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Mouse and keyboard vs controller: What's best for gaming?
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Just got a gaming PC and not sure what to game with? Here’s our guide to gaming on a mouse and keyboard vs a controller to help you decide which is best for your setup
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 12 September 2025
Choosing the right way to play
The way you play can make a big difference when you're gaming gaming,. Everyone has their own style, and the setup you choose can change how comfortable, fast, and enjoyable the experience feels. Some players look for accuracy and being able to react quick, while others value comfort and ease of use over long gaming sessions.
The truth is, there isn’t one “perfect” setup that works for everyone. What feels natural to one gamer might feel awkward to another. That’s why it’s important to think about your own habits, the types of games you enjoy, and what helps you play at your best before choosing whether to play on mouse and keyboard or a controller.
Remember, choosing the right setup isn’t just about performance – it’s also about making sure you enjoy the process. In the end, the best option for you will be one that makes your gaming sessions fun, comfortable, and rewarding, rather than what everyone else is using to play.
Why choose a mouse and keyboard?
For many gamers, the mouse and keyboard setup is the classic choice. It’s been around for decades and remains the standard for PC gaming. The combination gives players a lot of control and flexibility, which is why it’s still preferred for certain types of games.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect by choosing a mouse and keyboard over a controller:
A mouse allows for much more precise aiming compared to an analog stick. This is especially useful in first-person shooters or strategy games, where being able to quickly aim or click on exact spots can make all the difference. Small, sharp movements with a mouse often feel more natural than using a controller stick.
A keyboard has dozens of keys available, which means players can assign different commands to different buttons. This makes it easy to access abilities, items, or actions without cycling through menus, giving gamers the ability to react quickly, especially in games that require lots of different inputs.
With a keyboard and mouse, it’s easy to customise the setup to match personal preferences. Players can rebind keys, adjust mouse sensitivity, or even use gaming mice with extra buttons. This level of control lets gamers fine-tune their setup to fit the way they like to play.
While some setups work best for certain game types, a mouse and keyboard can handle a wide variety of genres. From shooters to real-time strategy, to MMORPGs, this setup offers a level of flexibility that works well across many gaming styles.
Why choose a controller
Controllers have become the go-to choice for many gamers, especially with consoles. They’re built for comfort, easy to use, and can feel more natural in the hands for certain types of games. For a lot of players, the controller is a simple and enjoyable way to play.
Here are some of the benefits you can expect by choosing a controller over a mouse and keyboard:
Controllers are designed to fit comfortably in your hands, making them great for long gaming sessions. The button layout is easy to reach without much movement, so players can stay relaxed while still being in full control.
Some game just feel smoother with a controller. Racing games, fighting games, and platformers often benefit from the analog sticks and triggers, which allow for more fluid movement and control compared to the quick, sharp inputs of a keyboard.
A controller is easy to pick up and use, even for new players. With fewer buttons and a more straightforward layout, it can feel less overwhelming than a full keyboard. This makes it a popular choice for casual gaming or for those who just want to jump in and play.
Many modern controllers come with vibration features that respond to in-game events. This feedback can make the experience more immersive, letting players “feel” explosions, impacts, or the rumble of an engine as they play.
Mouse and Keyboard vs: Controller: Which is better?
When it comes down to it, there's clear strengths to using either a mouse and keyword or a controller when you’re gaming.
The right choice often depends on the games you play and the way you like to play them. A mouse and keyboard brings more precision, speed, and customisation that'll give you give an edge in shooters, strategy, and MMO titles, while controllers provide comfort, fluid movement, and simplicity for more relaxed gaming sessions.
When to use a mouse and keyboard
If precision, speed, and customisation are your priorities when you’re gaming, a mouse and keyboard setup is hard to beat. It gives you sharper control for aiming, more input options, and the flexibility to tailor your keys and settings. This makes it the top choice for genres like first-person shooters, strategy, and MMO games.
When to use a controller
Controllers, are all about comfort and accessibility. They are designed to fit naturally in your palms, making them easier to hold for long gaming sessions without straining your hands, and the analog sticks allows for smoother, more fluid movement compared to the on-and-off inputs of a keyboard. . If you enjoy racing, fighting, or action-adventure games, a controller can give you smoother movement and a more immersive experience.
Some players switch between a mouse and keyboard depending on what they’re playing, using a mouse and keyboard for competitive PC titles and grabbing a controller for more relaxed games, racing and platform games, or console play.
Other ways to optimise your gaming setup
Choosing between a mouse and keyboard or a controller is only part of the picture. There are other small changes you can make that improve your comfort, performance, and overall enjoyment while gaming. These don’t always require big investments, but they can make a big difference to your setup.
1. Comfortable Seating
A good chair is one of the most overlooked parts of a gaming setup. Sitting in the wrong position for hours can cause back pain and tiredness. Choosing a chair that supports your posture will help you stay comfortable and focused during long sessions.
2. Monitor and Display Settings
Your screen plays a big role in how smooth your games look and feel. Adjusting settings like refresh rate, brightness, and resolution can improve both performance and comfort. A higher refresh rate monitor can also give you an edge in fast-paced games.
3. Lighting and Environment
The space around you matters too. Good lighting reduces eye strain, while a clean and organised desk keeps distractions to a minimum. Some gamers also enjoy using LED lights or bias lighting behind their monitor for a more immersive feel.
4. Headsets and Sound
Clear audio helps you react faster and enjoy the game world more fully. A quality headset with a microphone not only improves sound but also makes communication easier when playing online with friends or teammates.
5. Your broadband Connection
A strong and stable internet connection is essential for smooth online gaming. Even the most powerful setup can feel frustrating if your connection is slow or inconsistent, leading to lag, delays, or disconnections. For competitive games, where every millisecond counts, taking steps to improve your broadband speed or upgrading to a faster broadband package can make a huge difference.
Is it time to upgrade to faster broadband?
At Virgin Media, we know that every gamer deserves a connection that keeps up with their skills online. High-ping, lag, and dropouts be the different between winning and losing – so you need ultrafast, reliable broadband built for gaming.
With our ultrafast gigabit broadband, you can perform at your best whether you’ve got mouse and keyboard or controller. We’re talking silky-smooth online play, faster load times, and uninterrupted streams if you game on the cloud, whether you’re battling in competitive shooters, exploring massive worlds, or streaming gameplay to friends.
Ready to make the switch? Check out all of our gaming broadband deals and find a broadband package that’s fast enough for all your gaming needs.
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