Pulsar FS1 and PD170 Review: A Mouse and Mouse Pad Combo Worth Your Attention

Introduction

Pulsar has been making a strong case in the gaming mouse space, and the FS1 continues that trend. This review covers two products: the FS1 gaming mouse and the PD170 mouse pad, a collaboration between Pulsar and Vaxee. Both products aim to deliver a specific feel for competitive play, and both have some interesting details worth examining.

Pulsar FS1: Shape and Measurements

The FS1 is a symmetrical mouse designed primarily for claw and relaxed claw grips. The box states claw and palm, but the actual shape leans much more toward claw and relaxed claw. Unless you have a small hand, palming this mouse is not realistic. The shape has a significant rear hump that sits right in line with the sensor, giving your knuckles a solid resting point.

Raw measurements show a length of about 123mm. The lower grip point sits near the bottom of the mouse at roughly 57mm, flaring out to about 59mm at the buttons. The rear flares out more dramatically, measuring around 63 to 64mm at the back skates. The hump height comes in at about 36mm behind the sensor, dropping off toward the rear. The front grip area measures around 53mm.

The scroll wheel is a standout feature in terms of design. It sits raised significantly above the main buttons, measuring about 30mm from the bottom of the mouse to the top of the wheel, compared to 23mm at the button surface. This makes the wheel a noticeable speed bump. You will need to lift your finger to move over it, and it is prominent enough that you can almost control the mouse by pressing on it.

The heat signature test shows the primary contact points. With a relaxed claw grip, the hand rests on the rear hump near the knuckles, with the thumb and pinky pinching the flared sides. The center of the mouse stays untouched. For medium to large hands, this is a claw grip mouse through and through. It shares a similar vibe to the Zowie FK family, but with a more pronounced hump that sits higher and feels more substantial.

Pulsar FS1: Weight and Balance

The FS1 weighs in at 58.8 grams, effectively a flat 59 grams. It is well balanced front to back, but the weight feels centered in the middle of the mouse. You notice this central mass right when you pick it up. It is not a bad thing, but it is a distinct characteristic.

For context, the Corsair carbon fiber mouse tested alongside it came in at 56 grams, the DeathAdder V4 Pro at 56 grams, the Logitech Superlight at 61 grams, and a Zowie EC at 58.8 grams. The FS1 sits comfortably in that sub-60 gram range and feels similar to those mice in hand. The Corsair carbon fiber model feels noticeably lighter due to its lack of central mass, while the FS1 and the Logitech both carry that centered weight feel.

Pulsar FS1: Build Quality and Buttons

The overall build quality is solid, consistent with what Pulsar has delivered recently. The shell feels sturdy, and even with firm pressure, there is minimal flex during normal use. The bottom will flex if pressed, but that is not a realistic use case. In fast-paced gameplay, no flex was noticeable on the front, back, or middle of the mouse.

The main buttons are where the build quality takes a small step back. The side buttons have a noticeable rocking effect, especially the back button. Pressing it toward the rear causes it to bow into the shell with a slight mushy feel. The front side button is less pronounced but still shows the same tendency.

The main left and right buttons have a larger than ideal gap between the shell and the button. After the click registers, there is extra play and bounce. This springy, bouncy feel is noticeable in game, especially when spamming buttons quickly. It is not a deal breaker, but it is a refinement opportunity. The scroll wheel, on the other hand, feels excellent. It is snappy, with a light to medium step, and the aluminum construction adds a premium touch.

Pulsar FS1: Performance and Software

Performance is essentially flawless, as expected from modern peripherals. The FS1 uses the XS1 sensor, optical switches, and a link dongle, with up to 160 hours of battery life. In testing, everything ran smoothly with no lag, hiccups, or delays. The mouse supports high polling rates, and running at 4000Hz felt identical to 8000Hz in practice.

The standout feature is the link dongle. It includes a DPI adjustment button and a profile button, with a USB-C connection on the back and rubber grips on the side. This is a genuinely useful addition, since many mice hide DPI controls on the bottom or omit them entirely. Being able to cycle profiles or DPI directly on the dongle is a feature that should become standard.

The software is Pulsar’s web-based application. It is simple, bold, and legible, without the clutter found in many competing apps. You can customize the profile button on the dongle for polling rates, liftoff distance, or profile cycling. The overall experience feels polished and smooth.

Pulsar PD170: Design and Packaging

The PD170 is a collaboration between Pulsar and Vaxee. The XL version measures 480x400mm, and there is also an XLSQ square version at 500x500mm. The 480x400 size feels like the right choice for most users, and the square option seems unnecessary. The mouse pad ships flat in a cardboard box with a protective sleeve, avoiding the rolled-up packaging that can leave creases.

The underside of the pad has a glossy, sticky texture that grips the desk extremely well. Even on a glass desk with a felt cloth layer underneath, the pad does not budge. Picking it up requires peeling it off the surface. The edges are unstitched and roll off smoothly toward the desk, which prevents fraying and feels comfortable against the wrist.

Pulsar PD170: Surface and Feel

The PD170 is a firm mouse pad, confirmed by a durometer reading of 48. Despite the firmness, it is not uncomfortable. The surface does not dig in or give way under pressure, and it stays consistent edge to edge. Whether pressing on the front or back of the mouse, the pad feels uniform across its entire surface.

The surface itself is fast. It gives off glass-like vibes with how smooth it feels, but it is not as fast or uncontrollable as an actual glass pad. Gliding the mouse across it produces a silky feel, and the pad slows down gradually rather than coming to a jolting stop. It is consistent in every direction, which is a strong point. If you are used to a slower control pad, there is a brief adjustment period, but the pad feels natural once you adapt.

The only downside is the color. The dark navy blue finish is not for everyone, and a black option would have been welcome. That said, the PD170 is one of the better mouse pads available, and it is worth trying if you want something between glass and traditional cloth.

Buying Advice

The FS1 is a solid choice for players with small to medium hands who prefer a claw or relaxed claw grip. The shape is well thought out, the weight is competitive, and the link dongle is a genuinely useful innovation. The main buttons could be refined, but they are not a deal breaker. If you prefer palm grip or have larger hands, this shape may feel too small.

The PD170 is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a fast, smooth mouse pad with a firm base. It pairs exceptionally well with lightweight mice and offers a unique feel that sits between glass and cloth. The flat packaging and unstitched edges are thoughtful touches that add to the overall experience.

Conclusion

The Pulsar FS1 and PD170 make a strong pairing. The mouse delivers a distinctive shape, excellent performance, and a clever dongle, while the mouse pad offers a surface quality that stands out in its category. Both products have minor quirks, but the overall package is impressive. If you are in the market for a new mouse and pad, this combo deserves a closer look.