Hardcore computer gamers. Need help picking a gaming pad - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Hardcore computer gamers. Need help picking a gaming pad

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Cpt_Micha
Dec 14, 2009 9:36:11 So after much looking at amazon.com and have come to the conclusion that, that's not helping me decide this much. What gaming pad do you use?

From what I can gather it's one of the big three.

The Logitech G13, the Belkin N52Te, or the Saitek Cyborg Command unit.

What are the best perks of each?

Also, have you used any of the other pads?
#2
toastedamphibian
Dec 14, 2009 9:42:19 First off, why do you want one? What are you planning on playing with it?
#3
Cpt_Micha
Dec 14, 2009 9:52:05 To answer your first question.

1. Because keyboards are meant for typing not gaming. I have yet to game on -any- keyboard that I have felt comfortable with and it has directly hurt my ability to game on the pc.

and for the second
2. Primarily on the PC I play RTS games, (in part due to the said keyboard+me issues) like Dawn of War, Dawn of War 2, Starcraft etc. With the occassional shooter thrown in, and probably soonish an MMO. (Kotor and Star Trek both look interesting enough for me to want to try them) so the macros all being at fingertips rather than keyboard length away sounds interesting and appealing.

some supplementary info about me.
3. when it comes to videogames, I consider myself casually hardcore. I also do most of my heaviest gaming on consoles. I want something that's going to feel more natural to me than having hands wandering around the keyboard desperately. (I am lost on a keyboard when it comes to anything but typing.. seriously lost)
#4
toastedamphibian
Dec 14, 2009 10:02:11 Generally, gamepads are not good for FPS/Roleplaying/RTS games. Unless you are planning on playing alot of sports/fighting games, it probably isn't worth stressing over. WSAD + QERTFGZXC + L-Shift L-Ctrl are all you need to be able to find for most games. Have you looked into getting a better mouse? A thumb key or two plush a pressable scroll wheel can make a keyboard almost superflourious for alot of games.

(Alot of console controllers can be used on your computer with minimal hassle or exspense. If your looking for familiarity, you cannot do much better than that.)
#5
Cpt_Micha
Dec 14, 2009 10:07:55 WASD is actually one of my problems actually, in shooters.

I have a very hard time getting used to having three of my fingers taken up just for movement in shooters. I've been spoiled by sticks and thumbs.

But to give one example of one thing I have some issues with is when I'm playing Starcraft, I have a hard time with using 1-0 while gaming. 1-4 come easy enough as do 8-0

but the keys between often go unused because I really really don't like moving my fingers from homerow, it's uncomfortable for me somewhat especially since most of the build commands are hotkeyed off of a letter that is most easily used by keeping my fingers on homerow. (or at least one hand on it while the other mouses about)

I could just use the mouse and numbers, but scrolling over to the Attack command and clicking it, costs me time. especially if I just went in or out of siege mode on a tank for example.

just suck it up and lrn2ply on a keyboard? or would a game pad address some of this?

I also like Mech games if that helps any. But in Mech games I have my Saitek game controller. which is fantastic.
#6
toastedamphibian
Dec 14, 2009 10:17:09 Learning to play with a keyboard would be my advice, yes. But don't use the standard typing hand placement. Move your left hand one space to the left, so that your pinky is over the caps lock. Must of the keys you will use are over there anyways, and it tends to be really hard to run while straffing left, for instance, if you dont.
#7
Cpt_Micha
Dec 14, 2009 10:22:58 I'll give it a shot. Any other tips?
#8
toastedamphibian
Dec 14, 2009 10:35:14 Learn how to put your hand back where you need it without looking? I have always really had this problem in reverse, playign console games with thoes little sticks is a challenge for me, so I feel where your coming from. I can type my name in the air, with either hand. Keyboard layouts are basically burned into my memory, so I might not be the best person to talk to for advice about adapting from gamepad to keyboard/mouse.

Best I can think of is be patient, and don't try too hard.
#9
Johnathan_Vagabond
Dec 14, 2009 16:23:35
My computer became outdated for gaming a long time ago, so I've been using the XBox360 my wife bought me for my birthday.

But to be honestly, I strongly miss using my computer for gaming. I find that, especially where FPS's are concerned, I miss the freedom of using my mouse to look/target. Additionally, WASD is something you get used to with practice. If I can change the defauly button layout, I generally do something like this.

WASD - Move
Space - Jump
L Ctrl - crouch/stealth/prone/aim
L Shift - sprint
L Click - Shoot (obviously)
R Click - Interact

I prefer to use the number row for skills/powers/weapons, because I can never get to where I want with the scroll button.
#10
dirtyfrank
Dec 14, 2009 23:55:31 yeah have yer left hand to the left of the keyboard at the WASD. If yer like me ya hand might wander a bit so I've learned to keep my mid finger on one of the WASD keys. This way I can always find home and control movement with at least one finger if need be. Spacebar will likely be jump and so if ya don't have enough fingers to maneuver well then in most games a S-space combo is enough to back you out of a bad situation enough. Using the bar of 1-0 on the top can be a hassle. It requires to move away from WASD with your left hand to hit keys 7-0 or let go of the mouse. these keys will likely control things like spells, types of attacks or effects and if so then it might be best to let go of mouse so that you can maneuver while blasting. I also think it would be best to use the square number pad to the right rather than the line uptop. It's much closer to the mouse. Finding one's way back to the WASD is good for a starter. My suggestion is not to try and get used to hitting all hot keys and remembering them but rather just work at getting down a few at a time. Such as with RTS games getting down the hot keys for making those few buildings you'll likely end up making tons of as well as those few units you'll pump out like crazy. probably also the button for selecting the training building for that unit. For FPS just get used to WASD and hitting spacebar. Jumping to get head shots seems to be the key to most of those games.
#11
toastedamphibian
Dec 15, 2009 4:10:51 ... jumping to get headshots? Just aim up, you dont need to jump. Bullets come from your face, man.
#12
dirtyfrank
Dec 15, 2009 8:50:28 With many FPS games the target tends to be near chest level and so if you jump your bullets will be coming out at head level. It also makes it harder to be hit in the head.
#13
Cpt_Micha
Dec 15, 2009 8:56:10 I use the jumping tactic more to avoid being hit in Halo 3. Or to get closer to deliver a melee strike.

Most of the time, my reticle is centered around the neck anyway, so nuding my right thumb upward just a tiny bit isn't a big deal for me.

PC shooting I see more Gay Shooter Dance, more than jumping.
#14
toastedamphibian
Dec 15, 2009 13:36:22
With many FPS games the target tends to be near chest level and so if you jump your bullets will be coming out at head level. It also makes it harder to be hit in the head.

... the target tends to be wherever your aiming. If your aiming at the chest, and want to get more head shots, you should stop aiming at the chest and aim at head level. If your playing a console game, I see where your coming from. Having to stop, hold down a button, and wiggle a little stick around and the speed of a snail across your television is more difficult than jumping. In most FPS games I have played, jumping just makes your shots less accurate.
#15
dirtyfrank
Dec 15, 2009 16:09:00 I don't play many FPS games but many of the hard core FPS people i've played with, on both PC and console, jumped to increase chances of headshots and to help prevent themselves from being shot in the head. Sure it might make you a bit less accurate in some games but your shot will come out at about head lvl. If you aim up at their head and they jump then you're hitting their torso while they're likely shooting at your head. At least this is from my experience. If also seen it used as a tactic to help dodge a bit in order to get in close for a melee attack. I have seen it mostly used with halo but also a lot in counter strike back in the day when I played that.
#16
pigknight
Dec 15, 2009 17:37:21 Or do what I did and get a mouse with 5 buttons + wheel scroll. (you need to be right handed).
#17
dirtyfrank
Dec 15, 2009 18:37:47
Or do what I did and get a mouse with 5 buttons + wheel scroll. (you need to be right handed).

Or learn to use your right hand. ;)

#18
toastedamphibian
Dec 16, 2009 5:17:16
I don't play many FPS games but many of the hard core FPS people i've played with, on both PC and console, jumped to increase chances of headshots and to help prevent themselves from being shot in the head. Sure it might make you a bit less accurate in some games but your shot will come out at about head lvl. If you aim up at their head and they jump then you're hitting their torso while they're likely shooting at your head. At least this is from my experience. If also seen it used as a tactic to help dodge a bit in order to get in close for a melee attack. I have seen it mostly used with halo but also a lot in counter strike back in the day when I played that.

If you jump and they jump, youll still probably hit them in the chest, no?
#19
Cpt_Micha
Dec 16, 2009 6:54:39
With many FPS games the target tends to be near chest level and so if you jump your bullets will be coming out at head level. It also makes it harder to be hit in the head.

... the target tends to be wherever your aiming. If your aiming at the chest, and want to get more head shots, you should stop aiming at the chest and aim at head level. If your playing a console game, I see where your coming from. Having to stop, hold down a button, and wiggle a little stick around and the speed of a snail across your television is more difficult than jumping. In most FPS games I have played, jumping just makes your shots less accurate.

Most console games the weapons that can score a head shot at all, have to be zoomed in anyway to do so. *such as the Covenent Carbine, or the Battle Rifle, or either Sniper rifle in Halo3*

Console shooting I've found, unless you are zoomed, it's better to go for center mass shots to ensure as many of your rapid fire bullets as possible score hits. Jumping to get head shots, isn't something that's widely practiced in the console war.

Jumping to get into melee however? that is. Or Jumping to get away.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Cpt_Micha Dec 14, 2009 9:36:11	So after much looking at amazon.com and have come to the conclusion that, that's not helping me decide this much. What gaming pad do you use? From what I can gather it's one of the big three. The Logitech G13, the Belkin N52Te, or the Saitek Cyborg Command unit. What are the best perks of each? Also, have you used any of the other pads?
#2 toastedamphibian Dec 14, 2009 9:42:19	First off, why do you want one? What are you planning on playing with it?
#3 Cpt_Micha Dec 14, 2009 9:52:05	To answer your first question. 1. Because keyboards are meant for typing not gaming. I have yet to game on -any- keyboard that I have felt comfortable with and it has directly hurt my ability to game on the pc. and for the second 2. Primarily on the PC I play RTS games, (in part due to the said keyboard+me issues) like Dawn of War, Dawn of War 2, Starcraft etc. With the occassional shooter thrown in, and probably soonish an MMO. (Kotor and Star Trek both look interesting enough for me to want to try them) so the macros all being at fingertips rather than keyboard length away sounds interesting and appealing. some supplementary info about me. 3. when it comes to videogames, I consider myself casually hardcore. I also do most of my heaviest gaming on consoles. I want something that's going to feel more natural to me than having hands wandering around the keyboard desperately. (I am lost on a keyboard when it comes to anything but typing.. seriously lost)
#4 toastedamphibian Dec 14, 2009 10:02:11	Generally, gamepads are not good for FPS/Roleplaying/RTS games. Unless you are planning on playing alot of sports/fighting games, it probably isn't worth stressing over. WSAD + QERTFGZXC + L-Shift L-Ctrl are all you need to be able to find for most games. Have you looked into getting a better mouse? A thumb key or two plush a pressable scroll wheel can make a keyboard almost superflourious for alot of games. (Alot of console controllers can be used on your computer with minimal hassle or exspense. If your looking for familiarity, you cannot do much better than that.)
#5 Cpt_Micha Dec 14, 2009 10:07:55	WASD is actually one of my problems actually, in shooters. I have a very hard time getting used to having three of my fingers taken up just for movement in shooters. I've been spoiled by sticks and thumbs. But to give one example of one thing I have some issues with is when I'm playing Starcraft, I have a hard time with using 1-0 while gaming. 1-4 come easy enough as do 8-0 but the keys between often go unused because I really really don't like moving my fingers from homerow, it's uncomfortable for me somewhat especially since most of the build commands are hotkeyed off of a letter that is most easily used by keeping my fingers on homerow. (or at least one hand on it while the other mouses about) I could just use the mouse and numbers, but scrolling over to the Attack command and clicking it, costs me time. especially if I just went in or out of siege mode on a tank for example. just suck it up and lrn2ply on a keyboard? or would a game pad address some of this? I also like Mech games if that helps any. But in Mech games I have my Saitek game controller. which is fantastic.
#6 toastedamphibian Dec 14, 2009 10:17:09	Learning to play with a keyboard would be my advice, yes. But don't use the standard typing hand placement. Move your left hand one space to the left, so that your pinky is over the caps lock. Must of the keys you will use are over there anyways, and it tends to be really hard to run while straffing left, for instance, if you dont.
#7 Cpt_Micha Dec 14, 2009 10:22:58	I'll give it a shot. Any other tips?
#8 toastedamphibian Dec 14, 2009 10:35:14	Learn how to put your hand back where you need it without looking? I have always really had this problem in reverse, playign console games with thoes little sticks is a challenge for me, so I feel where your coming from. I can type my name in the air, with either hand. Keyboard layouts are basically burned into my memory, so I might not be the best person to talk to for advice about adapting from gamepad to keyboard/mouse. Best I can think of is be patient, and don't try too hard.
#9 Johnathan_Vagabond Dec 14, 2009 16:23:35	My computer became outdated for gaming a long time ago, so I've been using the XBox360 my wife bought me for my birthday. But to be honestly, I strongly miss using my computer for gaming. I find that, especially where FPS's are concerned, I miss the freedom of using my mouse to look/target. Additionally, WASD is something you get used to with practice. If I can change the defauly button layout, I generally do something like this. WASD - Move Space - Jump L Ctrl - crouch/stealth/prone/aim L Shift - sprint L Click - Shoot (obviously) R Click - Interact I prefer to use the number row for skills/powers/weapons, because I can never get to where I want with the scroll button.
#10 dirtyfrank Dec 14, 2009 23:55:31	yeah have yer left hand to the left of the keyboard at the WASD. If yer like me ya hand might wander a bit so I've learned to keep my mid finger on one of the WASD keys. This way I can always find home and control movement with at least one finger if need be. Spacebar will likely be jump and so if ya don't have enough fingers to maneuver well then in most games a S-space combo is enough to back you out of a bad situation enough. Using the bar of 1-0 on the top can be a hassle. It requires to move away from WASD with your left hand to hit keys 7-0 or let go of the mouse. these keys will likely control things like spells, types of attacks or effects and if so then it might be best to let go of mouse so that you can maneuver while blasting. I also think it would be best to use the square number pad to the right rather than the line uptop. It's much closer to the mouse. Finding one's way back to the WASD is good for a starter. My suggestion is not to try and get used to hitting all hot keys and remembering them but rather just work at getting down a few at a time. Such as with RTS games getting down the hot keys for making those few buildings you'll likely end up making tons of as well as those few units you'll pump out like crazy. probably also the button for selecting the training building for that unit. For FPS just get used to WASD and hitting spacebar. Jumping to get head shots seems to be the key to most of those games.
#11 toastedamphibian Dec 15, 2009 4:10:51	... jumping to get headshots? Just aim up, you dont need to jump. Bullets come from your face, man.
#12 dirtyfrank Dec 15, 2009 8:50:28	With many FPS games the target tends to be near chest level and so if you jump your bullets will be coming out at head level. It also makes it harder to be hit in the head.
#13 Cpt_Micha Dec 15, 2009 8:56:10	I use the jumping tactic more to avoid being hit in Halo 3. Or to get closer to deliver a melee strike. Most of the time, my reticle is centered around the neck anyway, so nuding my right thumb upward just a tiny bit isn't a big deal for me. PC shooting I see more Gay Shooter Dance, more than jumping.
#14 toastedamphibian Dec 15, 2009 13:36:22	With many FPS games the target tends to be near chest level and so if you jump your bullets will be coming out at head level. It also makes it harder to be hit in the head. ... the target tends to be wherever your aiming. If your aiming at the chest, and want to get more head shots, you should stop aiming at the chest and aim at head level. If your playing a console game, I see where your coming from. Having to stop, hold down a button, and wiggle a little stick around and the speed of a snail across your television is more difficult than jumping. In most FPS games I have played, jumping just makes your shots less accurate.
#15 dirtyfrank Dec 15, 2009 16:09:00	I don't play many FPS games but many of the hard core FPS people i've played with, on both PC and console, jumped to increase chances of headshots and to help prevent themselves from being shot in the head. Sure it might make you a bit less accurate in some games but your shot will come out at about head lvl. If you aim up at their head and they jump then you're hitting their torso while they're likely shooting at your head. At least this is from my experience. If also seen it used as a tactic to help dodge a bit in order to get in close for a melee attack. I have seen it mostly used with halo but also a lot in counter strike back in the day when I played that.
#16 pigknight Dec 15, 2009 17:37:21	Or do what I did and get a mouse with 5 buttons + wheel scroll. (you need to be right handed).
#17 dirtyfrank Dec 15, 2009 18:37:47	Or do what I did and get a mouse with 5 buttons + wheel scroll. (you need to be right handed). Or learn to use your right hand. ;)
#18 toastedamphibian Dec 16, 2009 5:17:16	I don't play many FPS games but many of the hard core FPS people i've played with, on both PC and console, jumped to increase chances of headshots and to help prevent themselves from being shot in the head. Sure it might make you a bit less accurate in some games but your shot will come out at about head lvl. If you aim up at their head and they jump then you're hitting their torso while they're likely shooting at your head. At least this is from my experience. If also seen it used as a tactic to help dodge a bit in order to get in close for a melee attack. I have seen it mostly used with halo but also a lot in counter strike back in the day when I played that. If you jump and they jump, youll still probably hit them in the chest, no?
#19 Cpt_Micha Dec 16, 2009 6:54:39	With many FPS games the target tends to be near chest level and so if you jump your bullets will be coming out at head level. It also makes it harder to be hit in the head. ... the target tends to be wherever your aiming. If your aiming at the chest, and want to get more head shots, you should stop aiming at the chest and aim at head level. If your playing a console game, I see where your coming from. Having to stop, hold down a button, and wiggle a little stick around and the speed of a snail across your television is more difficult than jumping. In most FPS games I have played, jumping just makes your shots less accurate. Most console games the weapons that can score a head shot at all, have to be zoomed in anyway to do so. such as the Covenent Carbine, or the Battle Rifle, or either Sniper rifle in Halo3 Console shooting I've found, unless you are zoomed, it's better to go for center mass shots to ensure as many of your rapid fire bullets as possible score hits. Jumping to get head shots, isn't something that's widely practiced in the console war. Jumping to get into melee however? that is. Or Jumping to get away.