be quiet! IO Center vs Pulsar Fusion
be quiet! IO Center
bequiet.com
Pulsar Fusion
pulsar.ggSide by side
| Figure | be quiet! IO Center | Pulsar Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software | 8.9 (#3) | 7.6 (#69) |
| Spec score · Gaming Peripheral Software | 8.9 (#2) | 7.3 (#24) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Macros | The software supports recording and editing macros that combine keyboard and mouse actions. | The Windows software can record advanced macros and assign them to mouse buttons. |
| Macro support | Yes | Yes |
| Profiles | Users can create profiles, connect optimized profiles to games, and switch between profiles. | The Windows software supports multiple settings profiles and exporting or importing settings files. |
| Purpose | IO Center lets users adjust RGB lighting, fine-tune device settings, and configure keybindings. | Pulsar describes its wireless mouse software as a tool for customizing Pulsar wireless gaming mice. |
| Support | The manufacturer’s contact page provides a dedicated topic for software issues and directs users to FAQs or direct contact. | Pulsar Support provides a submit-a-ticket option for users with further questions. |
Plans
In their own words
be quiet! IO Center
be quiet! IO Center configures supported be quiet! keyboards, mice, and coolers. It lets users customize individual LEDs or select preset RGB effects, set keybindings, record macros, and manage profiles. Keys can be assigned functions such as media controls, mouse buttons, Windows tools, files, and applications; macros can include editable delays and action order. Profiles can be switched manually, launched when an application runs, or imported and exported as files. For supported cooler screens, users can select preset or uploaded images and videos, or browse GIPHY for animations and memes. Cooling controls include presets and PID control, which continues working after IO Center closes. Custom keyboard lighting effects require the software to remain running in the background. The Windows desktop app is compatible with Windows 11 Dynamic Lighting. IO Center Web works on Windows, macOS, and Linux in a Chromium-based browser without an account. Settings can be saved to keyboard onboard memory. The software is free.
Pulsar Fusion
Pulsar Fusion is software for configuring compatible Pulsar gaming mice. The Windows application supports multiple settings profiles, import and export of settings files, up to three DPI profiles, and advanced macros assigned to mouse buttons. Wireless Fusion supports Pulsar wireless mice except the eS Series; separate Fusion2 software covers wired Pulsar mice released after September 2024. Newer compatible models can use Pulsar web software in a browser, while the Windows application does not work on macOS. Scroll-wheel movement in macros requires the compatible web driver. Using 4K or 8K polling requires both a compatible mouse and the corresponding receiver or dongle. Turbo Mode is beta-available for CrazyLight, TenZ and X2F models; it holds the sensor at a 20,000 FPS scanning rate and increases battery demand. The download page lists separate Fusion and Fusion2 software, and pairing a 4K dongle uses the 4K Wireless Pairing tool. Some models receive firmware updates within the software. Pulsar lists the software as free.