Keyboard or Controller?

[JosieJams]

The question: which is better, and which do you prefer? I've heard arguements for both sides and can't decide. Which do you guys think is more accurate? Discuss!
~An Indecisive Wizard

[Shadowspaz]

They both certainly have their pros and cons...

For movement, keyboard wins. It's a lot easier to get super precise adjustments in with the binary nature of the keyboard, rather than the gradient of an analog. But you could very easily bind movement to the D-pad, which I'm sure a lot of people would recommend. Depending on the controller you have, though, the d-pad could feel absolutely awful (X360).

Controller would win over keyboard as far as comfort goes, though. Keyboard has the disadvantage of being a multi-use tool, whereas a controller is built for games, and only games. As such, there's no question of how you should hold it, or what buttons you should stay close to. It's all right there. And if you need to rebind some things to get fast parries in, or something (RB + B, for example), all of the buttons stay within easy, comfortable reach.

But keyboard could allow for a higher peak in input speed, simply because the hand positions are not dictated by the device (As with a controller). You can have three fingers (Any three) each mapped to jump, bunt, and swing. You can put these on any of your fingers, really, in any position. And while it may require building up more dexterity to move three fingers on one hand as independently as you may need to, you'll end up building a very strong connection between what motions do what.

So it looks like, if you're willing to put in the effort, keyboard is the way to go. But if you just want something comfortable right off the bat, controller wins. And realistically, past a certain point, it won't really matter competitively. I use the default controller bindings, just cause I'm stubborn, and I can quickparry on any hit (X + B) by swiping my thumb across. It's awkward at first, but now, my muscle memory cooresponds to motions, rather than keypresses. And it works fine.

So just do whatever's the most comfortable for you. It won't matter in the end.

[JosieJams]

Originally posted by Shadowspaz:

They both certainly have their pros and cons...

For movement, keyboard wins. It's a lot easier to get super precise adjustments in with the binary nature of the keyboard, rather than the gradient of an analog. But you could very easily bind movement to the D-pad, which I'm sure a lot of people would recommend. Depending on the controller you have, though, the d-pad could feel absolutely awful (X360).

Controller would win over keyboard as far as comfort goes, though. Keyboard has the disadvantage of being a multi-use tool, whereas a controller is built for games, and only games. As such, there's no question of how you should hold it, or what buttons you should stay close to. It's all right there. And if you need to rebind some things to get fast parries in, or something (RB + B, for example), all of the buttons stay within easy, comfortable reach.

But keyboard could allow for a higher peak in input speed, simply because the hand positions are not dictated by the device (As with a controller). You can have three fingers (Any three) each mapped to jump, bunt, and swing. You can put these on any of your fingers, really, in any position. And while it may require building up more dexterity to move three fingers on one hand as independently as you may need to, you'll end up building a very strong connection between what motions do what.

So it looks like, if you're willing to put in the effort, keyboard is the way to go. But if you just want something comfortable right off the bat, controller wins. And realistically, past a certain point, it won't really matter competitively. I use the default controller bindings, just cause I'm stubborn, and I can quickparry on any hit (X + B) by swiping my thumb across. It's awkward at first, but now, my muscle memory cooresponds to motions, rather than keypresses. And it works fine.

So just do whatever's the most comfortable for you. It won't matter in the end.

Wow! Thanks for the detailed answer! I have tried both now, and I think I'm decided on keyboard. As you said, even though controller is more comfortable and accessible, keyboard is just faster and more practical. And I'd much rather take the harder but better option than the easier but less worthwile option. I'm willing to put in the time. I have both, (oh and yes the xboxdpad sux balls) and after trying both out a bunch and with your help I think i'm gonna go keyboard. Even if I did go to the controller I can't imagine playing with default controls, I'd have to bind hit/bunt to the triggers or something.
Anyways, thank you for helping me make a decision and putting so much effort in your response!
~Mister The Wizard

[sh101]

Keyboard isnt necessarily faster unless you have a mechanical keyboard or something. It takes a while to press a button down and that is important when you're trying to do frame perfect inputs. I use a logitech f310 xbox360 style controller, which works very well for platformers and fighting games. I use LB to jump, A to attack, RB to bunt, and left stick to move. Xbox 360 bumpers are very clickly and I think they are the best option for doing very fast inputs.

[JosieJams]

Originally posted by Smellyhobo101:

Keyboard isnt necessarily faster unless you have a mechanical keyboard or something. It takes a while to press a button down and that is important when you're trying to do frame perfect inputs. I use a logitech f310 xbox360 style controller, which works very well for platformers and fighting games. I use LB to jump, A to attack, RB to bunt, and left stick to move. Xbox 360 bumpers are very clickly and I think they are the best option for doing very fast inputs.

I have a mechanical keyboard and a 3rd party xbox 360 afterglow with a broken analog stick. So it's a pretty obvious choice.

[Shadowspaz]

Ahh, that sucks. I'd say the Afterglow is the best 3rd party x360 pad on the market. All the other ones are weird or incompatible in some way...

Out of curiosity, what MX switches do you have on your keyboard?

[JosieJams]

Originally posted by Shadowspaz:

Ahh, that sucks. I'd say the Afterglow is the best 3rd party x360 pad on the market. All the other ones are weird or incompatible in some way...

Out of curiosity, what MX switches do you have on your keyboard?

MX switches? How would I check that? I feel like I should know what it is... Also yes afterglows are really good, but this one is super old and broken. Both sticks are missing the rubber, the left stick is chipped, it constantly presses down, the dpad can be unresponsive and all the buttons are getting squeaky :L now that I'm starting to get used to keyboard I really don't like playing with it.

[Shadowspaz]

These fellas: http://www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introduction-to-cherry-mx-mechanical-switches/

To check it (In case you aren't sure), I think you can just pop off a key and the plastic piece will be whatever color. Not positive, though, as I don't actually own one... I got really obsessive over mechanical keyboards a while back, but decided not to get one, because there are some severely limiting hardware components I want to upgrade before getting into peripheral shopping. lol

[JosieJams]

Well I was just doing some research and apparently my keyboard isn't even a mechanical keyboard :L I've been lied to all along.

[FujiSyusuke808]

I really enjoy and prefer using my controller for this game, though I have no issues for using a keyboard.

[BadShot]

Keyboard is one of the better options as long as it's a good keyboard and doesn't limit your options, like only being able to hold down 3 buttons or all that stuff of ♥♥♥♥♥♥ keyboards. Controller is good as well nothing wrong with it. I use a Fight Stick and it's not the greatest option, you run into a lot of issues with it but it's fun so I stick with it.

[TornadoTK]

I use an arcade stick, and it feels good.