Keyboard and mouse or controller: Which one is best for you?
While a lot of PC games require a third-party software to hook up a controller and play, Last Epoch has made sure to include a controller interface, and the game notices when a controller is being used instead of a keyboard. That alone, I have to admit, is pretty great, because setting up the controller configuration can get complicated. The camera angle used in Last Epoch (from up high) also feels like this game would be controller friendly. Everyone has their preferences, of course, but maybe you have questions about the difference in gameplay, or, like me, you are looking at using a controller for days where your hands hurt too much for keyboard gaming.
So, let’s check out the good, the bad, and the meh.
For the sake of this article, while I will talk about my current gaming hyperfixation (Last Epoch), I will also include two different examples from my past experience that are not aRPGs. That is so you can have a better overall look at both options and see how different your opinion may be from one game to another.
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How difficult is it to switch from controller to keyboard or the other way around?
They both require a small adaptation period, especially if you switch back and forth between the two as I do. My first swap from keyboard to controller (while playing the same game) took me quite some time to get accustomed to the new layout, as keyboards have more buttons, all kinds of possible setups that you can personalize, and the mouse. I even had more than that with the Tartarus Gaming Keypad, which allowed me to have something akin to a controller for my left hand and a mouse for the right hand.
Over the past two decades, I played mostly keyboard + mouse. I couldn’t tell you how many times I have rearranged my gaming setup for it to be just right for me (while taking in consideration the game I played). Just like my builds get tweaked as I go, my brain short-circuits until the thing is fixed up to be as good as possible. I REFUSE TO GAME UNCOMFORTABLY.
Is it better to use keyboard or controller?
It’s all about what YOU need, really. Which is better for gaming? Your preferred way of gaming is better, that’s it. But how do you know? Maybe you don’t have a controller and don’t want to pay first. Or you want an outside perspective. Or maybe you want it written out concretely because you can’t make up your mind. I’ve been all of the above, no judgin’ here!
What can I do with a controller that a keyboard won’t do?
The obvious: a controller is so much better to lay down while playing, or use a couch, that more “Console” feel to it. I’ve tried many gaming chairs and my back hates them all, so I often have to move to a couch to keep my spine somewhat happy. I’ve tried bringing my keyboard and mouse with the clunkiest setup you could ever think of to my couch and holy s— no thank you.
The less obvious: a controller is more ergonomic for your hands/wrists especially if you have carpal tunnel issues or pains akin to arthritis, or chronic pain like fibromyalgia (or all of them if you’re unlucky), the keyboard setup can get extremely painful for long sessions of gaming.
The even less obvious: some builds on some games can work better with a controller. Or worse. That is very much a double-edged sword situation we have here. However builds that rely heavily on where your character is, or how fast you can run away form the one-shot mechanic, usually do pretty well on controller since the movement controls are basically muscle memory.
I do have to mention an ever-present reality of video games: grinding. Mindless, boring, repetitive grinding. Most of these tasks can be configured into a controller easily, so you can sit back, put your feet up and do the things while not putting effort into it.
But the best reason to use a controller, obviously, is that you can keep your pet in your lap or while paying video games. Let’s be real here, that’s the only argument I needed to type up in this section.
What can i do with a keyboard that a controller won’t do?
The obvious: type in the chat so much more easily. That’s what keyboards are for: writing full sentences (although “full” is a questionable term for online chat these days, I’ll admit). Another fairly obvious one is that if you are used to keyboard, you know it better than a controller. I do not suggest making the switch right before raid night as a healer (like I did) and failing at keeping people alive (I managed? opinions were… divided). Hindsight is 20/20 I guess!
The less obvious: no matter how well you reconfigure your controller for the game you’re playing, the keyboard has more key binds and modifiers available. During my FFXIV days, I had so many spells and actions that I not only had all my numbers and Function keys taken, I also had a ctrl+(number or function key) option for two more modified spell bars. There is no way to bind that many options on a controller.
The least obvious: on top of programming way too many key binds and modifiers, the keyboard also has (originally) a key bind for pretty much any window/interface you may need to open in-game. And if not… I’m sure there’s a free combination of key + modifier… somewhere… right?
What are the Drawbacks of using Controller?
Some drawbacks have been mentioned above but I do want to do a quick recap and add a few extra things to point out.
- Some builds require more work. Like my FFXIV example, or back when I had a World of Warcraft subscription (sigh) many of my builds used a lot more spells than the five slots I have in Last Epoch.
- Even within Last Epoch, the controller has some drawbacks, for example with the mage’s ability “Teleport”. You cannot point the mouse easily to where you want to go, and this ability is tied to where your mouse is pointing. In fact, most movement abilities are. That gives room for mistakes.
- Games that are made for PC rely on the idea that we use a mouse. Inventory, selling stuff, going through tabs of your stash, bank, etc. All of these things can become clunky on a controller.
What are the drawbacks of using a keyboard and mouse?
- Positional drawback. The keyboard and the mouse need a surface, which is usually a desk. You need to sit at that desk, and comfortable chairs are not cheap, or not even good for you specifically, so they can be hit or miss.
- Think of your poor wrists. Even with ergonomic cushioning, they will eventually hurt. Now, I must admit that I have chronic pains, fibromyalgia and that I have been… overly enthusiastic about how much time I spent on the computer since I got one, so my hands are not exactly doing well. For someone who doesn’t have these issues, it may not be that bad of an inconvenience.
- You may already be working a desk job. Then you want to play your favorite video game… your second desk job. Sitting at a desk for 14 hours is just not recommended.
The good, the bad, and the meh.
So what about things that just… aren’t that much of an issue either way? This section is about small differences that are worth mentioning, but probably not a deal-breaker. I do want to give you a full idea of each side, and even the small differences can make you decide one way or another.
Movement. While the controller may have a teeny tiny advantage over the keyboard, it is basically inconsequential. And, as I previously mentioned, my Tartarus Gaming Keypad actually has a joystick for movement, which then makes the advantage of the controller nil.
Depending on your preference, the size of your screen, or your glasses, playing with a controller, which means not being so close to your screen anymore, could be something that bothers some. However, it doesn’t have to be, in the case of mindless grinding, where you don’t have to pay attention or read things, or maybe fiddling with the UI settings can make the game layout a bit bigger so you can see it from far.
Eating! We all eat at our desks now, there’s no point denying it. I find it easier to eat and play with a controller than with a keyboard. If you’re clumsy, like me, having your food and drink next to you on a side table instead of between you and your keyboard is definitely a plus.
Research, if you’re the type to dive into a game and want to know all-the-things like myself. Writing on a pad that you can put down next to you may be better. Pushing the keyboard away to write on your desk may be better. Or maybe you write your stuff on Word, all valid options.
Final words
So, what’s the verdict? You now have all the information needed to make a decision based on your own preferences. Whether you’re brand new to gaming or you’re a veteran gamer who’s thinking of changing their ways, I hope this comparison helped you out. As someone who switches between the two constantly, I’d like to refer you to a few items that made my experience much better.
The Tartarus Gaming Keypad changed my relationship with my keyboard entirely. I went a little bit crazy about setting it up in the most efficient way(for me) but that’s the thing. The customization possibilities are virtually endless!
If you’re not sold on the controller but you do have issues with long periods at your keyboard, this duo of Keyboard and Mouse Wrist Rest Pads have helped me out tremendously for the past two years.
Let me know in a comment what you chose and what made you decide on that!
