What keyboard configuration do you use for FPSs?

I always hear that pc gamers have the edge on console gamers. Why is this? I know that aiming with the mouse is more precise than an analog stick but what about all the buttons and keys? Because as a console gamer switching to PC (dont hate. I'm on your side now lol), I've noticed that keys on a keyboard are sometimes uncomfortable to hit whilst trying to perform complicated maneuvers in first-person shooters. A controller is designed to fit your hand comfortably so you can easily hit buttons quickly when needed. I'm not having a ton of trouble with the WASD keys and stuff but when it comes to hitting ctrl or the number keys for things I'm used to doing by hitting a button my fingers are already on, it takes a bit of effort and I'm not sure if its something ill get 100% used to. Not to mention movement is hindered by only being able to move in 8 directions and always at max speed, compared to moving in any direction (moving, not aiming), and having control of movement speed.

Now don't get me wrong. I may have been an avid console gamer but I've made the switch. I sold all my consoles and games (not my turtle beaches, those I can still use). So I'm here for good. I'm not trying to bash or evoke a flame war on consoles vs. PC. So please don't. I honestly see some issues that I need some opinions on.

 

It is something that takes time to get used to but a good keyboard helps imo. If you are playing exclusively on your laptop just remap the keys to places that you can reach and you will slowly get better at it. Also consider getting a mouse that has extra buttons so that some skills can be used without the keyboard (I have one with extra buttons on the side and I always map the melee attack in fps to it so I can press it every time without fail).

If you play at a desk there a plenty of specialized keyboards and keypads on the market you just have to find one that works for you. There are even some that you can set up macro's to perform the function of many key-strokes using only one key-stroke.

I personally have a gaming keyboard that I use when I play any fps and before I play the first time I always remap the keys. After using it for about 3 years I can no longer play as well on a regular keyboard but I love it.

Amazon.com: SteelSeries Merc Stealth Gaming Keyboard: Electronics

Check this thing out, its small enough that you could pack it around. Just be warned that if you use a keypad/keyboard with a proprietary design you may become dependent on it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823114015

 

Hmm... Yeah. I think I'm going to have to stick with my laptops keyboard on this one. It's actually a pretty good keyboard. I don't like the idea of becoming dependent on a keyboard and also I don't play on a desk... So that wouldn't work for me. What kind of remaps are you talking about though? Also, I think a gaming mouse is a good idea. I'll pick one up sometime soon. And what about an xbox 360 controller to use to play games on pc? They're USB and worked perfectly for my N64 emulators on my old laptop. Do many games recognize a controller and allow you to use it? If so, do you think I should use it or try to get used to keyboard and mouse? I'm not terrible at kb and mouse just not anywhere near as good as I am with an xbox 360 controller.. And I'm open to learn to get skilled at it if everyone thinks I should.

 

WASD keys for movement.

Don't use arrow keys for movement. I started playing comp games using arrows. Took me a long to time switch to WASD. Now that I've used both methods, I can safely say WASD is way better (have more keys to access with your left hand). It might be awkward at first but hang in there, it'll get better.

Good luck

 

Oh I know to use WASD... Of course.

 

It does get easier after you get into the routine of it. I would think that using a 360 controller to game on PC would be like taking two steps back when you are trying to get used to the KB + mouse, but I like to use mine for third person games like DS2.

 

I had the same experience, except I went:
arrows -> ESDF -> WASD.

Hands down the latter two win over arrow keys for great density of accessible keys, although it was a tough call between ESDF and WASD. ESDF provides more accessible keys; however WASD works better out-of-the-box for most games and provides greater comfort via "big keys" such as using shift, caps-lock, control, and tab keys.

Also keep in mind FPS =/= keyboard =/= PC. So in other words, whereas consoles are limited to imprecise controllers, you can use anything you want on PC. Generally analog vs. digital movement is negligible and it's the high-precision mouse that takes center stage in an FPS. However if you do want analog movement there's nothing stopping you from using a variety of input peripherals from joysticks, to gamepads, throttles, yokes, etc. Though yes, for an FPS I'd generally try to stick to the keyboard. A high-end USB keyboard preferably since many common keyboards will not allow more than 4 keys depressed at the same time.

 

WSAD for movement, Space for jump, Shift for sprint, Control for duck.

Q & E for straff.

If you have issues with the number keys for weapon switching most modern games allow you to use the mouse scroll wheel to change weapons.

Also I always use the 2 left buttons on my mouse for something. Usually my melee attack and either my Push to Talk key for VoIP or if there is no VoIP then I use it for grenades.

This way I pretty much never move my hands from WSAD and the Mouse to mess with any of the further away keys and have fast access to everything.

 

Well if a keyboard and mouse really IS that much better than a controller I am definitely going to learn to get good. But if most games come with controller support I may want to use one since I have about 12 years of controller gaming experience and about 2,000 hours clocked playing FPSs. VS. About 5 years of computer gaming experience and under 25hrs playing FPSs... I would rather not just DROP all that skill with a controller. (yes, I am a beast with one and I'm not just saying that).

Any thoughts?

Also I don't know what ds2 is. Dark sword? Lol a guy at my work legally changed his name to dark sword. We just call him DS. He wears a cowboy hat and a trenchcoat. I'm not joking either its hilarious.

 

Need pics of DS

 

Yes: it's fairly well-known that controllers cannot compete with keyboard+mouse for FPS.
So though you may be correct that *initially* you'll be better with your controller experience over learning to use something new, you will still be out-classed by almost anyone using a keyboard+mouse.

Of course it depends on whether you play multiplayer or singleplayer and whether you play to compete or just to participate. As with anything (be it peripheral, or game, or new skill/technique, etc) , learning something better that's new is always initially less fun than sticking with something you know, but in the long run (if you plan to play FPS on PC for a while) your enjoyment will only increase once you pass that initial learning curve.

 

I HAD pics of him. I actually had his facebook bookmarked on my phone but I factory reset it and now it's gone. I've done a search for him for the past 10 mins and couldn't find him. Just imagine this >====\=== |D

lmfao.

 

I use that Nostromo keypad that Peter linked to; it's a dream. It's still keys, but it feels so much more natural than an actual keyboard.

Anyway, I tend to keep a relatively consistent key configuration between games. This is how I generally set my controls up (keep in mind not every game uses every command):

WASD - motion
Ctrl - crouch
Z - prone
Shift - sprint
F - action/use
R - reload
Space - jump (in Mass Effect I use this to open the squad command menu since there is no jumping)
Tab - scoreboard/objectives
Q - flashlight (in CS, L4D), killstreaks (in CoD), spot (in BFBC2)
T - global text chat
Y - team-only text chat
V - voice chat
X - canned voice messages (e.g. in CS, TF2, L4D, etc.) or special items (like M203, C4 and claymore mines in CoD)
C - more canned messages (in Source games)

Left click - shoot
Right click - zoom/aim down sights/alternate fire (depending on game)
Middle click - throw grenade
Scroll wheel - cycle through inventory (if more than 2 items)
Thumb button 1 - melee
Thumb button 2 - switch between weapons (if only 2, e.g. Call of Duty games)

Like I said, this varies somewhat between games, as not all games have the same commands (like some games don't have a flashlight, or alternate weapon modes). But generally speaking, this is how I set my keys up.

 

WASD - Movement
R - Reload
Shift - Sprint
C - Crouch
X - Prone (if available)
F - Grenade
Q - Lean left, spotting, etc.
E - Lean right, use object, etc.
Spacebar - Jump
Ctrl, alt, v, z, g - Whatever's left for the specific game like third person view or selective fire.

Communications and anything I barely need to use is mapped to the right side keys of my keyboard.

For my mouse, I currently use a Logitech G500 so I have the left and right scroll mapped to my primary and secondary weapons. Front and back thumb buttons are for tertiary and quaternary weapons. The middle thumb button is sometimes mapped redundantly to 'use' or 'grenades' so I can strafe right easier at the same time. I also unmap weapon switching from the mouse wheel since using the middle button for melee can accidentally lead to switching weapons.

 

I've been using EDSF since Tribes for the access to more keys. First thing I do with a new game is always remap controls.

EDSF - movement
R - reload
V - crouch
A - any type of zoom
W - grenage or knife
G - Use
shift - sprint/walk
C - voice comms

Once you get the hang of it, it is infinitely more precise than a gamepad, especially aiming.

 

it just takes some getting use to. most of the default mapping in fps games are decent.

i cant remember how many times i died when i first played cs 1.5

 

Grumbles about being left handed and having to use the arrow keys...

Its not that bad actually, I use the numpad (external keyboard) for 'extra keys', and CTRL and Shift keys for jump / crouch. As a lefty I tend to go for mice with five buttons, using the buttons on side for re-load and use. As an 'old timer' as well, Ive used keyboard and mice for far to long, I have a xbox pad, which is great for a race game, but no way on god's green earth could I use it now for an FPS!

 

DS2 = Dead Space 2 I prefer using my controller for third person view games, But I would use a M+ KB for the precision and ease of use for FPS.

Lol I wanna see a pic of this Dark Sword. The stick figure can only do so much!

 

Just remap all of the controlls to your liking. I went from consoles to pc also and keyboard/mouse is the best for fps. I still use my controller for gta iv and racing games if I don't have a wheel.

 

Have you checked out the Razer DeathAdder? It's pretty much my favorite mouse of all time, and it's the only gaming mouse I know of with a specific left-handed version.

 

I'm left handed too, but I've used a right hand mouse my whole life. I've never seen the point of most left handed stuff (Mice, Guitars) to be honest... all I do with it is write.

 

Game controllers are fine for PC for single player games. I wouldn't touch one for an online FPS, you will have little chance to compete at all. With mouse you can turn nearly instantaneously to any direction. With controller you're stuck with the scroll rate of the controller.