magnetic Switches, unique to Pulsar with a custom stem color. It supports N-S Pole switches that can be hot-swapped. With an 8000 Hz polling rate, the PCMK 2 HE TKL offers low latency, ideal for gaming and fast typing. The keyboard operates with low latency, delivering an 3.4 ms in wired mode, providing responsive performance.

Keystroke
Latency
Sound Sample
Productivity & Efficiency
Productivity & EfficiencyNotes

The PCMK 2 HE TKL offers three adjustable typing angles at 3.5°, 7°, and 10°, although it does not include a wrist rest. These customizable angles support a more ergonomic typing experience.

Ergonomics

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The keyboard ergonomics at an angle of 3.5 degrees, with the adjustable leg in.

Board Size
Board Type
Palm Rest Included
Low Profile
Incline Angles
/ /
Key Alignment
Numpad
Dedicated Function Row
Dedicated Arrow Keys
Key Spacing
Ghosting & Rollover
KRO Wired
KRO Receiver
KRO Bluetooth
Ghosting
Test Configuration
Tested Settings
Firmware Version
Software Version
Polling Rate (Wired)
Polling Rate (Wireless)
Debounce Time

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