Pulsar X2F Skates: Crystal Skates Universal Dots (Glass) Review
Crystal Skates Universal Dots mounted on Pulsar X2F
The Pulsar X2F is one of the most interesting fingertip mice right now: a Pulsar LAB design (model PX2F101) that chops off the back of the shell, weighs around 38 g and runs the XS-1 sensor with 8K polling. I've been using mine with our Crystal Skates Universal Dots, and honestly it's the best-quality skate setup I've had so far. Here's why, and how to put them on.
Short answer: best skates for the Pulsar X2F
- My pick: Crystal Skates Universal Dots (glass) — the smoothest, most consistent glide I've had on the X2F.
- Budget / PTFE alternative: Glacier Skates Universal Dots — 100% PTFE, 40 dots, a lot of glide for the money.
- Why dots: the X2F is small and very light, and dots let you place contact points exactly where you want them on a compact base.
Why glass dots on the X2F
Better glide, less "stuck" on cloth
The biggest difference I noticed: the mouse doesn't sit "stuck" in a cloth pad the way it does on soft PTFE. Glass dots ride on top of the weave, so the first bit of movement starts cleaner and the glide stays even through the whole swipe. On a 38 g mouse that's held only with your fingertips, that initial movement matters a lot — micro-adjustments feel lighter and more precise.
Thin and low profile
The glass is thin, so the X2F doesn't get raised up noticeably and your sensor height stays close to how Pulsar designed it. If you play on a low LOD setting (the X2F lets you go down to 0.7 mm), that matters.
Build quality and looks
This is the best-quality product we've made so far. Each dot is precision glass with a clean, rounded edge, and the yellow (or black) dots with the small 3% logo in the centre just look really good on the X2F's underside — you can see it in the photo at the top.
No stock skates to peel off
A nice detail with the X2F: Pulsar includes three sets of skates in the box, but they're not installed from the factory. So there's nothing to peel and no leftover adhesive — you can go straight to Crystal Dots on a clean base. The underside also has printed guide marks, which makes placing dots easy.
How to install Crystal Dots on the Pulsar X2F
- Wipe the underside with an alcohol wipe and let it dry fully.
- Plan your layout before you peel anything. On the X2F I'd start with one dot in each corner and use the bigger 8.0 mm dots at the front, where your fingers push down the most.
- Peel a dot by its edge, line it up and press it on. Avoid touching the adhesive.
- Press each dot firmly for 10–20 seconds, then give the adhesive a little while to set before you play.
- Check that the mouse sits flat and doesn't rock on a hard surface. If it does, adjust before the adhesive fully cures.
Full step-by-step with video: how to install mouse skates.
Crystal (glass) vs Glacier (PTFE) dots on the X2F
- Crystal Skates Universal Dots: glass, 16 dots (8x 6.5 mm + 8x 8.0 mm). Fastest, smoothest and most consistent, and they hold that feel for a long time. My main pick for cloth pads.
- Glacier Skates Universal Dots: 100% PTFE, 40 dots (20 big + 20 small). Classic PTFE feel, a bit more "bite" and stopping power, and enough dots for several mice or experiments.
Heads up: glass dots and full-size PTFE aren't for glass mousepads — read PTFE vs glass skates and best skates for glass mousepads before you pair them.
FAQ
Does the Pulsar X2F come with skates installed?
No. It ships with three types of skates in the box, but none are installed — you choose what to put on. That makes it a perfect mouse to go straight to aftermarket dots.
Do universal dots fit the Pulsar X2F?
Yes. Universal dots fit any mouse, and the X2F's compact flat base is ideal for dots. A pack of Crystal Dots is enough for one full X2F setup with spare dots.
Are glass skates worth it on a fingertip mouse?
For me, yes. Less static friction and a cleaner start to every movement is exactly what fingertip grip needs.
