First time gamer, do most use arrow keys?

nightrider1470

nightrider1470

nightrider1470

Soldato
Joined
25 May 2011
Posts
3,299
I notice all games seem to use a w e etc for movement. Am thinking the arrow keys would be easier so I dont press other keys by accident.

Do you guys use arrow keys?

Am on the hunt for a keyboard if anyone could recommend

Thanks
 
Personally no, I use ASDW but there is no reason why you can't try multiple layouts. Using something like SDFE maybe better as you'll have more letters available for in-game assignment.
 
WASD is the most common, I favour ESDF (you get the 'nipple' on the F-key for orientation), and some use arrows - particularly lefties, I understand (?).

Arrows is ok, but it's further to the other buttons surrounding.
 
Most people use WASD. People who use the arrow keys will certainly be in the minority. All the other keys around WASD are easily accessible for things like jumping, crouching, reloading and so on.

It's "I'm/I am" rather than "am".
 
WASD is the standard for a reason, it's so you can press the other keys more easily, without resorting to looking down at the keyboard. When I first started playing FPS a lot I used the arrow keys, this was on pre-steam CS, and very quickly realised it was an awful way to play. Just use WASD, you will quickly become used to it.
 
I use WASD as well. You'll find you need other nearby keys for other things; sprint, jump, reload etc. Using the arrow keys means you would need to move your hand away from them to reach other keys.
 
You can use arrow keys if that is more comfortable for you. There is no right or wrong way of doing it really.

I personally use WSAD for movement because it allows me to have other keys within easy reach to perform other tasks. I mainly play online FPS games so the other buttons are for actions like jump and crouch, walking and changing weapons etc. I just find it far easier that way.

Keyboard wise, again it is personal preference. I use a mechanical keyboard with brown switches and love it.

If you have the money I feel a mechanical keyboard is worth it. But I suggest you look into the different switches and even get to a store and see how they feel before buying. I chose browns because they are a good all round switch.

I use a Ducky Shine 3, but there are cheaper alternatives that would do the job just as well. I am disappointed with my Shine 3 because a load of the LED's are out and the lettering on one of the keys is coming off. Not good enough for a £140 product in my opinion. But the actual keyboard itself is great.

I am considering one of the new Corsair keyboards next.
 
As others have said WASD. As for a keyboard, cherry key based mechanical keyboards are the best, they are expensive but hard wearing. I'd look at a ducky or Coolermaster TKL (no numpad) keyboard.

The logitech keyboards with small screens are just a gimmick IMO.
 
Coming from consoles to PC recently I tried arrows, s,e,d,f and a few others.

Stick with WASD, it won't take you long to settle into it.
 
Using the arrow keys is probably alright for a keyboard only game. Once upon a time the only keys required were arrow keys and CTRL for 'Jump' and ALT for 'Fire' in about 80% of games I played but that was a long time ago (2d platformers)! Most are keyboard and mouse now due to the revolution of 3d movement I expect!

The idea of using the WASD keys is probably that it allows for (right-handed people atleast) adequate distance between your left hand on keys and right hand on mouse. Additionally, while I understand that you are concerned about pressing other keys by accident the purpose of using is WASD is probably equally that they are surrounded by other keys for you to use in game (such as 'E' often being used to 'interact' with objects).
 
WASD or similar positioned letter keys is the only practical option. Don't use arrow if you can help it.
 
HazardO said:
The logitech keyboards with small screens are just a gimmick IMO.
Click to expand...

I agree, but it wasn't always the case. Logitech have gone right downhill in recent years.

But I still have an original G15 V1 keyboard (http://support.logitech.com/en_gb/product/180), purchased in 2006 and it still works perfectly and all of the backlighting still works, as does the screen and media controls. It has had thousands upon thousands of hours use too. Legendary keyboard, and I have contemplated going back to it to be honest. In comparison, my Ducky Shine 3 had LED's going out after only a few months of use :(
 
Daftbrown said:
Using the arrow keys is probably alright for a keyboard only game. Once upon a time the only keys required were arrow keys and CTRL for 'Jump' and ALT for 'Fire' in about 80% of games I played but that was a long time ago (2d platformers)! Most are keyboard and mouse now due to the revolution of 3d movement I expect!
Click to expand...

I remember coming onto Quake 1 from the Doom games and trying to play with arrow keys for movement (+alt to strafe) and ctrl for shoot. I was like how the hell do you play this on keys!??

Then my good friend introduced me to the revolution that was the +MLOOK command!

Never looked back :D

Happy times.
 
Zefan said:
WASD is the standard for a reason, it's so you can press the other keys more easily, without resorting to looking down at the keyboard. When I first started playing FPS a lot I used the arrow keys, this was on pre-steam CS, and very quickly realised it was an awful way to play. Just use WASD, you will quickly become used to it.
Click to expand...

I use arrow keys works for me - never have to look for the additional keys, ctrl = ads, shift = move speed modifier, ins,del, page up/down block for weapon switching/abilities, etc. keypad 0 for crouch and so on, moving to WASD or similar wouldn't change how well I played but doesn't feel comfortable with the canted forward/back keys.
 
I'm left-handed and use the arrow keys, or for games that don't allow binding of the keys around the arrows (del, end, return, etc.) I sometimes (a little reluctantly) use IJKL. As many have said, most right-handers will use WASD for the same reason I use the arrow keys - it allows the optimal distance between each hand and a more comfortable ergonomics.

There are some other pros and cons to each. WASD is surrounded by a greater number of keys in easy reach, and by comparison you do a bit more stretching with the arrow keys. I do like having the numeric keypad set to weapon/ability select, though, since it gives nine key presses in reasonable reach for my pinky in a way the top-row number keys don't.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom