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Controller vs. mouse and keyboard: which is better for gaming?

On laptops, and increasingly gaming consoles, you can choose between using controllers or a mouse and keyboard to play. Gamers often have strong opinions about which option is best, but what’s the real answer?

Controller vs. gaming mouse and keyboard

The driver versus mouse and keyboard debate has been going on for decades. While they provide greater accuracy and faster reaction times, many gamers prefer the controller for its comfort and ease of use during long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice of method is individual and often comes down to what you used first and what you grew up with. However, the type of game also matters. For example, first-person shooters (FPS) require precise aiming and high speed, while racing games are more fun if tactical feedback is felt through the controller.

console controller

A console game controller is an input device used in video games or entertainment systems. Over the years, various types of controls have been developed, such as joysticks, pads, and steering wheels. Modern game consoles have very complex controls. The PlayStation has the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers, while Microsoft offers the Xbox Wireless.

The controllers consist of a set of face buttons, pressure-sensitive triggers, and dual joysticks used for movement. Depending on the manufacturer, they may also have touch pads, directional controls, backlighting, vibration effects, and more.

desktop drivers

Desktops are usually controlled with a mouse and keyboard, although gamers usually play by connecting their controller to a computer. There is a wide variety of gaming mice and keyboards. The most important factors to consider are latency (keyboard responsiveness), switch types (feel when the key is pressed and the noise it makes), and overall comfort and feel. From there, you can decide if you need extra features like RGB lighting, media controllers, or software customization options to help make your keyboard perfect for you. Most gamers look for mechanical keyboards as they usually offer lower latency, more features, and better build quality.

Differences Between Gaming Keyboard and Mouse and Controllers

The best thing about a gaming mouse is its speed and accuracy. The analog sticks on the controller are much slower in comparison and have limited range of motion and sensitivity, so with a controller the camera takes longer to get to where you want to aim. With the mouse, you can instantly and accurately move the target reticle. Console versions of games often make up for the lack of speed and aim accuracy by providing varying levels of aim assist.

The main disadvantage of a mouse for pointing and moving the camera is that you need a flat surface to use it, which usually means you have to sit at a desk. Instead, controls can be conveniently operated from the couch.

The advantage of keyboards is that they have up to 108 buttons literally under your fingertips, while the controller has very few of them: on the sides and front. Also, to use the face buttons, you need to lift your thumb off the analog stick, which limits the number of simultaneous actions that can be performed.

One of the disadvantages of gaming keyboards is that they are not analog so they don’t allow for more subtle movements. With the controller, you can make the character move or walk at different speeds depending on how hard you press it.

“The most obvious advantages of a controller over a mouse and keyboard are simplicity and convenience. The controls are designed to be intuitive and easy to use. In addition, developers of console games are often forced to create control schemes that match the default controller for a particular console. But today you can see more and more controllers that can give you pleasure in games,” says Acer.

Modern controls include haptic feedback that adds a level of immersion to the gameplay.

help goal

Players using the mouse, even if they want to, usually don’t have aim assist (usually it consists of locking the reticle on the target after the player’s controller has moved a given distance). But in cross-platform games, you can find players connecting from both desktop computers (using a mouse and keyboard) and consoles (using aiming), and this unfair combination is often controversial. However, aim assist is not always available in cross-platform games. Last November, Blizzard announced that for Overwatch 2, aim assist would work in all game modes except competitive, where console players are grouped with tabletop players, and cross-play.

Comparison of mouse and keyboard and controller performance in different genres

The best controller for a particular game usually depends on what the game is about. Here are some general rules:

• Games that focus on moving an object or character through the environment are best played with analog controls, such as the controller’s analog stick or steering wheel.

• Games that focus on using button combinations provide the best experience when playing with a controller.

• For aim-oriented games (including isometric aiming), it is best to use the mouse and keyboard.

• Whereas, for those who are focused on using the many different actions/skills that can be activated via hotkeys, they are best played with a keyboard and mouse.

Most video games fall into one of these categories. Many fall into more than one of these categories, in which case a controller or keyboard and mouse can be used.

Combat games and controllers go hand in hand as game inputs often correspond directly to buttons on a handheld controller, and the freedom afforded by the controller’s analog stick allows greater mobility during combat.

Racing games are often best played with the controls. Vehicles are generally easier to steer, and the controller’s analog stick allows precise control of speed. In addition, haptic feedback when climbing a jump or shifting gears can make the gameplay more immersive.

Action RPGs (role-playing games), including horror games, usually don’t require high precision, and hand-to-hand combat (where you compete in close combat) is better suited to controllers than mouse and keyboard.

Simulation games like Civilization IV and Dwarf Fortress often require a keyboard and mouse as they are needed to navigate through their deep text menus, and keyboard shortcuts are useful for assigning and automating many tasks for your workers and warriors.

The pinnacle of competitive gaming and esports, MOBAs were originally created as an alternate mode in Warcraft III, and its click-to-move gameplay reflects that ancestry. Keyboard players can use the Number/Function Bar, which provides quick access to all abilities.

RTS (Real Time Strategy) games require a mouse and keyboard to navigate the map, control certain groups of units, and set hotkeys to switch between units.

Who is the winner?

“There is no clear winner between a controller and a gaming mouse and keyboard. Both input methods have their pros and cons, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and gaming performance,” Acer said.

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