Keyboard+Mouse or Controller?

I have heard many people who normally play PC games scoff at others who play FPS with a controller. The arguement is that a keyboard + mouse combo is more precise than the controller (specifically Xbox 360 controller). Which do you prefer an why?

There is no argument over which is more precise, mouse/kb will win every time. I laugh when I see videos of "top" teams and players in tournaments for console games, a pc noob would own them with a mouse. BeavermanA

Could you explain how the mouse/kb combo is more precise?

[QUOTE="BeavermanA"]There is no argument over which is more precise, mouse/kb will win every time. I laugh when I see videos of "top" teams and players in tournaments for console games, a pc noob would own them with a mouse. demonic_85

Could you explain how the mouse/kb combo is more precise?

KHAndAnime

Yes, that would explain the mouse, but what about the keyboard? That is the part I have the hardest time believing could be better. You use 4 keys to move in 4 different directions. An analog stick can move in any direction, so how is the keyboard more accurate?

[QUOTE="BeavermanA"]There is no argument over which is more precise, mouse/kb will win every time. I laugh when I see videos of "top" teams and players in tournaments for console games, a pc noob would own them with a mouse. demonic_85

Could you explain how the mouse/kb combo is more precise?

Stuff like this video wouldn't be possible with a controller and i don't see how anyone can argue that an input method that uses aim-assist in games can be possibly be more precise then one that relays entierly on your ability to aim without the game helping you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzsyOu3iMsk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaVCD_8pSE4&feature=related

[QUOTE="KHAndAnime"]

A mouse lets you put your crosshair directly over the enemy's head and click it. With a thumbstick, you have to hold it in the direction of the enemy's head (limiting you to the sensitivity of the controller) and then you have to let go when it's over the enemy's head. It's almost easier to move around with the left thumbstick and line up your shot by moving your body as opposed to your crosshair (which is what people do in games like Halo). Online, Keyboard and Mice players don't need autoaim. Console players *need* auto aim to be able to hit other players. demonic_85

Yes, that would explain the mouse, but what about the keyboard? That is the part I have the hardest time believing could be better. You use 4 keys to move in 4 different directions. An analog stick can move in any direction, so how is the keyboard more accurate?

I wrote a post a while back in system wars explianing the advantages of the keyboard as far as fps is corncerned.

Its better for fsp/tps surprisingly i had always thought analog would provide better movement but in fps games after playing them with controller i found keyboard is better for the following reasons. Since you can multitask better for example on a controller to jump or change a weapon you have to take your thumb off the analog stick to do these things with keyboard and mouse you can do them simultaneously while continuing to move and shoot since once hand controls movement and the other shooting. I also find it better for movement since on a controller when you want to chance directions you have to move that analog it all the way to the left or right with the keyboard you have 3 fingers on movement so changes in directions are much faster. I also feel the "advantage" of being able to move at different speeds depending on how far you tilt the analog is utterly useless in a fps. The keyboard constant speed and absolute directional movement is better in fps I fell I can control better and move more accurately in a shooter like in l4d2 when fighting a tank and your running and shooting backward with a controller i'll get stuck on stuff and can't quite move where i want to. I think the fact that i can't see my entire character is why i feel this way the second you pull the camera far back in third person like devil may cry 4 or prince of persia analog is defiantly better for movement since i can see the entire character and the greater range of motion becomes a welcome advantage and the camrea is fixed so only the analog matters in movement.

Also going to add that movement is not entirely based on keyboard you move based on where your facing so the faster and more precise mouse plays a role in movement go play a game like mirrors edge a game which revoles around movement with mouse/keyboard and then a 360 controller and you will see the diffrence.

[QUOTE="KHAndAnime"]

demonic_85

Yes, that would explain the mouse, but what about the keyboard? That is the part I have the hardest time believing could be better. You use 4 keys to move in 4 different directions. An analog stick can move in any direction, so how is the keyboard more accurate?

WSAD my friend. Far superior to an analog stick. Don't you realize most games on the SNES and such use a keypad for all of their games? You don't need precision when simply moving around. All you need are 8 directions. When the mouse is leading around the movement on keyboard, it makes for perfectly capable movement. In fact, there's some crazy movements you can do on a keyboard that aren't even possible on a controller.KHAndAnime

What the others said, basically. For FPS and other shooting-based games there is no question that kb+m is far superior. The mouse allows for about as much precision as you could possibly get in a video game, and precision is the essential element of FPS. The variety in movement that comes with an analog stick is virtually useless in shooters, as ideally you'll always want to run as fast as the game allows. The multitasking element named by another poster is important as well.

But in games where variety in motion actually matters (PoP-like games, racing games, etc.), I prefer a controller.

[QUOTE="KHAndAnime"]WSAD my friend. Far superior to an analog stick. Don't you realize most games on the SNES and such use a keypad for all of their games? You don't need precision when simply moving around. All you need are 8 directions. When the mouse is leading around the movement on keyboard, it makes for perfectly capable movement. In fact, there's some crazy movements you can do on a keyboard that aren't even possible on a controller.kdawg88

Strafe-jumping is possible on a controller, for instance if you map the jump button to the L3 button (i.e. pressing the left analog stick). It's not ideal, though.

What the others said, basically. For FPS and other shooting-based games there is no question that kb+m is far superior. The mouse allows for about as much precision as you could possibly get in a video game, and precision is the essential element of FPS. The variety in movement that comes with an analog stick is virtually useless in shooters, as ideally you'll always want to run as fast as the game allows. The multitasking element named by another poster is important as well.

But in games where variety in motion actually matters (PoP-like games, racing games, etc.), I prefer a controller.

[QUOTE="kdawg88"][QUOTE="KHAndAnime"]WSAD my friend. Far superior to an analog stick. Don't you realize most games on the SNES and such use a keypad for all of their games? You don't need precision when simply moving around. All you need are 8 directions. When the mouse is leading around the movement on keyboard, it makes for perfectly capable movement. In fact, there's some crazy movements you can do on a keyboard that aren't even possible on a controller.DraugenCP

Strafe-jumping is possible on a controller, for instance if you map the jump button to the L3 button (i.e. pressing the left analog stick). It's not ideal, though.

Because you can aim, shoot (primary and secondary), sprint, move and jump without moving any of your fingers.

I play MP Halo on my 360 from time to time and while my reaction speed and alertness stays the same having to use the controller is like having a middle man between you and the game... you have to tell the controller what you want to do in the game where as if you're using a mouse it's like having your own hand in the game, it does exactly what you want it to do.

The precision of a mouse and keyboard trump a controller every time and is why the Did Microsoft Kill Xbox-Windows Cross-Platform Play? came about.

[QUOTE="KHAndAnime"]

demonic_85

Yes, that would explain the mouse, but what about the keyboard? That is the part I have the hardest time believing could be better. You use 4 keys to move in 4 different directions. An analog stick can move in any direction, so how is the keyboard more accurate?

[QUOTE="BeavermanA"]There is no argument over which is more precise, mouse/kb will win every time. I laugh when I see videos of "top" teams and players in tournaments for console games, a pc noob would own them with a mouse. demonic_85

Could you explain how the mouse/kb combo is more precise?

I have heard many people who normally play PC games scoff at others who play FPS with a controller. The arguement is that a keyboard + mouse combo is more precise than the controller (specifically Xbox 360 controller). Which do you prefer an why?

demonic_85

Yes, that would explain the mouse, but what about the keyboard? That is the part I have the hardest time believing could be better. You use 4 keys to move in 4 different directions. An analog stick can move in any direction, so how is the keyboard more accurate?

demonic_85

With a keyboard offering more buttons, one can do more. There are at least 20 buttons within finger reach that can be mapped to do different things besides movement. Actions like reloading, stance changes, controlling team members, giving commands etc. all can be done. Adding multiple keys opens up the ability to do much more (there are not enough buttons on a keyboard or any flight controller to map all the commands for Flight Simulator even where there are some commands that need 3 keys to be pressed at once).

no man, you dont use 4 keys to move in 4 directions, generally you just hold w to move using the mouse to turn as precise as you want, with a and d used to strafe while doing it. its much more precise movement with a keyboard than a springy analog stick.IZoMBiEI

Yeah that makes sense, I just cant wrap my head around actually doing that while playing a FPS. I have no trouble in other kinds of games using a keyboard and mouse. Like it would be impossible to use a controller for RTS IMO.

I am a firm believer of keyboard & mouse over any controller. A mouse is specifically designed to point at small icons on screens, whilst controllers only ever need to navigate large menus. The greater number of keys and the more delicate sensitivity can allow for greater precision. So few cross-compatible games exists partially on account of the fact of theability gap that would be apparent between PC & console players.

[QUOTE="demonic_85"]

[QUOTE="BeavermanA"]There is no argument over which is more precise, mouse/kb will win every time. I laugh when I see videos of "top" teams and players in tournaments for console games, a pc noob would own them with a mouse. KHAndAnime

Could you explain how the mouse/kb combo is more precise?

Mouse/kb are also digital versus a controller, which partially uses analog inputs...digital has a quicker response time than does analog. I usually use mouse/kb, but I admit that some games are just more fun with a controller; like racing games, for example.

I find gamepads/controllers best for sports games and 3rd-person games (includes fighting games for those who like them). Arcade games too. Keyboard and mouse go great with FPS, RTS, turn-based strategy, adventure. Racing/driving games I prefer with driving wheels/pedals. Flight sims of course go great with joysticks/flight yokes/rudder pedals.

That's been my way since I started PC gaming. I'm not about to change.

[QUOTE="KHAndAnime"]

A mouse lets you put your crosshair directly over the enemy's head and click it. With a thumbstick, you have to hold it in the direction of the enemy's head (limiting you to the sensitivity of the controller) and then you have to let go when it's over the enemy's head. It's almost easier to move around with the left thumbstick and line up your shot by moving your body as opposed to your crosshair (which is what people do in games like Halo). Online, Keyboard and Mice players don't need autoaim. Console players *need* auto aim to be able to hit other players. demonic_85

Yes, that would explain the mouse, but what about the keyboard? That is the part I have the hardest time believing could be better. You use 4 keys to move in 4 different directions. An analog stick can move in any direction, so how is the keyboard more accurate?

Controllers suck, you NEED auto-aim just to hit something. They are very inaccurate. Joystiqs suck for aim.

A basic mouse is MUCH more accurate, and a gaming one is a hell of a lot more accurate then that.

Keyboard can more in 8 directions not 4. PLus keyboards have MANY keys, a controller can't support many of the commands PC exclusives have. Like lean and what not.

[QUOTE="KHAndAnime"]

demonic_85

Yes, that would explain the mouse, but what about the keyboard? That is the part I have the hardest time believing could be better. You use 4 keys to move in 4 different directions. An analog stick can move in any direction, so how is the keyboard more accurate?

Well i was until recently a console only gamer, owning a 360, PS3 and Wii, but now that i upgraded my rig i'm really getting into PC gaming and thus also adapting to mouse/keyboard controls.

In Fallout 3 i noticed such an increase in smoothness in the gunplay with m/k, its so easy to aim with it.

But i still prefer to play some games with the controller, GTA 4 for example i can drive so much better with the controller.

So for me its FPS/Strategy games mouse/keyboard all the way.

TPS/Racing/Sandbox games: Controller