Which keys do you use?

[Babebraham]

Do you use arrow keys, WASD, or others most of the time?

twocows note: I'm taking this to be a dual-part question. He's asking both in games and in general navigation.

 

[Nick]

I don't use those unless I'm typing or something requires them. I have a multi-toucch trackpad for a reason!

 

[Misheard Whisper]

I have a general rule that I don't play computer games that require moving with the keyboard/mouse (which basically rules out all FPS/TPS/etc games. No big loss.) so for the most part, none. However, if presented with the choice (like in a racing minigame or something), I go for the arrow keys every time. Moving with letters feels too weird, and I'm right-handed, so it feels a bit more natural to manoeuvre with my right hand. I'm fine with steering left-handed if I'm using my thumb (PS2, DS etc) but actually pushing different buttons with my fingers? Hehe, nah.

Of course, this presents me with a dilemma when faced with a game like, say, Borderlands, where you turn and shoot with the mouse, but move with the keys. There is no way I'd be able to operate a mouse with my left hand, so . . . yeah, I just don't play those kinds of games. I much prefer console games anyway.

 

[Oryx]

I have a general rule that I don't play computer games that require moving with the keyboard/mouse (which basically rules out all FPS/TPS/etc games. No big loss.)

How...how else would you move in a computer game? o_o;

In games I use WASD if I can because I'm left-handed and then I can use my right hand for the mouse. I find using the arrow keys obnoxious in general.

 

[Shining Raichu]

I use the arrow keys too. To be honest I never using WASD was actually an option haha - I'm left-handed too, which might mean I should be using WASD... it just seems counterintuitive to me.

Anyway, this belongs in Computers & Technology so I'm gonna move it there :)

 

[Misheard Whisper]

How...how else would you move in a computer game? o_o;

I only play things like Age of Empires where you don't have a viewpoint character to move.

 

[Purple Materia]

Playing any FPS on the arrow keys is a friggin' nightmare.

My left pinky could only reach Ctrl and Shift comfortably, while my left thumb could only reach the 0 key on the Numpad. That gives me only three keys besides moving and shooting; for Combat Arms, I use six keys - one for sprinting, reloading, jumping, crouching, picking something up off the ground, and switching my primary weapon.

tl;dr: Arrow keys don't work for me.

 

[Sheep]

A few months ago I couldn't stand WASD but after playing Terraria for a while, I preferred WASD and could no longer stand arrow keys, lol.

 

[Ciax]

I have used my arrow keys for a long time. But then one unfortunate day I spilled cordial on my arrow keys and now they don't work. So I adjusted and now use the WASD. I find I actually prefer them now, it suits my hands better.

 

[Avishka]

i use the arrow keys but for change i am using the WASD keys nowadays

 

[Legendary Silke]

I usually use WASD for movement if it's not a racing game or sports game. If it is? I'll just plug in my 360 controller.

 

[Archer]

WASD4LYF.

Seriously, though. My left hand defaults to Shift/A/W/D/Space when I put it down on the keyboard. WASD is ingrained in my mind. The only reason I'd consider the arrows is for navigating menus.

I didn't even know people used the arrow keys. :P

 

[mondays suck]

If I have to use the mouse I'll use WASD; if I don't, like when playing emulated games, I prefer the arrow keys.

 

[Seki]

WASD for FPS games, other than that, arrow keys are way to go.

 

[SpeedyGeek]

Do what pros do and use ESDF.

 

[TheAppleFreak]

WASD for life.

I used to be a arrow keys person before I began playing TF2 a year or two ago, and then I realized just how many useful keys you can use with WASD. On my keyboard, it feels really natural and comfy.

 

[Mchopz]

[SIZE="a"]Well it's either WASD for Minecraft or arrow keys for emulators!.[/SIZE]

 

[Blizz]

Many years ago I would have said arrows. Now I say that I prefer WASD. I can't play with arrows anymore, they're just so...bad.

 

[Elite Overlord LeSabre™]

I just use whatever the default is... usually the arrow keys. Of course, I'm using them on a netbook which makes it even harder, but since I mostly play dating sims or turn based RPG's, it's not like I need fast reflexes for them anyway, lol

 

[double trouble!]

WASD.
I used to use the arrow keys.