Are Gaming Mice/Keyboards Really That Useful?

[DaHero]

I was on Kotaku today when I saw an this article:

http://kotaku.com/5809911/razers-4g-dual-sensor-technology-makes-for-a-ridiculously-precise-gaming-mouse

I didn't read through the whole article, but it got me to thinking. I was planning to purchase a new computer sometime in the future, and I wanted to get a computer that was well suited to gaming. Because of that, I figured that if I was going to get a gaming computer, I should try to get one that includes a gaming mouse/keyboard combo.

However, I've always been skeptical when it comes to gaming mice and keyboards. I could see the usefulness of back-lit keyboard or a more ergonomic design, but beyond that, I can't tell what the difference is.

Part of the problem is that I've never actually used one. Whenever I play games like Team Fortress 2, or Fallout: New Vegas, I just use a regular keyboard and mouse, and I never find myself saying, "God, I wouldn't die so often if I were using laser mouse!".

So is there any extra benefit when you use a gaming mouse/keyboard?

The keyboard not so much, get a wave/ergonomic and you'll love it. The mouse however? Well wait for a Black Friday sale, but definitely get a good one (though not with too many buttons)

 

[thatonedude11]

Instead of a gaming keyboard, I use this thing [http://www.amazon.com/WolfKing-DK2388UBK-Warrior-Gaming-Keypad/dp/B000IMZHL2]

Spoiler

 

[StBishop]

I use a keyboard that I literally pulled out of a bin.

My mouse is a Microsoft Sidewinder X5 or some shit.
It's got two programmable buttons and a button that brings up all my games (I plan of trying to see if I can just make it open steam instead but I can't be fucked at the moment.) and 3 settings which each have an individual button making sensitivity changes easy and accurate.
It's also huge which makes it more comfortable and has adjustable weights. I'd recommend it. Was only $80.00 in Australia from a brick and mortar store. Probably cheaper online.

 

[Fangv2]

Keyboards are only good for games that need a lot of keybindings. Like WOW.
Mice? It's like watching a race between a Sports-car all maxed out and a Station wagon.

 

[Elamdri]

I was on Kotaku today when I saw an this article:

http://kotaku.com/5809911/razers-4g-dual-sensor-technology-makes-for-a-ridiculously-precise-gaming-mouse

I didn't read through the whole article, but it got me to thinking. I was planning to purchase a new computer sometime in the future, and I wanted to get a computer that was well suited to gaming. Because of that, I figured that if I was going to get a gaming computer, I should try to get one that includes a gaming mouse/keyboard combo.

However, I've always been skeptical when it comes to gaming mice and keyboards. I could see the usefulness of back-lit keyboard or a more ergonomic design, but beyond that, I can't tell what the difference is.

Part of the problem is that I've never actually used one. Whenever I play games like Team Fortress 2, or Fallout: New Vegas, I just use a regular keyboard and mouse, and I never find myself saying, "God, I wouldn't die so often if I were using laser mouse!".

So is there any extra benefit when you use a gaming mouse/keyboard?

It depends on how serious you are.

Gaming Keyboards offer some various benefits. Low end keyboards usually have backlit keys, which is nice. However, what really makes a gaming keyboard great is macro keys. Most, like mine, have special keys that allow you to program macros and that can really come in handy when you are playing MMOs and other RPG games.

Gaming Mice are especially useful for FPS gaming. At the minimum, you want an adjustable DPI (Mine supports up to 5 different settings) and a few side buttons. Since I can not only change my mouse sensitivity in game, but also change how precise my mouse is on the fly by pressing a button, not only do I get more options for how sensitive my mouse is, but also I can switch on the fly to a more sensitive setting for run-n-gun and then over to a less sensitive setting for precision shots. Furthermore, since I have 3 buttons on the side of the mouse, I can use my thumb to access my primary, secondary, and melee right on the mouse.

 

[Elamdri]

Considering an XBOX controller can map 16 commands easily along with two motion sticks... then add another 12 every time you hold down a shoulder button or trigger... you can get over 30 options for 'hotkeys' with out much of a problem.

When using a keyboard/mouse, you are limited to (mouse) 2-3 buttons and a wheel for one hand, and a plethora of keys for your other hand.

How many keys do you need?

Most games don't require more than 30 keys. But it is easier to just 'point and click' on the heads of your enemies as far as FPS games go.

Do the math.

It's all about preference, nothing more. Wanna quote me and sound like an elitist? Don't bother. Wanna quote me for discussion? I would like that : )

This is pretty much true for keyboard v. controller, it's pretty much preference.

However, there is a significant, undeniable difference between using a mouse and using a joystick. Not only are mice more sensitive and responsive, but you're using your entire forearm to manipulate it, rather than just your thumb.

 

[Artemis923]

As much as I like my WoW mouse, it does fuck-all now that I'm dunn with WoW. All those extra buttons...useless outside of Azeroth, I'm afraid.

But while I was playing...jeah, it sure made the diff to me. XD

 

[Joccaren]

Well, with some, like the one my friend has, you can map several key presses to one button. He uses this is some RTS games to do things like select his barracks, build 4 light units and 2 heavy all in one press of the button. FPS, other than increased comfort and a great sensitivity increase for the mouse, I can't think of a lot that would be helpful (Battlefield 2 Commander commands maybe?)

 

[Elamdri]

Using my pinky finger for the shift key, or whatever key is for sprint, and having to use my other fingers (all of them) for every directional movement, using objects, reloading, crouching, jumping, flashlight, ect. seems a bit overwhelming at times. I'm a guitarist too! So I already have stronger fingers on that hand for individual unique use!!!

When I play FPS games, I keep my middle three finders on WASD, my pinky on shift to sprint and easy access to ctrl to go prone/crouch. Thumb stays on space to jump. I bind my most important stuff to the mouse buttons on the side of my mouse so I can do things like melee and swap weapons with the thumb on my mouse. That leaves my index finger to manage E, R, and F. Usually R is reload and F is flashlight, and I keep E as a wildcard key. Now, that's a fairly standard FPS setup, but I can definitely see where it would get complicated if you don't have mouse buttons.

It just seems easier for me to do this with a controller (twiddling my thumbs) than having to rely on my off hand agility. It's more spread out between all my digits.

I mean, the benefit of controllers over mouse/keyboard is that you can generally access all the buttons you need using your thumbs and index fingers, which is really great for people without good typing skills. But you sacrifice that control over the camera and aim that you get with a mouse. It's just a tradeoff.

As for RTS games, they can be done on console, but you'll never have the level of control that you have on a keyboard.

 

[Awexsome]

I was brought up accustomed to controllers. Sega Genesis - N64 - Gamecube - 360. I got into PC recently because TF2 is just too dang fun and can technically run ok on my laptop for college so long as I keep the player count low and don't play on any more graphically demanding maps.

The mouse takes a lot of getting used to but I've adapted pretty well to it. And I can see how a special mouse with shortcuts for a lot of games would be more useful. RPGs with a lot of options it's obvious and even for FPS's maybe someone would prefer to have a quick weapon switch attached to the mouse on the side or something.

But the keyboard is already a liability for me playing PC games. Ugh... WASD is shit compared to the control stick that I'm used to. I'd use a controller for TF2 but then I wouldn't be able to take advantage of one of one of the best things of TF2...

NEEDA DISPENSER 'ERE.

 

[Elamdri]

You mentioned RTS games on consoles tho... besides Halo Wars, when has an RTS been good on a console? I tried some LotR game that had great reviews, but I couldn't get into it. Those two, or the voice command Tom Clancy one, are the only RTS games I heard were good on a console. Am I missing one?

I would love to give them another try, even tho they will never have the feel of on a keyboard/mouse. Any suggestions?

My RTS experience is limited. I pretty much predominately played Starcraft, Warcraft 3, Starcraft 2 and Civ; all on the PC.

As for console RST, the only ones I'm familiar with are Halo Wars (Passible, but certainly not the greatest RTS) and ...Starcraft 64 (Don't want to talk about it).

Consoles unfortunately just aren't well suited to RTS style gameplay, so devs don't usually design them. Halo Wars was quite the exception in that it did fairly well. I wish I could help you, but it's just not an area of gaming I'm well versed in.

 

[RevRaptor]

I don't really think there is much need for gaming keyboards but there is deferentially a reason to get them. They are nice like really really nice. I use a Logitech G110 and it is awesome. Typing on it is a real pleasure, you get what you pay for I don't think I'm ever going to buy a cheep keyboard again. Typing on a cheep keyboard just fells so shitty compared to how nice a gaming keyboard feels. I love my G110 it's worth every dollar I spent on it and then some.
As for the mice well gaming mice are typically better made and more responsive.
It's really just down to the end users preference, use what makes you happy