Healers Controllers or keyboards

[Caedeia]

I use keyboard/mouse. Mouse has 9~12 usable buttons which takes care of most used healing skills/spells. For PC controller users, are you folks using a PC specific model, or DS3 through third-party software?

[Sophia]

I played all of 1.0 with a controller (also main healed) I always found it easy to do. And in 2.0 it is even easier that I have found.

When it comes down to what is better well that is based on you personal preference

[Prios]

Keyboard for me it's always feels natural.

[Parasoth]

Not only can you scroll party members with just the DPad, you can adjust what exactly you scroll through when your weapon is sheathed or unsheathed, as well as 4 other scrollable options. You can set up to where L1+Triangle only cycles through enemy targets, L1+O can cycle through NPC's and so on.

[Wilksha]

I like using a controller and using the targeting sets makes targeting easier. enemies only, allies only, ext. I just find it easier to control since I'm a console gamer at heart. (I play on PC)

[Grathno]

I use a DS3 with my PS3 controller, wired through a USB cable. I would prefer something PC specific, I would sometimes move the the USB cable in a way that disconnects it and turns on my PS3 console, then I have take a minute to turn Off the PS3, turn my controller off and load the driver and stuff on DS3. A bit of a hassle, but most of my gameplay has been smooth and good experience. I can easily switch between cross bar sets back and forth, during battles.

I disliked healing, because the way it filers targets. I was ok during Phase 2 of the beta, when gamepads were compatible for testing and the target system was unfiltered. Now I'm killing all my party members and friends. I didn't use the target filter settings yet. I think I should try that out when I can.

[Uncuddly]

I've been using the gamepad exclusively. Up/down for party members and left/right with friendly-filter for FATEs. This approach has saved at least one person's proverbial bacon: during a phase 3 FATE my screen was totally blocked by giant goats but thanks to the left/right targeting mechanism I was able to find and heal everybody. I have enjoyed mouseover macros in past games, but those relying on them should be mentally prepared for that moment when your clicking is obscured by goatbutt.

The ability to choose subtargets and queue spells means you're not losing any efficiency no matter what control scheme you use. With the tank as your main target, you can start casting a heal and immediately begin choosing your next victim patient. As you pick an action for the subtarget, your aim automatically jumps back to the tank. I've done my share of whack-a-mole and this is about the happiest I've ever been spamming Cures.

[Estellios]

I use keyboard/mouse. Mouse has 9~12 usable buttons which takes care of most used healing skills/spells. For PC controller users, are you folks using a PC specific model, or DS3 through third-party software?

I've used both, but my years-old 360 controller gave out and my sister had a spare PS3 controller and let me use it. Both have worked really well.

[Siy1g]

I seem to have a hard time healing with a controller on this game. on 11 it was ok, but i think it has more to do with the fact that i started out playing this game on a keyboard and mouse and now i'm trying to use a controller. i just got to get used to it.

[Ninix]

Keyboard and mouse with mouseover macros. Aside from the obvious benefit of not needing to click on a target before healing them, it also allows you to heal while DPSing more easily since you don't have to reacquire your DPS target every time you need to heal somebody.

I tried the controller briefly and while it was alright and nice for playing while leaning back in your chair questing I don't think I'd enjoy it much for regular play. As a control scheme it doesn't really bring any benefit over KB/M (aside for the "comfy" factor) so I'd rather just play with that anyway.