Do pro gamers use keyboard or controller?

The answer to whether pro gamers use a keyboard or controller depends on the game they are playing. Competitive gaming has evolved significantly over the years, and different input devices are better suited to different genres. Let's break down the use of keyboards vs controllers in the pro gaming world, depending on the type of game being played.

Pro Gamers and Keyboards

In the world of PC gaming, especially in eSports, keyboards and mouse setups are the primary input devices for many competitive players. Here's why:

Games Played with Keyboards

1. First-Person Shooters (FPS):

   • Games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty, and Overwatch are typically played with a keyboard and mouse setup. The precision and accuracy that a mouse provides when aiming, combined with the speed of keybindings, make it ideal for FPS games.

2. MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena):

   • Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Smite rely on the keyboard to perform fast, multi-action combos. The ability to press multiple keys simultaneously for item usage, movement, and special abilities is crucial to high-level play in these games.

3. Real-Time Strategy (RTS):

   • In StarCraft II or Age of Empires, speed and precision in selecting units and building strategies are critical. The keyboard’s array of customizable keys and shortcuts allow pro gamers to control large-scale battles quickly.

Why Keyboards Are Preferred in Pro Gaming:

• Precision and Speed: The mouse offers pixel-perfect control, especially for games that require fast reflexes, while the keyboard provides quick access to abilities and commands.
• Customization: With mechanical keyboards, pro players can assign specific actions to keys for quick responses and use macros for enhanced gameplay.
• Multi-tasking: The ability to perform multiple actions at once is a game-changer in competitive gaming, and a keyboard allows for simultaneous movements, attacks, and commands.

Pro Gamers and Controllers

While keyboard and mouse setups dominate the world of PC eSports, controllers are the go-to input device for many console gamers. Here’s when pro gamers prefer controllers:

Games Played with Controllers

1. Fighting Games:

   • For games like Street Fighter, Tekken, or Super Smash Bros., controllers are almost always the preferred input device. The analog sticks and buttons provide a level of precision that fits well with the combo-based nature of fighting games.

2. Sports and Racing Games:

   • Games like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Gran Turismo are usually played with controllers, as these games rely on fluid, analog movement that controllers are well-suited for.

3. Action-Adventure Games:

   • For single-player, story-driven games like Assassin’s Creed, The Legend of Zelda, and God of War, controllers provide a comfortable, ergonomic experience for hours of gameplay.

Why Controllers Are Preferred in Pro Gaming:

• Comfort: Controllers are more comfortable for extended gaming sessions, especially for genres like racing or action-adventure where long hours of play are common.
• Ergonomics: The design of controllers promotes natural hand positioning and is less likely to cause strain over long periods, making them ideal for casual gaming and competitive gaming on consoles.
• Analog Movement: In games that require precision movement but with fluid control, such as in racing games or platformers, controllers offer an intuitive experience.

Hybrid Gaming: Pro Gamers Switching Between Keyboard and Controller

Many pro gamers and streamers are skilled at using both keyboards and controllers. Here are some situations where the switch occurs:

• Cross-Platform Gaming: In games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, players on different platforms (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, and PC) can compete against each other. Console players typically use a controller, while PC players prefer a keyboard and mouse. However, the rise of aim assist on consoles has leveled the playing field in competitive shooter games, giving controller players more of an edge.

• Pro Gamers on Consoles: Competitive gaming for console-specific games (like Call of Duty or FIFA) is generally done with controllers, as these games are optimized for that input method.

Which Is Better: Keyboard or Controller for Pro Gamers?

The best input device depends entirely on the game genre and platform:

• For PC gamers in FPS, MOBA, and RTS games, keyboard and mouse setups are far superior for speed, precision, and customization.
• For console gamers, especially in fighting, racing, and action-adventure games, controllers are typically more comfortable, intuitive, and suited for the types of controls these games require.

Ultimately, it’s not about which input device is inherently better—it's about what suits the game and the gamer. Pro gamers are highly skilled with their input devices, and they make their choices based on what gives them the edge in competitive play.

Conclusion

In the pro gaming world, the choice between keyboard and controller boils down to the specific game you are playing. Keyboards and mice dominate competitive PC gaming, especially for fast-paced genres like FPS and MOBA, while controllers continue to reign in console gaming and certain game genres like fighting and racing games.

So, if you're a pro gamer—or aspiring to be—your input device should align with your game of choice. Whether you're mastering a keyboard or perfecting your skills with a controller, both offer a unique experience, and proficiency in both could make you even more versatile in the gaming world.