The Pulsar Xlite V2 is an ultra-lightweight wireless gaming mouse and a continuation of Pulsar's Xlite lineup. It shares the same shape, sensor, and distinctive, pill-shaped cutouts in the body as the previous generation Pulsar Xlite Wireless. It also features several minor improvements over the previous generation. There are no longer pill-shaped cutouts covering the entire surface of both sides; there are now solid plastic areas to rest your fingers. The scroll wheel is 1mm higher out of its housing, and the scroll click takes less pressure to activate. Also, while the previous version was front-heavy, Pulsar moved the battery closer to the back on this version. As a result, this mouse has a centered weight distribution, making it easier to control.
There's a smaller version of this mouse called the Pulsar Xlite V2 Mini. For more details, see the Differences Between Variants section below.
Our Verdict
Although it isn't specifically for this use, the Pulsar Xlite V2 is good for office and productivity work. It connects wirelessly with its USB receiver and has a comfortable, right-handed shape suitable for nearly all hand sizes and grip types. You can also rebind any of the buttons using the customization software. Unfortunately, there's no Bluetooth support, and the scroll wheel lacks a free-scrolling mode and left/right tilt inputs for horizontal scrolling.
-
Comfortable right-handed shape well-suited for most hand sizes and grip types.
-
Excellent build quality.
-
All buttons are programmable.
-
Bulky; not designed to be slipped into laptop bags or cases.
-
No storage compartment for its USB receiver.
-
No Bluetooth support.
-
Scroll wheel lacks free-scrolling mode and left/right tilt inputs.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 is excellent for FPS gaming. It's extremely lightweight and has very low click latency. It also feels sturdily built and has a comfortable, right-handed shape that's almost universally suitable for all hand sizes and grip types. You can also adjust the CPI precisely in a very broad range, and the minimum lift-off distance is very low.
-
Very low click latency.
-
Extremely lightweight.
-
Comfortable right-handed shape well-suited for most hand sizes and grip types.
-
Excellent build quality.
-
Bulky; not designed to be slipped into laptop bags or cases.
-
No storage compartment for its USB receiver.
-
Lacks a conventional bottom plate; underside is very open to dust and debris.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 is good for MMO gaming, though it isn't specifically for this use as it doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as dedicated MMO mice. That said, you can program all the buttons it does have using the customization software. Performance-wise, it has excellent click latency, and you can adjust the CPI precisely in a very wide range. It also feels very sturdily built and has a comfortable, right-handed shape that's almost universally well-suited to all hand sizes and grip types.
-
Very low click latency.
-
Excellent build quality.
-
All buttons are programmable.
-
Bulky; not designed to be slipped into laptop bags or cases.
-
No storage compartment for its USB receiver.
-
Doesn't have as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
-
Lacks a conventional bottom plate; underside is very open to dust and debris.
-
Bulky; not designed to be slipped into laptop bags or cases.
-
No storage compartment for its USB receiver.
- 7.1 Work
- 9.0 Video Games (FPS)
- 7.8 Video Games (MMO)
- 9.3 Raw Performance
Changelog
- Updated Feb 21, 2024: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Pulsar Xlite V3 in the Style section of this review. We've also renamed the product to the Pulsar Xlite V2 for better clarity and accuracy.
- Updated Jan 10, 2024: We've updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.
- Updated Dec 01, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5. This update adds a new Main Button test group, which provides button actuation data and switch information. We've also made minor changes to how we calculate the Office usage score. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Nov 24, 2023: We've added a link to the newly reviewed LAMZU THORN in the Hand Size Recommendation section of this review.
- Updated Sep 12, 2023: We've added new text to this review regarding the smaller version of this mouse called the Pulsar X2 Mini Wireless. See the Differences Between Variants section for more details.
Check Price
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Pulsar Xlite V2 we bought and tested is the black color variant. You can see the label for our unit here.
Note that a smaller version of this mouse is available, called the Pulsar Xlite V2 Mini. We expect many of our tests to broadly apply to this smaller version. We've included several mentions of this smaller version in this review's Weight, Shape, and Hand Size Recommendation sections.
| Name | Size | Color Options |
| Pulsar Xlite V2 | Medium | Black, White, Red, Pink, Blue |
| Pulsar Xlite V2 Mini | Small | Black, White, Red, Pink, Blue |
Compared To Other Mice
The Pulsar Xlite V2 continues Pulsar's Xlite lineup and makes several small but impactful changes from the previous generation Pulsar Xlite Wireless. The scroll wheel is 1mm higher, making it easier to use. The scroll click also takes less pressure to activate. The battery's position is further towards the back, so the weight distribution is centered, and the mouse is easier to control. Most of the pill-shaped cutouts on either side of the mouse are gone, and there are now solid plastic areas to rest your fingers, making it more comfortable to hold. With these changes, this model improves on the original's formula and offers an equally lightweight and similarly performant alternative to more expensive options like the Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT or the Razer Viper V2 Pro.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best lightweight mice, the best FPS mice, and the best wireless gaming mice.
The Pulsar Xlite V3 is an updated version of the Pulsar Xlite V2. The two mice have the same shape, but the V3 is slightly lighter and has a redesigned body with a solid shell instead of having pill-shaped cutouts like on the V2. The V3 has an updated sensor and supports a higher maximum polling rate of 4000Hz with the purchase of a separate 4K dongle from Pulsar. The two mice are closely matched performance-wise, but the V2 has better sensor latency, and the V3 has better click latency.
The Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT and the Pulsar Xlite V2 are both ultra-lightweight gaming mice with comparable performance. The two mice weigh virtually the same, but the Logitech has a symmetrical shape and a solid plastic body. It also has a somewhat wider CPI range and marginally lower click latency. On the other hand, the Pulsar has a right-handed shape and has pill-shaped cutouts in its body to reduce the overall weight.
The Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro and the Pulsar Xlite V2 are wireless gaming mice with similar right-handed shapes best suited for larger hands using a claw or palm grip. Both mice offer similar, outstanding gaming performance and weigh virtually the same. However, the Pulsar has perforations in its body to lighten its weight, while the Razer has a solid plastic body. Additionally, the Pulsar uses mechanical switches, while the Razer uses optical switches and has a significantly longer battery life.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 is an updated version of the Pulsar Xlite Wireless. These two mice weigh virtually the same and perform nearly identically. They also share the same overall shape and sensor, but the V2 features several improvements. These improvements include better weight distribution, a slightly raised scroll wheel with a scroll click that takes less pressure to activate, and the removal of weight-saving cutouts on both sides to make the mouse more comfortable to hold.
The Pulsar X2 and the Pulsar Xlite V2 are lightweight, wireless gaming mice. The X2 has a somewhat smaller, symmetrical shape. It's also somewhat lighter and has a solid plastic shell. On the other hand, the V2 is bigger and has a right-handed shape. It has better sensor latency performance. However, its body has pill-shaped cutouts on its palm rest and small sections on the sides to help reduce the overall weight of the mouse.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 and Razer Viper Mini are gaming mice that weigh virtually the same but have several major differences. The Pulsar is a wireless model with pill-shaped cutouts in its body and a minimal bottom plate to save weight. It has a right-handed, ergonomic shape and significantly better sensor performance. On the other hand, the Razer is a wired-only model. It has a low-profile, symmetrical shape and is considerably smaller. It also has somewhat lower click latency.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 and the BenQ ZOWIE EC2 are gaming mice with very similar shapes but are otherwise quite different. The Pulsar is a wireless model that's much lighter with significantly better sensor performance and click latency. It also feels sturdier overall. Its body has perforated pill-shaped cutouts and a very minimal baseplate design to reduce overall weight. On the other hand, the BenQ has a solid plastic shell.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 and the Razer Viper V2 Pro are wireless gaming mice that weigh virtually the same. On the one hand, the Razer has a symmetrical shape, somewhat better click latency and sensor performance, and a solid plastic shell without any honeycomb cutouts. On the other hand, the Pulsar has an ergonomic, right-handed shape, and its body has honeycomb cutouts and a minimal bottom plate that contribute to keeping the mouse very lightweight.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 and the GLORIOUS Model D Wireless are gaming mice with very similar right-handed shapes and comparable performance and honeycomb perforations in their body to reduce their overall weight. The Pulsar is lighter and feels more solidly constructed, while the GLORIOUS has more extensive RGB lighting and a dedicated CPI below the scroll wheel, which the Pulsar lacks.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 and the GLORIOUS Model D- Wireless are wireless, lightweight gaming mice with right-handed shapes and cutouts in their bodies to reduce their weight. The Pulsar is marginally lighter and feels a bit sturdier. It also has a somewhat wider CPI range and slightly lower click latency.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 and the GLORIOUS Model D are both lightweight gaming mice with right-handed shapes and cutouts in their bodies to reduce their overall weight. However, the GLORIOUS is a wired-only mouse, and the Pulsar is wireless. The Pulsar is also slightly lighter and feels sturdier overall. It also has a much wider CPI range and slightly lower click latency.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 and the Pwnage StormBreaker are wireless gaming mice with very similar right-handed shapes. The Pulsar has a plastic body with weight-saving cutouts. On the other hand, the Pwnage has a magnesium alloy body with weight-saving cutouts. It's also lighter and supports a higher maximum polling rate of 4000Hz. Additionally, it has an unusual feature that allows you to adjust the sensor position.
The LAMZU THORN and the Pulsar Xlite V2 are lightweight wireless gaming mice with right-handed shapes. The two perform similarly, but the LAMZU weighs less, partly thanks to its smaller size. It also has a solid outer shell without cutouts on the top. On the other hand, the Pulsar is bigger, so it's better suited for users with larger hands. It also has better build quality, with less flex and creaking than the LAMZU.
Test Results
The Pulsar Xlite V2 looks very similar to the previous generation Pulsar Xlite Wireless. It has a matte black plastic body with pill-shaped cutouts on the palm rest and in small sections on the side of the mouse near the front. The mouse's underside is unusual compared to most gaming mice, which typically have a solid plastic baseplate. The mouse's base is comprised of several plastic struts and small panels that hold the PCB and other internals in place but don't cover the entire underside. There's a single RGB LED visible inside the mouse that you can set to display a custom color with a "breathing" or solid color effect. This LED also shows battery status.
If you'd prefer a mouse with a solid shell, check out this mouse's successor, the Pulsar Xlite V3.
Note: The 3D scanning tool has difficulty accurately capturing the bottom of this mouse due to the open design. The resulting scan has slightly blurry textures and doesn't accurately portray the hollow areas visible inside the mouse. That said, the scale and dimensions of this scan are still accurate and aren't affected by this minor visual error. The hollow interior spaces and exact design of the bottom plate are much easier to see in this photograph.
There's a smaller version of this mouse called the Pulsar Xlite V2 Mini. We haven't tested this mouse, but Pulsar advertises its dimensions as follows
- Length: 4.6in / 117mm
- Width: 2.52in / 64mm
- Height: 1.57in / 40mm
The Pulsar Xlite V2's build quality feels excellent. There's no wobbling, creaking, or rattling if you shake the mouse. There's a very small amount of flexibility if you apply pressure to the frame on the underside, but this isn't an issue when using the mouse as intended.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 is extremely lightweight. It's virtually the same weight as the previous generation Pulsar Xlite Wireless and more premium lightweight mice like the Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT, the Razer Viper V2 Pro or the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro.
There's a smaller version of the Pulsar Xlite V2 called the Pulsar Xlite V2 Mini. We haven't tested the smaller version, but Pulsar advertises that it weighs approximately 55g.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 has a very comfortable, right-handed shape. The buttons feel well-placed and can be reached by most hand sizes using any grip type. The previous models in this lineup had pill-shaped cutouts over the entire surface of both sides, which some people found uncomfortable. The areas where you rest your fingers are now solid plastic instead.
There's a smaller version of this mouse called the Pulsar Xlite V2 Mini that's better suited for smaller hands. For an alternative option with a right-handed shape that's a bit smaller with a more pronounced back hump, check out the LAMZU THORN.
Pulsar advertises that the Pulsar Xlite V2 has a battery life of up to 70 hours. The LED light displays different colors to indicate the battery level by default.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 has a very flexible and lightweight paracord-like cable. It glides very smoothly on mousepads and desks. Unfortunately, it retains some kinks from its packaging.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 has superb feet that glide very smoothly on mousepads and desks. There are two sharp corners on the top foot, but this has minimal impact on the gliding experience.
- Pulsar Xlite V2
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- USB receiver
- USB receiver extender
- Pulsar stickers
- User documentation
You can reprogram all of the buttons on the Pulsar Xlite V2 to perform a variety of actions, including keyboard functions, CPI adjustments, media controls, macros, and productivity commands. The left- and right-click buttons use Kailh GM 8.0 switches which are rated for 80 million clicks.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 has excellent click latency. It delivers a very responsive-feeling experience for gaming in any genre.
The Pulsar Xlite V2 has polling rate settings of 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz. You can toggle the lift-off distance between a 1mm or 2mm setting using the customization software. You can also configure up to four CPI settings per profile and switch between them with an assigned CPI button or by simultaneously pressing and holding the left click, scroll click, and front side button. If you're interested in a mouse that shares the same shape but has a higher maximum polling rate of 2000Hz and has a unique feature that allows you to adjust the sensor position, check out the Pwnage StormBreaker.
The mouse wheel on the Pulsar Xlite feels precise, operates quietly, and has decently-defined steps. Compared to the previous version of this mouse, the scroll wheel is raised 1mm, making it easier to reach. The scroll click also requires less pressure to activate.
The software is easy to use, and the interface is clean and modern-looking. In addition to standard CPI settings and lighting adjustments, it allows you to record macros and customize profiles, lift-off distance, and debounce time. If you're interested in a wireless gaming mouse with a very similar shape that doesn't have customization software but instead lets you adjust expected settings on the mouse itself, check out the BenQ ZOWIE EC2-CW.
Recommended Articles
Comments
Pulsar Xlite V2: Main Discussion
Let us know why you want us to review the product here, or encourage others to vote for this product.
- 21010
Just bought this 2 weeks ago. Have to say I love it. I love the clarity. Amazing for outdoors and indoors. I get that JBL and others push the base, but I don’t feel like this sounds hollow at all. Great to have a bluetooth speaker that looks good, it looks way more expensive than it’s price. Everyone I show is impressed. I am looking forward to getting a second to have full stereo.
- 21010
This is fascinating, and this is why I like you guys, you don’t use reviews merely as marketing, stuff like this is refreshing honesty that’s sorely lacking.
- 21010
On the one hand I get it that the Apple Magic Mouse 2 in theory should be the best mouse for a macbook, but given its poor scoring, and how uncomfortable it is, it seems odd to have it at the best in an objective test website. Aesthetics are great except when it comes to using it. I’ve got the both the mac mouse and the Logitech MX Master 3S, and the logitech is handsdown way more comfortable, and you can get it in white to match your macbook. The Apple Magic Mouse 2 is probably the worst mouse I have ever used.
- 43230
What a great article and test update to test the different conditions. It was the results of the Sony XM5 headphones from the previous test method that surprised me since the ANC performance dropped compared to the XM4s by a noticeable amount according to your tests, which I didn’t notice when I did my own test (not as scientific, just wincing how much less I needed to play music to drown out a sound) and used these different scenarios.
This makes a lot more sense now. Thank you for your hard work.
- 21010
I see Sony produced an “extra bass” version of the xb13, despite them producing the xb100 successor?
Any idea of how the “extra bass” version performs?
- 21010
Would like to see how this compares to the UE wonderboom 3 or Marshall willen
- 43230
I wish I had known about this website before buying the apple mouse. I sadly just bought for the sake of it being apple, and the aesthetic. I could not use it for very long, my hand would get cramps.
Bought the logitech master 3S and its a dream.
- 32120
given the price point and size it would be great to see how this stacks up against the Sony SRS-100XB and the jbl clip and flip series. Anker really knows how to make good sounding speakers/headphones at good price points.
- 43230
Thank you for this great rating system. Picked up the MX Master 3S. Most comfortable mouse I have ever used. I love they have a spot for your thumb to rest!
- 21010
Bought these speakers, they are great! I wanted larger speakers to fill a small room, but still portable, I thought the hyperboom was too big to be conveniently portable.
- 21010
These are amazing for the price. Excellent ANC for earbuds, they are very comfortable and stay in my ear compared to the premium Momentum 3 Truly Wireless earbuds. You might not get a “premium” case, but cases are cases, as long as there is fast charging that’s all that really matters out of the case for me. The battery lasts a long time, and there’s lots of great cusomizing, but really I think its the fit that has done everything to make these my number 1.
Also since they aren’t in the “premium” price, I’m less paranoid about dropping and losing them.
- 21010
Hi chrisreid8, You bring up good points. We always appreciate it when Users ask these questions because it allows us to improve our testing and better align ourselves with user expectations. Our Isolation Testing is done in a 6'x3'x3’ isolation box with a speaker inside at an angle to create a balance of direct and diffuse sound. We run a sine sweep using 5 different reseat at three angles (0,90 and 180) with the headphones ANC On and Off between each angle. Our final graph data combines all the passes averaged for ANC Off and ANC On. While we cannot confirm Soundguy’s exact testing setup, they seem to use similar principles to our method but with a slightly different approach. They do not mention if the test is at different angles, and they use a “Shaped Noise” compared to our method, which uses sweeps. When we compare several headphone results with Soundguys, the Overall Attenuation is slightly close to one another. The difference in testing tones could be one of the reasons why some results are slightly different, as some ANC Technology reacts differently depending on the “Testing Source.” We are aware of some limitations to our testing and would like to improve. For example, extending the sweep length impacts the ability to block out more sound depending on the ANC technology, like the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and Airpods Pro Max. That said, we are already in the process of Improving the Headphones testing and have bought the B&K 5128-B and GRAS 45CA-10. For more information, you can read the full article here. Cheers, Dagobiet
Thank you very much for explaining the differences in the testing and how it impacts the results. Sound isolation is definitely a complex science.
- 32120
Strange that noise reduction ranked so low, I haven’t noticed this so far but also haven’t tested them in busy environments.
I’d be curious to know how good the ANC works in the real world compared to the tests, as I want to know if it would be a good idea to upgrade from the sony XM4.
One thing I notice is, that even with people doing scientific measurements using dummy heads and electrical sensors, they com up with varying results. www.soundguys.com also does a scientific measurements and while most of the time they generally match rtings.com, they do get different ANC results.
- 21010
a year ago I didn’t know the rtings website yet. I bought Sony XM4 earbuds and was very disappointed with the ANC, although all the opinions and tests I found on the Internet said that the ANC was great. only after the purchase, I searched the Internet more and found this website, which for me is the most reliable and professional. I think I have at least 20 different headphones and speakers that are reviewed here and 99% of the Rtings reviews coincide with my feelings and opinions. I can only say to the whole team, good job
Rtings.com says the ANC of the XM4 earbuds is very good, except for the low base like car/bus rumbling noise. Of course newer earbuds have come out making the XM4 earbuds out of date.
And I agree about many reviews online, just seem to be corporate marketing, or influencers who just love pushing the latest gadget because the company gave it to them for free. Like I said I’m not casting any accusations, but this soundguys.com website also apparently does ANC testing using mockup electronic heads to provide objective data, they share their charts, so it leads to a bit of confusion. Many times both websites are very similar in general. But I can’t help but wonder if just the slightest change in position of the earbuds/headphones can drastically change the test results, or even the choice of the mockup head and the kind of sensitivity of the measuring equipment.
- 21010
I’ve seen youtube reviewers like “Picky Audio” place this pair of earbuds near the top for noise cancellation performance, just under the sony WF-1000XM5 and apple airpods. Would be great to see some objective testing.
- 21010
Do you have any idea why the noise handling is so poor? It’s come up in other reviews too and I own a QC Ultra since a couple of days and I am considering to return it due to its poor noise handling. It’s better than my 7.5y old QC35, but it seems the NC700 / new QC are way better at it, which seems…. weird. Crazy that the halo-product doesn’t offer halo performance (or at least on par with) at every level with the lower tier product (QC) and the older product (NC700).
maybe a later firmware update will fix it?
- 21010
Many reviewers praised the noise isolation that is on par with the latest Sony XD. That’s why I don’t trust reviewers and influencers, only scientific measurements like we see here. I’m very disappointed in these results from Jabra. A cheap Soundcore earbud has a lot better noise canceling. In the left driver, a 20dB lift at the mid-trebble is unbelievable.
Absolutely true about what you say about influencers and youtube reviewers. I think they end up being biased because they love getting free stuff to review by the brands, and also I think they get caught up in the hype of new releases, instead of being neutral reviewers.
I do think scientific measurements don’t tell you exactly how you will experience the sound, but It’s definitely a good starting point to narrow down options, and discard headsets that are overprice, or perhaps consider cheaper gems you’d never think about because they weren’t the big brands. It’s suprising to see how there’s some cheaper headphones who have ANC almost on par with the top name brands - Sony, Bose, etc.
- 21010
Earfun Air Pro 3, is budget, but good sound, decent ANC, and a good mic. You can hear a mic test of them in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVmXGDMiWqA
- 32120
Looking forward to see how these stack up. Inital reviews on youtube haven’t been very scientific.
- 32120
I bought these, and while my comparisons are not scientific, they are way better than the Sennheiser Momentum TWS 3. Sennheiser earbuds are heavy, and easily fall out. The Bose earbuds ANC was way better, and just overall a smoother user experience. Looking forward to the testing. I will be interested to see how these stack up against the sony WF-1000xm5s. But I really didn’t like the sennheisers for my ear.
- 54340
Definitely looking forward to this. Very few websites I trust for tested reviews.
- 32120
So I purchased both the xm4 and xm5 to test out myself for the noise cancelling. I obviously don’t have equipment for a laboratory setup, but I tried to be as scientific as possible while listening to test the ANC on each. The way I tested it was, on my external speakers I played various ambient conditions - car, train, bus, plane, office, monkey, people talking. With the headphones connected to my phone, I played the same music on both headphones. I started with the volume off, and went one click up at a time of volume until I could no long hear the ambient/intrusive noise being played on the speakers.
My results showed that in all the ambient conditions the XM5s outperformed but to varying degrees, meaning I didn’t have to turn the volume up quiet as loud to drown out the sounds with the XM5s. Here were my results:
Car - 60% improvement over XM4s Train - 50% improvement over XM4s Bus - 60% improvement over XM4s Plane - 17% improvement over XM4s Office - 50% improvement over XM4s Monkey noise - 25% improvement over XM4s People talking loudly - 55% improvement over XM4s
Hope this helps people understanding more real world conditions.