Pulsing toys deliver thumps or waves rather than a flat buzz. The motor or air driver fires in beats you can count. On the clitoris that can feel like a tongue. Internally it can feel like a slow heartbeat against a G-spot or prostate.

Pattern lists get gimmicky. Two or three good pulses beat twelve chaotic ones. Independent control of strength and tempo is the feature to look for. A toy that only offers named programs you cannot edit will annoy you by week two.

Because the sensation comes in hits, some people last longer before going numb. Others find the gap between pulses distracting. Try the toy still, then try it with motion. Pulse plus thrust is a different animal than pulse alone.

Settings

• Start with a slow pulse at low power.
• If the toy also vibrates, try pulse without buzz first so you can tell them apart.
• Watch battery; pulse programs can be greedy.
• Keep firmware updated if patterns live in an app.