How to Switch Between 4K and 8K Dongle for Gaming
By Official Pulsar Gaming Gears - The Best Gaming Gears In the ... | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to swap your gaming mouse dongle between 4K and 8K polling rates. Step-by-step guide for Pulsar dongles, including pairing, compatibility, and common mistakes.
Quick answer
To switch between a 4K and 8K dongle, you need to pair the new dongle with your compatible Pulsar gaming mouse using the included software or pairing button. The 8K dongle offers higher polling for competitive play, while the 4K dongle suits most gamers with lower power draw.
Why you might want to switch
The 8K dongle boosts polling rate to 8000Hz for smoother tracking and faster response in competitive shooters, but it may slightly reduce battery life. The 4K dongle provides 4000Hz polling, which is still very responsive and more power-efficient for daily use or longer sessions. Switching lets you match performance to your game or preference.
Compatibility check first
Not every Pulsar mouse works with both dongles. The 8K dongle is designed for specific high-performance mice, while the 4K dongle comes in two variants: one for custom Pulsar mice and another for the eS Mouse Series. Verify your mouse model supports the dongle you want to switch to before starting.
Steps to switch your dongle
- 1. Power off your mouse: Turn off your gaming mouse using the power switch. This prevents accidental inputs during the pairing process. Checkpoint: If the mouse is already off, skip this step.
- 2. Remove the old dongle: Unplug the current dongle from your computer. Keep it in a safe place if you plan to switch back later. Common mistake: Forgetting to remove the old dongle can cause connection conflicts.
- 3. Insert the new dongle: Plug the new dongle (4K or 8K) directly into a USB port on your computer. Avoid using a USB hub for best performance.
- 4. Enter pairing mode: Press and hold the pairing button on the dongle (usually a small pinhole button) until the LED starts blinking. Then turn on your mouse and press its pairing button (often on the bottom) until the connection is established. Checkpoint: If pairing fails, restart your computer and try again with the mouse close to the dongle.
- 5. Confirm the connection: Open the Pulsar software (if available) to verify the polling rate and connection status. Move your mouse to check for smooth tracking. Common mistake: Not updating the software can prevent the dongle from being recognized.
Dongle options
- 8K Dongle: The Pulsar 8K wireless dongle boosts polling rate to 8000Hz for enhanced tracking precision and responsiveness. Choosing the 8K dongle gives competitive gamers a tracking advantage in fast-paced games, but it may drain the mouse battery faster.
8K Dongle - 4K Dongle (Custom mouse): This 4K dongle is for compatible Pulsar custom gaming mice and offers a reliable wireless connection with plug-and-play setup. It's a practical choice for most gamers who want low latency without the extra power draw of 8K.
4K Dongle (Custom mouse) - 4K Dongle for eS Mouse Series: This 4K dongle is designed for the Pulsar eS Mouse Series, providing a compact and portable wireless connection. If you own an eS series mouse, this is the correct 4K dongle to use for a stable connection.
