Keyboard Thoughts

[jayctech]

So this is a thought I've had for a while - why do people (namely pc gamers) say a keyboard is better than a controller? We know the mouse is better since there's more freedom of movement in both speed (no waiting for the camera to scroll all the way round) and accuracy, but then we're limited by 4 directional movement control along with 3 fixed intensities (crawl, walk and run) by the keyboard? Wouldn't an analogue stick be better for movement?

 

 

What are other people's thoughts on this?

[Bigcbark]

but a mouse is superior for camera movement. and you can move in 8 directions. really, you dont particularly need more than 8 directions for movement.

edit: how are we limited (in terms of intensity) more than a controller? a controller has less buttons, and if anything that would be limited by intensity

[Stomplar]

Buttons don't mean anything when most people have 10 fingers.

[Kyuubixchidori]

its merely if you need analog for more then camera. for driving, I love my xbox 360 controller to death because of the analog control. for anything else, keyboard. more buttons, and mainly, the mouse is way more accurate and predictable for camera movements. 

[babbaj]

 but then we're limited by 4 directional movement control along with 3 fixed intensities (crawl, walk and run) by the keyboard?

if you think this is a problem you have never used a keyboard/mouse

[Sharkyx1]

I really wish i could have analog movement in games while still using mouse to aim.

[jayctech]

but a mouse is superior for camera movement. and you can move in 8 directions. really, you dont particularly need more than 8 directions for movement.

edit: how are we limited (in terms of intensity) more than a controller? a controller has less buttons, and if anything that would be limited by intensity

I'm not doubting the mouse. I explicitly acknowledge the mouse and agree with it in the OP.

As for the 8 movements, sure. But then an analogue stick gets the job done on the controller too but a mouse provides a more realistic experience. Similarly 360 degree movement is more accurate than 8 directions. As for intensity, I meant the controller registers degrees in X and Y whereas a keyboard only has 2 outputs in each direction - on or off.

[jayctech]

Buttons don't mean anything when most people have 10 fingers.

What?

[jayctech]

if you think this is a problem you have never used a keyboard/mouse

An analogue stick for camera control isn't a problem either, but a mouse is still better. Similarly how is an analogue stick not more accurate for movement vs 4 directional inputs which you can combine for 8? Don't know about you but irl I can move in more than 8 directions and I don't always walk at a set speed.

[LogicalDrm]

Most games support strafing. Meaning that pressing two keys at the same time does same as using stick. I feel like in competive FPS keys provide more pixel perfect movement than what stick would. I'd still use it in sports, racing, flying and fighting games instead. Besides movement keys, I use 17 other keys around wasd. One hand on controller it would be limited to 2.

[DeViLzzz]

Sorry but pressing in an analog stick and then moving in the direction you need to go to run is way more difficult and works way less properly than what we use on PC.  Even my son says this and he is comfortable with console gaming and has no issues with dual analog sticks and a million buttons and combos of them all.

[jayctech]

Most games support strafing. Meaning that pressing two keys at the same time does same as using stick. I feel like in competive FPS keys provide more pixel perfect movement than what stick would. I'd still use it in sports, racing, flying and fighting games instead. Besides movement keys, I use 17 other keys around wasd. One hand on controller it would be limited to 2.

I can understand the other keys around wasd for more options, I was just referring to movement itself. I also think the reason why analogue sticks are behind is because despite them outputting 360 degree movement, the games only interpret 8 direction and will "round" degrees to the nearest direction. (eg, 100 degree from the X gets rounded to 90 so directly up).

[jayctech]

Sorry but pressing in an analog stick and then moving in the direction you need to go to run is way more difficult and works way less properly than what we use on PC.  Even my son says this and he is comfortable with console gaming and has no issues with dual analog sticks and a million buttons and combos of them all.

By pressing in and moving are you referring to the button activation when an analog stick is press in? If so, then yes I agree. Think of it this way - if there was a button you could easily press with say.. Your third finger on the handle to run and only used the analogue stick for movement, would your opinion stay the same? If so, why?

[babbaj]

An analogue stick for camera control isn't a problem either

It'a actually a huge problem

[Thony]

Mouse and controler (as it is designed in this age) makes no sense. Hands positioning is important.

Analog stick only works because u have buttons on the back of the controller.

U could play with Joyistick if thats what u trying to ask.

Keyboard is dominant because of ingame chat if voice is not an option and people got used to it and it feels natural.

Some people used to keyboard and mouse or controler would find hand co-ordination very difficukt with analog stick + mouse.

[leelaa14]

To put it this way..i was a console gamer all my life, I'm 24, moved from ps4 to pc this year...not a single problem using a keyboard and mouse. I use a logitech g502 and an ancient dell dome key keyboard from years ago. Even with this crappy keyboard i haven't had a moment were i thought damn..wish i had a controller again.

[LogicalDrm]

The mice are getting analog sticks as another control method already. But I don't think makers of gaming centered WASDs are into trhem yet. I don't think you could benefit that much if one of fingers is only for controlling stick and others would be pressing keys. So another mouse hand wouldn't do it. But maybe something like joystick design with extra keys for fingers.

[tinytom113]

IMHO its just a case of working with what you have. Forward backward strafe and diagonals is all you really need. Most of us just hold W, point with the mouse and tap A or D now and then. I can't see how that is any different ho pushing the thumb stick full forward and maybe swing it left or right a bit. Really It's the mouse vs right thumb stick for looking around that makes the difference. Controllers are much better for driving for driving if you cant afford a wheel.