Thumb pain on a pad

[Tshask]

I'm finding this game gives such a beating to my thumb, it starts causing pains.

I also use my thumbs a lot while at work, so when I play Tekken it compounds the problem.

What would you recommend in this situation?

Recently I started doing thumb exercises and limited Tekken playtime to a few hours a week.

But I'm starting to consider switching to another input device. I don't like arcade sticks though.

Would playing on a keyboard be a good alternative?

[Boss]

Keyboard is an excellent alternative. I started T7 on pad because of this filthy lie that controllers are how you play fighting games because keyboard is terrible*, but when it broke I had to switch to keyboard. After adjusting to the new controls, I started improving at an incredible rate. Way more comfortable and preciese.

You can also get a mixbox or similar leverless controller if you wanna shell out the cash, but everyone on PC should already have a keyboard

(*I guess unless you're using one of those cheap membrane keyboards that have terrible ghosting)

[天佑中共🐥the strongest]

yes. go with keyboard/mixbox. u rarely use thumbs playing on them
on hitbox u need ur left thumb to input up

[I predict the past]

Originally posted by Tshask:

I'm finding this game gives such a beating to my thumb, it starts causing pains.

I also use my thumbs a lot while at work, so when I play Tekken it compounds the problem.

What would you recommend in this situation?

Recently I started doing thumb exercises and limited Tekken playtime to a few hours a week.

But I'm starting to consider switching to another input device. I don't like arcade sticks though.

Would playing on a keyboard be a good alternative?

You can avoid the thumb entirely / almost entirely with keyboard.
Use arrows for movement (thumb not needed) and make a button layout with letters for attacking (thumb will likely be needed but only to press an attack or two).

If you want to stay on pad, then perhaps use dualshock 4. Mine died and I've been trying the dualsense for weeks now. It's not a terrible controller but it's more tiring to use and I misinput more on it.

[C1REX]

Originally posted by Tshask:

Would playing on a keyboard be a good alternative?

Keyboard and hitbox are considered to be the best for fighting games by some players.

Or you can change the technique. You shouldn’t feel any pain from using your dpad.

[Pasta]

First, i suggest get rid of xbox dpad. It was, is and will never be good for tekken.
Grab a ds4 or a dual sense edge.

Second, i made this kind of post before and someone gave a great advice.
Don't use your thumb, use the joint before your thumb.

[Tshask]

Originally posted by C1REX:

Originally posted by Tshask:

Would playing on a keyboard be a good alternative?

Keyboard and hitbox are considered to be the best for fighting games by some players.

Or you can change the technique. You shouldn’t feel any pain from using your dpad.

The d-pad actually doesn't cause too much trouble, the problem is having to constantly pound the face buttons with the right thumb. I can play other games just fine, it's just Tekken that's too intense.

[C1REX]

Originally posted by Tshask:

The d-pad actually doesn't cause too much trouble, the problem is having to constantly pound the face buttons with the right thumb. I can play other games just fine, it's just Tekken that's too intense.

Interesting and unexpected. I would never fought that gamepad buttons would cause any problems. Not sure if different buttons be any better.

[Boss]

Originally posted by Tshask:

Originally posted by C1REX:

Keyboard and hitbox are considered to be the best for fighting games by some players.

Or you can change the technique. You shouldn’t feel any pain from using your dpad.

The d-pad actually doesn't cause too much trouble, the problem is having to constantly pound the face buttons with the right thumb. I can play other games just fine, it's just Tekken that's too intense.

Never had my right thumb hurt on using a pad for any game.

I still staunchly recomment keyboard/leverless, but you can also try going claw on your right hand (using your other fingers), but this requires resting the controller on something, perhaps your leg or desk. Also I think anyone who's half-serious about Tekken on pad rebinds so that they use the shoulder buttons more at base (not just for stuff like 1+2, 3+4)

[天佑中共🐥the strongest]

Originally posted by Boss:

(*I guess unless you're using one of those cheap membrane keyboards that have terrible ghosting)

terrible/limited anti ghosting still works wonder. I actually use some cheap membrane keyboards ($10~$20)and they last quite long. it become less responsive? doesnt matter, just change the membranes or buy a new one, theyre cheap af
also (good) mechanical keyboard is expensive and (mostly) loud, better use it on less input demanding games/programs

[Pasta]

Originally posted by Tshask:

Originally posted by C1REX:

Keyboard and hitbox are considered to be the best for fighting games by some players.

Or you can change the technique. You shouldn’t feel any pain from using your dpad.

The d-pad actually doesn't cause too much trouble, the problem is having to constantly pound the face buttons with the right thumb. I can play other games just fine, it's just Tekken that's too intense.

Then try playing the og way to play tekken on pad.
Claw grip

[Tshask]

Originally posted by Pasta:

Don't use your thumb, use the joint before your thumb.

You know, now that I look again at where the pain is, it seems that is the actual joint that's busted.

And if that's the case, my bet would be that the work is causing it more than the game.