What controller for a PC?

[Triggaaar]

Having just finished building a new PC I'm wondering what controller(s) I should look at getting. I'll be playing some FPSes and RPGs, and hopefully the odd driving game. I already have wireless xbox controllers, so maybe it's worth getting something for that for RPGs and a bit of fun driving (don't think I can get a decent wheel), but for FPSes I'm thinking I'd be better off with some kind of gaming keypad, so I can use the mouse too.

Has anyone tried one of the gaming keypads, like these:
Razer Nostromo
Belkin N52TE
Logitech G13

I don't know if I'll end up needing both a gaming keypad and xbox controller, or if one is enough, as I could do with saving the money.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Triggaaar]

Thanks for the replies.

Never understood why anyone in their right mind would buy those things. You've already got a device in front of you with over 100 keys on it that does just as good/an even better job.

For fps, id still reccomend the mouse and keyboard. A lot nippier than the xbox controller.

There just seems to be so many keystrokes I'm not sure I could do them without looking down or making mistakes. I just had a quick play with Battlefield.
So you've got wasd, which are in an awkward position because you can't use the bottons nearby, like Capslock, Tab, Start, Alt.
As well as wasd, things you want to do in a hurry are run, crouch, throw grenade, melee option, switch weapon, reload, etc.
I found trying to run or crouch quite uncomfortable with wasd, and I know some people use these gaming pads, which I'd expect to be better.

So do you setup all games to use the same keys, and do you use wasd, or change them to something that works better?

Thanks

 

[Triggaaar]

Sounds good, thanks for the replies

Now I just need to choose something to make my 360 controllers work for a few driving games. Do I want one of these? They're available without the controller for £13

 

[Triggaaar]

I bought myself a 360 controller from OCUK just the other day.

Right, wireless receiver ordered.

yeh GFWL/360 controller is all you need

What's GFWL, games for windows live - where does that come into the equation?

 

[Triggaaar]

360 pad, but the belkin and razer look EXACTLY the same

I think the more expensive razer has more programmable setups - eg, you can have a larger number of games profiled.

 

[Triggaaar]

Ok, completed BFBC2 using the keyboard - no problems, swapped WASD for EWDF - much more comfortable, Q for run and mouse button for crouch, mouse wheel for selecting weapons. All is good.

So, onto COD MW - lots more buttons to learn, looks like a nightmare