Mouse/Keyboard vs. Controller: Your Thoughts

[Alastor]

I have been playing MMOs on the computer the 'ole "keyboard and mouse way" for a very long time. With FFXI, I made some huge concessions in learning to play the game with its awful keyboard/mouse layout and just took the hits when it came to being a bit slow. Eventually, I became pretty proficient in the technique. I absolutely refused to play the game with a controller.

I also enjoy console games, and if someone told me to play Super Mario 64 on anything but an N64 controller, I'd be just as hesitant as I was in playing an MMO with a controller.

However, with FFXIV, I have been having the hardest time getting used to the unconventional control scheme that comes with playing with a keyboard and mouse. Just yesterday I bought a Logitech Wireless controller (it's a good, inexpensive brand) and booted up XIV to see how it fared.

My. Goodness. What have I been doing? The controller is a HUGE improvement. What took me about four minutes to do with the keyboard and mouse, took me mere seconds with the controller.

I do understand that the game has been designed this way, but I have been the stubborn individual, assuming that since the game was released for the computer before a console--unlike its predecessor--that it would be more efficient to play with the standard keyboard and mouse. This is definitely not the case.

I also want to say that I enjoy the game with a controller. I'm not sure I'd even want to go back to the keyboard/mouse scheme even when the improvements to the interface are made with 2.0. It feels more like a Final Fantasy game when you play it with a controller. I suppose this post is influenced partially my giddiness of discovering the controller, but my main point is to advocate its use.

For those of you who are just returning, as I have with the recent patch:
If you find yourself having troubles with the scheme, give the controller a try. It might just make your experience in Eorza that much better.

[Riv]

I don't know how people play this or XI with keyboard and mouse. Controller is awesome.

[Raldo]

Keyboard only. No mouse/controller.

[Ruisu]

Key bindings. As someone who hated the keyboard and mouse for FFXI, you're only holding yourself back with a controller for XIV. Started FFXIV with a controller, eventually decided to play it with the KB/M, and it made a world of difference.

[RethDaron]

The only thing I don't like about playing with a controller is sitting it down to talk. Doesn't stop me from playing with my controller, though.

Off topic, but does anyone know a way to get the 360's triggers working with FFXI? I have the Snakebyte XIV controller to use with XI, but I'd much rather use the 360 controller for both games.

[DoctorMog]

I feel so slow playing with the controller.

Clicking targets, picking heal targets instead of cycling through targets is awesome.

[Alastor]

Key bindings. As someone who hated the keyboard and mouse for FFXI, you're only holding yourself back with a controller for XIV. Started FFXIV with a controller, eventually decided to play it with the KB/M, and it made a world of difference.

I'm very familiar with this method of playing, actually. I'm not a big fan. I've always been a clicker. I'm also a lefty, so I'm always re-configuring my keys.

I still prefer my change to the controller. But, in the end, I suppose this all comes down to preference.

[Mister-Wonderful]

Keyboard only. No mouse/controller.

Same here. My favorite by far.

[Xatsh]

Keyboard only here as well. So easy to have everything at the press of a button.

[JakeRoon]

the game was designed to be played with a controller,

Course I knew from my FFXI experience that trying to play an mmo with SE's wacked out control for mouse/keyboard was an exercise in futility.

They have made some great strides in the key bindings to make it "playable" but i bet you a dime to a dollar if all the keyboard players broke down and bought a 15 dollar logitech they'd be like

WOOWWwzzzZOmgZZ!!!! this is way better!!