KB + M vs Controller

[sactoking]

I know the principle of this has been covered many times and I'm not looking to rehash those discussions. I am looking for practical advice.

My son and I enjoy playing PvZ Garden Warfare, which I have on my PC through Origin. He's young, so KB+M can be difficult for him. I just suck, I have terrible aim and even with the mouse sensitivity turned to max I can't seem to turn fast enough for opponents that bounce around me.

Given this, I'm thinking a XB1 controller would be easier for him. Would it help me too? Since controller users get aim assist and I suck at aiming anyway, should I make the switch in the hopes that aim assist more than compensates for anything I lose from my already terrible aiming skills?

 

[bystander36]

Do you play on a couch or at a desk? I'd just teach him to use a mouse and keyboard if you play at a desk, and a controller for the couch. The mouse gives a more connected feeling to your avatars movements, which is why I prefer it. As far as your mouse control goes, a lot of gaming mice these days, support aiming buttons, which allow you to move the mouse fast, then press the button to get fine tune movements to aim.

On the other hand, more and more dev's are giving controllers special treatment, and do not give the Mouse and keyboard the same treatment. Learning to use a controller isn't a bad idea either.

 

[PrincessFrosty]

It's the classic problem you'll get throughout life. Either take the easy route and get immediate gains but have a low skill ceiling.

Or

Take the hard route that gives less short term rewards, but has a higher skill ceiling, therefore practice over the long term results in being better.

The advice should always be the same, take the hit with mouse and keyboard, whatever frustrations that brings in learning to use a better control system, will be outdone in the long run by being significantly better than your peers.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I've gotten to the point where I'd rather be comfortable and play on a big screen with an Xbox One controller on my PC than hunch over a desk on a 27" monitor with a mouse and KB.

 

[sweenish]

Play with what you prefer. It's not a big issue.

 

[DeadFred]

I've gotten to the point where I'd rather be comfortable and play on a big screen with an Xbox One controller on my PC than hunch over a desk on a 27" monitor with a mouse and KB.

Sounds like you need too work on your PC's setup ergonomics.

Different strokes for different folks I guess, since I'm more comfortable at my desk rather than being slumped or reclined on a couch.

Im so used to a KB/M that I'd rather take a beating than try to play anything other than platformers with a controller.

 

[ControlD]

I find that one of these plus a mouse is a good compromise. I never quite got comfortable using a keyboard while gaming either. Could be because I never really learned how to type.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Sounds like you need too work on your PC's setup ergonomics.

Different strokes for different folks I guess, since I'm more comfortable at my desk rather than being slumped or reclined on a couch.

Im so used to a KB/M that I'd rather take a beating than try to play anything other than platformers with a controller.

Ergonomics on a desk compared to a leather recliner? You must be joking.

That isn't even mentioning the difference in sound. Running HDMI to my home theater set up is much preferred to even the Klipsch ProMedia I have sitting unused. The input device is just one part of it. It doesn't help that I need a new mouse and most of the gaming centric ones are more expensive than an xbox controller.

 

[RockinZ28]

I just suck, I have terrible aim and even with the mouse sensitivity turned to max I can't seem to turn fast enough for opponents that bounce around me.

Sounds like you're doing it wrong. You need a large surface to move the mouse around, and be able to move your arm to track targets.

Most games the lowest sensitivity option is still not enough, and I use the mouse software to further decrease sens. Gives me much better precision, and with a large surface never had a problem keeping up with tracking, even in q3 engine games that are way faster than today's controller friendly fps.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Play with what you prefer. It's not a big issue.

this.

(though really, you'll want to be part of the mechanical keyboard PC master race )

 

[DeadFred]

Ergonomics on a desk compared to a leather recliner? You must be joking.

That isn't even mentioning the difference in sound. Running HDMI to my home theater set up is much preferred to even the Klipsch ProMedia I have sitting unused. The input device is just one part of it. It doesn't help that I need a new mouse and most of the gaming centric ones are more expensive than an xbox controller.

Like I said different strokes for different folks. I prefer to be supported in my Raynor Ergohuman office chair while I pwn noobs who use controllers.

But seriously, everyone should take sweenish's advice and use whatever they like.

 

[DigDog]

even with the mouse sensitivity turned to max I can't seem to turn fast enough for opponents that bounce around me.

PICNIC

get rid of that teeny doll-sized mousemat and get a proper one, like this

i'm not trying to offend you, but from what you typed, it is clear you just don't know how to mouse.

i play with extra-low sensitivity and have no trouble reaching any point in my 180°, 3D space.

practice makes perfect.

 

[Denithor]

Wow. Just wow.

That's not a mousepad. THIS is a mousepad!

LOL

 

[b-mac]

I think it's advantageous to have both K+M and a controller of your preference. Lets face it, as consoles continue to grow developers will probably lean towards a controller scheme for game controls. Obviously there are plenty of games that work fine on K+M like RTS, etc but I do prefer my 360 controller in same games. I like using it in Witcher 3, TellTale Games and some others. Obviously some of those control just fine with K+M but honestly at around $30-40 picking up a controller to see for yourself is a good idea.

 

[DigDog]

some games are meant to be played on controlers; i can think of Dishonored, the Tekken series, Pro Evolution Soccer, most racing games .. in taht case, the controller is a better option.

 

[bystander36]

Dishonored still plays very well with a mouse, and I'd never play it on a controller, but Tekken/Street Fighter styles games, platformers, I could see Soccer are definitely controller friendly. Racing games are better on a controller, but ultimately a driving wheel and peddles is the way to play those.

 

[poofyhairguy]

It's the classic problem you'll get throughout life. Either take the easy route and get immediate gains but have a low skill ceiling.

Or

Take the hard route that gives less short term rewards, but has a higher skill ceiling, therefore practice over the long term results in being better.

Well when you put it like that....

I need to buy a better controller.

 

[rh71]

I PvZ daily with mouse and keyboard and when my 7yos want to play I just hook up the controller (Xbox type) for them... it's so much simpler for them. With the keyboard, they can't even reach certain keys with just their left movement hand without completely lifting it away... not ideal for small hands at all.

I tried a controller myself and I absolutely hate it. You can't possibly spin around with any speed which is what you need for 1v1 close-quarter combat. Kids don't care about that though - they're just happy to have some control.

 

[Subyman]

Like I said different strokes for different folks. I prefer to be supported in my Raynor Ergohuman office chair while I pwn noobs who use controllers.

But seriously, everyone should take sweenish's advice and use whatever they like.

I can sit in my Steelcase Leap for hours and hours. Both set ups have their pros and cons. I do both and see no reason to "pick a side."

For me it completely depends on the game. Some games need more granularity in the controls and that is where KB/M is best. Games that require a lot of skill bars, camera control, menus, and such are much better on KB/M. Games that are more immersive are, I find, better on a controller. I like Witcher 3 with a controller, but I'll play Diablo 3 with a KB/M. You will never see me play a racing game with a KB/M.

 

[bystander36]

I can sit in my Steelcase Leap for hours and hours. Both set ups have their pros and cons. I do both and see no reason to "pick a side."

For me it completely depends on the game. Some games need more granularity in the controls and that is where KB/M is best. Games that require a lot of skill bars, camera control, menus, and such are much better on KB/M. Games that are more immersive are, I find, better on a controller. I like Witcher 3 with a controller, but I'll play Diablo 3 with a KB/M. You will never see me play a racing game with a KB/M.

I agree with most this, but the lots of skill bars and menus seems far more suited to K&M. You don't have to scroll through lists if you have a mouse. Skyrim is a good example of what they had to resort to for controllers. Where as Dragon Age: Origins was designed for a mouse and made far more sense.

 

[Raduque]

I wish keyboard had as precise movement as analog thumbsticks do. I play with both, though.

Anything first person or point-n-click gets the K/M, and 3rd person gets the X1 controller.

All that "#masterrace" bullshit needs to die a slow, painful and bloody death.

 

[Zodiark1593]

Depends on the game. Shooters and RTS are KB\M. Struggling with a controller in a fast-paced shooter is not a lot of fun.

I use a controller for most RPGs and other games like Tomb Raider. Unlike a KB/M, I can play a game from bed with the controller under the covers.

 

[poofyhairguy]

All that "#masterrace" bullshit needs to die a slow, painful and bloody death.

2016 Gamer Ladder

-Keyboard and Mouse PC Gamer (Master Race)
-Gamepad PC Gamer (Misguided Master Race)
-PS4 Gamer (peasant)
-Xbox One Gamer (filthy peasant)
-PS3/Xbox 360 Gamer (poor peasant)
-Xbox One Uses Kinect Gamer (leper)
-Wii U Gamer (infant)
-Mobile Gamer (woman)

 

[JamesV]

Anything competitive like a shooter needs a KB/M setup. I played Halo for years with friends on the Xbox, and Goldeneye/etc for years before that. It's only when I play a PC game that isn't on a console do I understand; the greatest console player in the world on a controller is little more than a guy I kill every time they appear on my screen using a KB/M.

A controller is great for games designed for them like Batman whatever, but my % to hit on console Battlefields maybe hit 21%, while on the KB/M PC versions I was topping 40% easily. Did I get better, or was it the superior tools I was using?

Ask any carpenter or mechanic; it's ALWAYS the tools that make the difference.

 

[alcoholbob]

Xbox One Elite Controller.