Which is the best game pad to use for FF XIV on the pc?

[Diablo13]

I currently play FF XIV on a gaming laptop, onto my big screen tv using an XBox 360 wired controller. I used the same setup to play the beta with no issues.
Since the game went live though I have found that the pad has a mind of it's own and will randomly cause my character to run off in any direction, or spin wildly on the spot, or scroll the maps from side to side or up and down. I completely lose character or even menu control as the cursor flashes around the lists of selected items, in character for example. Sometimes the buttons are just unresponsive, so I stand there and get killed. It is really annoying and partly spoils my game experience.
Does anyone else have the same issues with a 360 pad, or have you found a way to fix it?
Maybe you have a pad you use which is great, please tell me and I will buy one?
The problems I have are exclusive to FF XIV online, not in ANY other pad supported game, so it must be an in game coding issue, but it wasn't there in the Beta testing as I would have reported it.
Please help as the in game settings will not solve it, believe me I tried!
Thank You.

[Diablo13]

As per the title, are you using a game pad which works well with all or even most aspects of FF XIV?
I am an older gamer and my reactions aren't as fast as they once were, added to the fact I suffer with arthritis in my hands, a game pad is really the only practical way for me to play the game.
I would really appreciate any suggestions for a good game pad which any of you are using to play?
Thanks.

[Julusp]

Since the game went live though I have found that the pad has a mind of it's own and will randomly cause my character to run off in any direction, or spin wildly on the spot, or scroll the maps from side to side or up and down. I completely lose character or even menu control as the cursor flashes around the lists of selected items, in character for example. Sometimes the buttons are just unresponsive, so I stand there and get killed. It is really annoying and partly spoils my game experience.
Does anyone else have the same issues with a 360 pad, or have you found a way to fix it?

Seems like your sticks are not returning to exact center anymore. Just calibrate the pad and it should be ok (start menu>devices and priters>right click xbox 360 joypad and there should be some advanced options allowing you to calibrate) - basically you need to increase dead zones for sticks

unresponsive buttons, well, that might be problem with the sticks also (sticks are sending the game you are slow moving, so all actions using buttons may get cancelled).

[Diablo13]

Thank you JulusP.
I bought a new 360 controller to play only about a week ago, but I do agree the sticks are not returning to dead center, or are OVER reacting.
I have tried the in game controller settings/calibration several times, but it doesn't seem to help.
Strangely a very old PS2 controller with an adapter seems to be quite accurate, but it has other problems, like not configuring properly so that it opens the maps, character menu, journal or teleport box instead, during a battle, which is most definitely NOT recommended!
I will try to reset the sticks dead zones as you suggest and keep trying anything setup wise I can think of, but I think I would prefer to buy a good dedicated pc controller now, which works primarily for FF XIV as my favourit of all games I have.

[wolfsspirit]

Big ben interactive , usb wireless ps3/pc controller
i play FF14 with it from 2010 and never had any issues , it works awesome.
no issues also with any other games , + you can use it both on a pc and a ps3 , usb receiver has a pc/ps3 switch on it.
I play at least 1-2 days(playing all day 12 + hours ) before i need to replace batteries , wich is great , long battery life on this controller and am very happy with it.
Also on windows 7 you don't need drivers.. win7 has all the drivers you need build in (not sure about xp or win8 , but i asume it's the same)
Should definitly look for something like this or alike

[Sephirah]

Best gamepad to use on PC imo is an XBOX 360 controller. They're both Microsoft and it works with almost every game plug/play, no macro software or anything. If yours is acting up I'd say there is something wrong with your specific controller. Then again, I'm technically using a 3rd party one. Have had no issues with it so far.

[C000kiemonster]

i still use my official USB one from back when 1.0 was released... its white and resembles a ps2 remote.

[DracotheDragon]

Best gamepad to use on PC imo is an XBOX 360 controller. They're both Microsoft and it works with almost every game plug/play, no macro software or anything. If yours is acting up I'd say there is something wrong with your specific controller. Then again, I'm technically using a 3rd party one. Have had no issues with it so far.

as much as i dont like the design of the xbox controller i do have to agree a xbox or USB plugged game pad will work very well a ps3 controller will work on your pc as well for the not quite center on your analog sticks try increaseing your deadzone for them this way if they are slightly tilted the dead zone will make it ignore the imput

[Lisotte]

I've used a dualshock 2 (PS2) controller for years, and currently a dualshock 1 controller, via a converter. IMO these are the best controllers ever made for a console (360 controller is nice until you play a game where the d-pad and triggers don't work for it), and I highly recommend a ps1 or ps2 controller.

[Voodoofreak]

I use the 360 controller and it works great! It sounds like either a hardware or calibration issue with you.