As someone who started XI at PS2 launch, I stuck with a controller throughout XI on all platforms. Started XIV off this way in beta as well, until I took a break around this time last year. By the time I came back, my controller finally broke after years of use.

From there I started using KB/mouse and found it a hell of a lot easier than a controller.
Being able to just click on targets or the party list is just so much easier than cycling through with the D-pad (even with filters). Being able to adjust keybinds freely (for the most part) is a plus and a huge improvement since launch.
I've tried going back to using a controller but outside of playing on the TV from my couch, it feels strange.