Gamepads vs Gaming Keyboards: The Perfect Setup for a New PC Gamer
As a new PC gamer, you may be considering whether to get a gamepad, a gaming keyboard, or both. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of each and help you decide which is the best fit for your gaming needs.
Why Gamepads?
Gamepads can be a great addition to your PC gaming setup, especially if you enjoy playing sports games, racing games, or some types of adventure games. Gamepads allow you to play games with ease and provide a more immersive experience compared to using a keyboard and mouse.
Why choose a gamepad?
Easy to Use: Gamepads are designed to make game playing convenient and intuitive. You can access all controls without any difficulty, making games like NFS (Need for Speed) and sports games much more accessible. Longer Gaming Sessions: Gamepads are designed to be used for extended periods, providing a comfortable and ergonomic experience that can help you stay in the game longer. This is particularly beneficial for games that rely on quick reflexes and sustained attention. Cost-Effective: Many decent gamepads are budget-friendly, and you can explore different brands and models to find one that suits your needs. They are a versatile option for playing various types of games, from sports to adventures.Why Gaming Keyboards?
Gaming keyboards offer a combination of gaming and productivity features, making them a versatile choice for both your gaming and daily work needs. They come with additional keys and RGB lighting to enhance performance and aesthetics.
Why choose a gaming keyboard?
Ultimate Versatility: Gaming keyboards provide a standard QWERTY layout with added features like macro keys, anti-ghosting, and customizable lighting. This makes them ideal for both gamers and professionals who need a balanced setup. RGB Lights: The RGB lighting feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your keyboard but also provides visual feedback to help you navigate the keyboard more efficiently. Price: Gaming keyboards are almost the same price as gamepads, making them a cost-effective choice. You don't have to spend more to get a high-quality keyboard. Reliability: Gaming keyboards are built to handle heavy usage, providing a long-lasting and reliable experience for your gaming needs.When to Choose Each?
While gamepads and gaming keyboards are great options, the choice ultimately depends on the type of games you play and your personal preferences.
Gamepads:
Suitable for: Sports games (like FIFA, PES, Madden), racing games, and some adventure games. Why: Gamepads provide an intuitive and comfortable experience for these types of games, often making them more accessible to new players.Gaming Keyboards:
Suitable for: First-person shooter (FPS) games and other fast-paced games that require precise control and extensive use of keyboard shortcuts. Why: Gaming keyboards offer precision and customization that is beneficial for games requiring quick and accurate inputs, such as FPS games.Conclusion
Both gamepads and gaming keyboards can enhance your PC gaming experience, and the choice between them depends on your specific gaming preferences and the types of games you play. For sports games and some adventure games, a gamepad can be the perfect choice. For more demanding games like FPS, a gaming keyboard might be more suitable.
Save some money and consider investing in a mechanical keyboard, especially if you prioritize ergonomics and durability. Mechanical keyboards with Cherry MX switches provide excellent tactile feedback and can last a lifetime, making them a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.
Additional Tips
For quick troubleshooting, tools like AntiMicro can help you configure your gamepads and gaming keyboards for optimal performance. AntiMicro is a popular tool that supports multiple controllers and allows you to create custom profiles for different games.
Overall, whether you choose a gamepad or a gaming keyboard, ensure that it fits your gaming needs and enhances your gaming experience. Happy gaming!