PC v Consoles (Keyboard v Pad)

NEONKNIGHT · 15-11-2005, 08:10

After comparing the recent Call of Duty 2 on the PC and Xbox (graphically speaking) and getting into the debate of Keyboard/Mouse v Controller, I had a look on the web and found this interesting article:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A1089344

Without getting into a 'Mine's better than yours' arguement, what do people think?

Ramrod · 15-11-2005, 09:31

I used to be incapable of using a keyboard in FPS's and had to use a joypad (back in the days of unreal and quake) but I soon found the lack of mouselook to be a significant drawback. I persevered with a keyboard/mouse and now wouldn't go back to a joypad. Another plus with using a keyboard is the number of keys you have at your disposal to bind weapons/actions to.

LemonyBrainAid · 15-11-2005, 09:38

I've always used a keyboard and mouse for the PC, apart from yearrs ago when I used to play SW: Rogue Squadron (W95!!!)

TheBlueRaja · 15-11-2005, 10:03

Keyboard & Mouse - but to be honest what i use owns both...

The belkin Nostromo N52 - the ultimate game peripheral - with a mouse of course.

Only if were talkin FPS though - for Need For spped and the likes i dig out my joypad.

**Stephen** · 15-11-2005, 10:45

I can only play FPS games on my PC with a keyboard and mouse.

Ramrod · 15-11-2005, 10:46

Yeah, FPS's need a keyboard/mouse.......driving games need a joypad......never tried a steering wheel for those......

Halcyon · 15-11-2005, 11:53

I think FPS games are always better on the PC.
The Keyboard and mouse combination works well.

However if I was to play a fighting game or driving game, I would prefer a game pad.

It will be interesting to see how the new one handed Nintendo "Revolution" controller takes gaming.

punky · 15-11-2005, 13:38

Like I said, using joypads for FPS look/act like an old fashioned robot. You know... up a bit, left a bit, oops, too far, right a bit, down a bit, left a bit, up a bit, etc... A mouse you can go direct, and its much smoother. FPS just needs a keyboard and mouse for speed. I really doubt a joypad could go head-to-head with a keyboard and mouse.

**Stephen** · 15-11-2005, 13:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

Like I said, using joypads for FPS look/act like an old fashioned robot. You know... up a bit, left a bit, oops, too far, right a bit, down a bit, left a bit, up a bit, etc... A mouse you can go direct, and its much smoother. FPS just needs a keyboard and mouse for speed. I really doubt a joypad could go head-to-head with a keyboard and mouse.

Well I can test that theory using Quake 3 on the dreamcast one player with a pad and the other with the keyboard and mouse

I can manage to play FPS games on a console using a pad but in multiplayer I always get slaughtered as I am never quick enough.

The keyboard/mouse combo on a PC is by far the best for FPS games.

punky · 15-11-2005, 14:01

That's what I thought... I'd love to a keyboard/mouse expert gamer and a joypad expert gamer go head to head to see really if its true, but I just can't see the joypad guy standing a chance.

Bender · 15-11-2005, 15:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

I used to be incapable of using a keyboard in FPS's and had to use a joypad (back in the days of unreal and quake) but I soon found the lack of mouselook to be a significant drawback. I persevered with a keyboard/mouse and now wouldn't go back to a joypad. Another plus with using a keyboard is the number of keys you have at your disposal to bind weapons/actions to.

exactly the same - i have tried a joypad on a friends PS2 for FPS games and it's impossible for me now.

Gareth · 15-11-2005, 16:33

Yeah, imagine playing CoD or MoH and trying to shoot in a circular motion with a joypad... it would be so time consuming compared to doing it with a mouse (oo-er, that sounds rude

)

**David F** · 15-11-2005, 16:49

Dam if only they could port MoH pc to console gaming ill take anyone on deathmatch

NEONKNIGHT · 15-11-2005, 17:07

Hmmm, some interesting views from our much respected and incredibly biased PC Clan there!

LOL! I’d have to agree with the article from the Beeb which goes

Quote:

“Sure, Half Life is a classic first-person shooter. A benchmark. Roll on the sequel. However, the act of controlling Gordon Freeman with both your mouse and your keyboard, digits scampering around, is a drag compared to guiding Halo's Master Chief or your TimeSplitters 2 protagonist, by way of a reassuringly clutched joy pad and a well-designed control system. (Sure PCs have joy pad peripherals, but they're not the default.)”

Top marks for the console joy pad me thinks!!!!!!!!!

And interestingly also goes on to say,

Quote:

“When playing other genre games – notably simulation and strategy games – PC is, thus far, the only option. For the while, the elaborate control system of a real-time strategy game like the majestic Rise Of Nations (the recent game from the designer of Civilization II) demands the keystroke versatility of a keyboard and the grunt of a PC memory. (Plus, there are those online opportunities.) With The Sims on a PS2, the game play feels awkward thanks to the commands having been squished into the joy pad controls. And frankly, if you associate your console more with exploration, fighting and racing, The Sims feels turgid. Play a Sim on a PC and your expectations are different - you expect to commit to the game differently, interacting via your keyboard almost as if you're working.”

Really, does anything more need to be said?

**David F** · 15-11-2005, 17:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEONKNIGHT

Hmmm, some interesting views from our much respected and incredibly biased PC Clan there!

LOL! IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢d have to agree with the article from the Beeb which goes

Top marks for the console joy pad me thinks!!!!!!!!!

And interestingly also goes on to say,

Really, does anything more need to be said?

That is no less biased than what we have written.The only way we can do this is with competition that yet AFAIK does not exist.I know from my experience of gaming FPS for me is loads easier with a free mouse and trust me im good with it. The joypad for me is way to complicated and I need 2 new thumbs to control everthing at one. you also have to hold a joypad taking up dexterity surely??? the keyboard however is on a desk giving you 5 digits to contol and a free looking mouse with 3 or 5 buttons