The Keyboard VS Controller Debate SOLVED! HORI & FFXIV! 

Reason many play with controller is less the controller and more the comfort of playing from a couch. Sure you may need a wireless keyboard to chat, but nothing beats that laid back evening on the couch after a full day of working from a desk.

Myself been around computers since Commodore 64 was released and been a gamer since then. After all these decades my ring finger on my right hand the last digit has a slight permanent bend to it. Does it effect my ability to play games you might be wondering short answer is "No". I'm a gamer at heart and will continue to be one unless my hands flat out stops me OR my eye sight. lol Myself I'm a Keyboard & Mouse type of gamer but will use controller if it's better for a certain game like Diablo 4 type of games OR driving games.

So this says it works with ps5? How would you configure it for ps5?

Hi.

I've used a device like this for over a decade now for MMOs. First, the Belkin N52, then when Belkin got bought out, the Razer Tartarus and/or Orbweaver (which are basically the same thing, just with different numbers of buttons, maybe a scroll wheel, and of course, RGB lights, because gamers). Once you're used to it, you'll never go back to plain keyboard&mouse or controller.

The warning is mostly due to the materials. Something in there would have some form of carcinogens… thing is… as someone who works with a manufacturer in California, we’re all just done with it. COFFEE BEANS had a warning at some point because the roasting process used some chemicals (later retracted)… it gets really old fast…

I've been using this since the original one came out a few years ago. It's been great, and it's like the ONLY key pad with a REAL analog stick.

The package being ripped open by customs IS actually the fault of HORI. The name that would appear on the shipping slip would cause them to open it to look for weapons. I really wish peripheral manufacturers would stop naming control's with words like "Tactical" and "Assault" and "Utrakill EXTREME!". -edit, As far as the "reproductive harm" thing. California has some very stupid laws that basically makes everything including AIR cause cancer and requires all company's that MIGHT ship things there to include those warnings... thus making any warning for things that might actually cause cancer meaningless.

I got a G13 and still use it for FFXIV and several other games all the time. With the LCD screen with profiles and no software needed for the internal saved profiles changing settings on the fly is a breeze. My sisters got this for me long ago and it rocks still today!

In California you have to put a prop 35 warning about reproductive harm on EVERYTHING that causes cancer.... which is everything. HOW DOES THIS FIT SMALLER HANDS????????? I haven't had a lot of luck with the Razer Tartarus line as it's waaay too huge for my hand. [I guess I have Linus sized hands]

the "reproductive harm" thing is a dumb law we passed in California that requires that statement on basically anything sold in California.

I have the same experience with using the controller vs PC (maybe 3 hours too). I'm currently prepping to use the Hori TAC on my PlayStation 5 so I've adopted the mouse and keyboard setup to the PlayStation5. I know you play on PC, but I'm hunching this won't workout as the mouse doesn't move smoothly within FFXIV using PlayStation 5. Question: Do you still use your Keyboard or do you convert it all to the Hori TAC + Mouse?

I believe that movement beinv a barrier to switching from Controller to MnK comes from misunderstanding the proper movemnt with MnK. Most people rely almost completely on wasd, but real mastery comes from using right click to control your camera during movement. This drastically improves movement by making it so you only ever need to use a&d for actual movement and shift your camera around to manioukate your direction. It may seem really convoluted, but with some practice, movement with MnK surpasses controller movement by leagues. My number one recomendation to my friends when they switched over was to practice controling the camera not with wasd but with right click.

I might need to look into this. I tired using an XBOX controller in FFXIV and it was a disaster. I followed multiple tutorials and suggestions; but, I'd either end up starting something out of range or targeting a fellow player. I've uninstalled and reinstalled FFXIV so many times to try to get a controller to work that my controller now sits in the bottom desk drawer. I've even deleted the FFXIV folder from My Games so many times that my SSD was like "Dude!!! Give it up!!" So... Looks like I'll be a mouse and keyboard player fr now on.

The reproductive harm is because plastics have chemicles that are transdermally absorbed which impact your hormones by either mimicing them or preventing their utilization. If some thing is made in the US it wont provide that warning, but if its made in other countries they are legally obligated to alert you of the dangers. It really depends on the type of plastic and it also depends on any gasses they use to kill bacteria and growth before items are shipped to prevent any huymiddity/moister from making the box soggy So the box is able to get wet and dry without developing growths that may make its way into components. as well as the plastic film that covers a lot of carbboard boxes which has chemicles in it that can and will impact your hormones

I already use Razer's gaming keypad. What makes this controller particularly good, despite its button layout, maybe, is the joystick on the right. Don't use it for movement or cam control. Instead you should map it to toggle alt, ctrl, and/or shift. Doing that makes these better to use than a gamepad. The gameplay is very fluid. Every ability becomes instantaneously available to use. More should try it. Other games can benefit from these too. Even Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization can be played with it. Keep in mind that it must be paired with a 12 key button on the side kind of a MMO mouse for the best effect. That's what makes it possible to control up to 36 (more than enough for every job there is) abilities, 3 full 12 slot hotbars. If you ever needed, you could bind another for a staggering 48. You could stick emotes on that last hotbar.

The warning is required in California to be on anything that has a remote trace of anything that's been remotely linked to cancer, essentially. So it's basically on everything. :)

I’m a controller player for FFXIV but back when I played WoW long ago I used the Belkin (similar to this) and a Razer Naga. If I still had my Naga I would probably be looking into getting one of these as it is my preferred MMO control style. Thankfully XIV has great controller support. Good video!

Ooo interesting! Ty for this video! I’ve always kinda wanted to get a device like this but never really knew which ones met my needs/were quality, I think I might try to save up for this!

To my understanding, the biggest aspect between Key/Mouse vs Pad debate is Aiming vs Movement. Having analog, thread the needle movement with precision mouse aiming is the best of both worlds. I must have this.

I love this type of control myself and use a Razer Tartarus V2 exclusively. This Hori looks not usable to me because there is no easy button to configure for alt or ctrl keypress while keeping fingers on central buttons (see the easy button at thumb position of the Razer).

Just off the bat as a long time MKB gamer, WASD aren't for movement in MMos unless you want to be a keyboard turner. The mouse is for movement, freeing your entire left hand for keybinds. Only one I use is S to stop my auto run or whatever. And that's just a habit left over from WoW tbh. Strafe keys I use a ton, but a lot of FF14 players don't seem to use these much, and again a leftover habit from years of raiding in WoW. The other thing is that if you want to play basically any other MMo you need to learn KBM. Personally I think it's incredibly superior because of the versatility and ease of typing. I get why people like controller, but I'd go out of my mind hitting a million buttons switching menus and being unable to type stuff to people. But again, I'm a PC gamer. I own some consoles but never play them. I bought a PS4 solely for Bloodborne lol.

Can this be used on other MMOs?

EB status? Do you like miera?

Ive used a razer naga since 2009 and and a belkin n52 since 2004/ razer tarturus v2 pro (now). Since those came out I have religiously preached thag format for pc gaming, when a controller isnt suitable. Its comfortable, fast, and makes MMO easy to play. Ive looked at pada like Horiz but aside Razer only Azeron is potentially more ergonomic. problem is if i have one razer product i may as well have both.

i have the hori keypad, i have also played with both mmo mouse and also ps4 controller. my thoughts, hori keypad was nice where it felt like with 4 htbars i can mimic hori keypad buttons and the 2 other hotbars would be a mouse button "shift modifier", mmo mouse was nice because i set up with 12 buttons i set up 3 hotbars and i had shift and alt as modifiers, and controller i use just hotbar one and double tap plus one center (r2 and l2 together) half hotbar i.m.o., the only issue withkeypad sometimes i have technical glitch where my character look like they are electrucutd and runs in place, and controller both myslef and my fc leader who uses a ps5 controller have this issue where like sometimes it stops and i have to ether connect the wire to it even tho its charged r i have to unplug it. like whatever u preference all the are viable i used all for raiding savage and extremes and leveled all jobs (mentor here tho im not a great mentor skill wise) i would say that like im still trying to get usto controller soft targeting as a healer especially Ast to play cards on dps, alot of the skill issue im having is figuring out how others basically quickly target players. if this game had the option of having multiple focus targets i would be happy. (like 4 focus targets would be great). ninja shukuchi on controller u have to prepsition ur camera to quickly do shukuchi. but like doing blue mage openers and other openers is nice too. i put my aoe skills on double tap and my main rotation is left hand face buttons. mouse with shukuchi is like god tier. if u use focus target macro like blm with someone to aetherial movement to pve/pvp its pretty amazing too. it takes ike a month to learn something so dont be afraid to give whatever a shot as long as u actually use a training dummy. i have other tips too you can ask me. price wise......hori is bit expensive. controller can be cheaper and mmo mouse

I am thinking about using this as a replacement for my logitech g13 It is a very similar piece of tech, but it is not available anymore, because logitech doesn't make them anymore. Thanks for trying it out and showing the ups and downs. Even so the g13 has quite a few more options, this might be a valid replacement, if I desperately need one.

I tried this and couldn't stand it. I love the concept but I felt absolutely ham-strung by the position of the joystick. It forces my thumb into this awkward position where in order to be able to manipulate it successfully, I had to use the side of my thumb and the control just wasn't there as a result. Not to mention my thumb kept slipping off because the side is not as "grippy" as the pad. I then tried the Razer Naga and while it has fewer buttons and the joystick is some sort of d-pad hybrid thing that may not be a real analog stick, it's worked out great because it's pointed off the side in a direction that matches natural hand ergonomics far better instead of straight up making it infinitely more usable.

I've played with a Orbweaver for the longest time and got scolded for it, when SE released the HORI Tactical Assault Commander I was so happy ;u;

I'm using Razer's Tartarus(original,pro,v2) for mmos. Their software is the worst in industry but ergonomics is great and they never get out of stock and support is decent so you can always have a way to get replacement.

And the usual Japanese shenanigans of "Our game is actually a worldwide phenomenon? Is it? Meh let us sells this for limited amounts so it'll be funni for other who lives outside of Japan who actually want it"

I use a Razer Orbweaver, and i cannot play without it and I'm sad Razer no longer makes it. I'm scared for when it eventually fails.

lmao 140 USD for a quarter of a keyboard, ill take my superior controller for $60 thanks, this crap cant be worth more than $40 at best

If you know anything and I mean ANYTHING about pc peripherals this is the most obvious rip off in history

I tried this out years ago on the first run and i found the stick angle to be really uncomfortable. I think the azeron controller and mouse would be a far better option if you want sticks.

i got this and returned it. it just doesnt feel good to use imo, coming off of using a g13 for 10 years. ironically i switched TO controller now.

On the fence about it On one hand I love the controller On the otherhand, going KMB makes a lot of things much faster/easier….

is the analog stick pressable? so i can bind it to the jump button

I would try this out if it wasn't exclusively left-hand... I'd want to use that thing AND my mouse ffs

I got the Razer Orbweaver (Similar concept, but easier to obtain) with the same intent to move to KB/M for XIV, and it just didn't stick. The big issue is that controller support is some of the best I've ever had in a game, so it's hard to move over. However, I absolutely adore the thing for FPS and the myriad of roguelikes I play now. I'm happy to hear you've had a good experience with it.

After having used a Naga Trinity I Think I'll stick to controller, was an interesting video though.

Does this even solve the wasd problem? Does FFXIV support analog movement outside of controller mode?

Been using Razer Tartarus V2 since Shadowbringers came out. Life changing.

Nice review!- I bought this as well, I've been using these type of pads since the early 2000s I was raised a console gamer so WASD/keyboard controls never was good for me so I jumped on these many years ago. Started with the Belkin N50 then the N52 onward to Logitechs G13 and then Razers Orbweaver then Tatarus. My Tatarus at the first of the year started dying on me with a common fault the optical switch on the d pads forward/w assigned button started dying. I saw this was on the horizon and definitely wanted to give it a shot as I have had long term bad experiences with Razer products dying sooner than later. My Orbweaver prior to the Tatarus literally was falling apart on me after just a year. Well I've been using this Hori tactical since it released a few weeks back. My thoughts is its very simplistic and very basic, and has few bells or whistles, the software feels like its from the early 2000s, very janky (like I have to change the language to English every single time I open the software) but it gets the job done, have not had any issues in game. Really I think its best put that this Hori.. it comes across to be as a very decent $80 controller being overpriced at $140. Its Final Fantasy branded but its a bit of a farse the only real connection is the FF14 brand just stamped on it and the software has a sprout icon for the "tutorial" open button. Thats it nothing else. At this price point they should have included an in game minion or something to go with the purchase. But that is beside the point. This is a solid offering but just priced too high. The real test for this controller will be its longevity, will it last longer than Razer's offerings and not break down? Razers controllers, their presentation is top notch. The Tartarus, it feels premium the software has all the bells and whistles, RGB, mechanical keys or optical (depending on version) feels fantastic to the touch. The padded wrist rest of the Tart is amazing. So a high price point, while painful, makes sense. So going from that to this there is some disappointment, membrane keys, non padded just a gripped wrist rest, overly bright white only backlighting. I must give Hori props for the game pad esq analog stick. I do like that over Razers. I hope this works well and gets me by. While i dream of a day when Logitech decides to come back and make a sequel to the G13. It was king.

I for several years played 14 with an mmo mouse and a logitech G13 wich is similar to this and loved it. The middle three fingers on the left hand using the G13 handled WASD for movement, and misc skills, while the pinky handled ctrl and shift for modifers to switch hotbars. The thumb was on the stick for camera, and also on the nearby alt key for an aditional key modifier. Theother hand on the mouse handled aiming and executing attacks. The only reason I moved away from that set (and eventually moved to controller) was that my G13 broke, and they dont make them anymore. I tried the naga version, but it didn't have the same feel to it and it didn't quite suit my playstyle. When 14 announced this, it was interesting, but I wasn't sure if I should try it incase it turned out to be another useless piece of tech like the naga did for me. Now that I've gotten use to controller, I'm not even sure I would want to go back to a keypad.

Seems weird, the whole point of controller is that I can lean back and hold it comfily

I need a left handed version of this. Woulda bought one from the get go if there were onex(

I sooo want to be able to learn this. Ill try one. I have played KB&m for 24 years, tried controllers a few times, unsuccessfully.

I buy old Logitech G13. The best keypads for me '

Sad that there is no xbox version of this device, looks interesting

I am also a gamer whose primary proficiency is in controller use so its great to learn there are assist tech options for keyboard/mouse play!

i started using a azeron keypad 2 years ago and I love it haha

I have the original gray one and use it in tandem with a g502 mouse. I also used to be on controller only since I started in Heavensward on ps3. I'm glad they made a new version. In my experience, this has probably been the best device to use for me personally. I can't use a normal keyboard effectively because the rows are slanted and my hands are to small to reach far keys. I made all the hotbars line up to the pad with combos going left to right. I use normal for single target, shift for aoe, and ctrl for role actions / bufffs. Then I use the button by the analog to change the keys to Num input so I can open misc stuff like inventory, duty finder, etc. It's super intuitive to use. Pretty easy to set keybinds. My only gripe with the product is that I wish the would have angled the analog stick back and right slightly so it has a better match to the curvature of your hand. I hope they release another version in the future with mechanical keys and a swappable joystick to replace or use the new fancy magnetic ones.

I have this... and just sayin I use it EVERY DAY! It is the most useful gaming device ever made!

I got the HORI Tactical Assault Commander F14 (Final Fantasy XIV Black Edition) this week and when i started to go into settings companion app the analog stick does not work anymore ingame only when i put the button beneath the Gamepad on K (Keyboard) instead of A (Analog) Does anyone know the fix to this ? or is this how it supposed to work as its Keyboard for PC and Analog for the PS4/PS5 game ? Can someone please help its the first time using a gamepad myself.

I use the Razer Tatarus V2. still 2 yrs after with the corsair scimitar. I wanna get a razer naga so that i can combine so many macros for the game

I switched from a Logitech G13 to a Steam Controller 7 years ago. I do everything with a Steam Controller now (except for typing). I loved my G13 and G600 combo though. Prior to the G13 I was exclusively a Dualshock / Xbox Controller user. These gameboards really make the transition to keyboard and mouse smooth. The only thing I wish for a future gameboard to do is have mouse functionality built in, have swappable joysticks (for right handed use), and compatibility to use two boards (one for each hand) or a mouse with a built-in analog stick. XIV's analog camera controls are smoother than using a mouse, but targeting with a mouse is superior. It had always been my dream to have a dual gameboard setup or at least an MMO mouse with an analog stick, extra points for bluetooth, never could find a wireless MMO mouse. I still yearn for the dual gameboard because having to switch between a board or a controller to keyboard for typing is still a pain in the ass. Currently the Steam controller, (and the Steam Deck) fulfill all my input needs, but typing is still cumbersome. That dual gameboard setup, or a competent speech to text solution, is my holy grail. Typed this out on a Steam Deck OLED.

Personally I don't really see the point. It's more expensive than most KEYBOARDS, and you'd be better served with just an MMO gaming mouse for keybinds, or a controller if you have dexterity issues or carpal tunnel. I've never deemed smooth analog movement important for MMOs like this, but to each their own.

Do you have handcam videos where you do a dungeon or something similar?

Well that's really awesome I wasn't really sure who the controller was for perse but seeing it in action has at least shown me its ease and comfort. Good review :)

As a Azeron user: "Look what they need to achieve a fraction of our power"

Thanks for reviewing this Debbie! I still have one question... can you tilt that analogue stick to the side at all? I know it's adjustable, but from the pics I've seen it just looks like it slides out, not tilts. I dunno, to me it looks like being straight up like that would be uncomfortable for my thumb.

I use a ergonomic split mechanical keyboard, which in essence gives the same thing on the left part, and the most difficult part with FFXIV was indeed to redo the action bars layout for each class. But I also ended up enjoying the "half-keyboard" way more.

I'm glad you like it! I have been thinking about getting one but haven't seen anyone review it. The reproductive warning label is probably some legalese that since the product hasn't been approved in Canada they have to put it there as CYA, California does a lot of the same. Question about switching between it and M&K though, you can still type on your keyboard in chat while using it, right?

I was considering expanding my control options despite being used to MMO mouse quite a bit (with modifiers and proper keybinds you can easily have 36 keys on one hand!) and this review is nice and informative without being too wordy. Good job!

Thank you for a great review of this devise, really interested on this and was looking for info, with your recommendation I think I am going to get one and give it a go. Peace

How long is the cord on this?

I still don't understand what it does. Would've been nice seeing you actually use it with your hands.

I been honestly thinking about using something like that or maybe using the asus rog charkarm keyboard because I also been wanting to move to kbm but I just can't get over the movement of wasd on keyboard just feels so so slow for me personally and I've used controller for basically my entire life

For carpal tunnel I actually love my Azeron Cyborg. Extremely customizable and way more comfortable than most other options I've tried. It is quite expensive and requires way more setup but once it's ready it's absolutely amazing. I do recommend getting the restrictor ring and stand for extra comfort.

I use something like this too called Logitech G13. I mostly play games on controller but I thought XIV would be too weird on a controller and I can't stand WASD movement but I have the G13 that I actually bought before even knowing about XIV by coincidence. I'm sure controllers in XIV are fine since there are tons of you using it but I honestly haven't looked at how it works and have no idea how it works, I've just been using this for my whole playtime.

Sounds interesting, I have CRPS, and I am down to one fully functional hand and some movement on the other. I have used an Orbweaver in other games but could never figure out how to get it going on FF14. Looks interesting, but way out of my budget at $204 AUD starting price.

I bought this after watching this video and a few others about it. I never switched from controller because I loved being able to move and do rotations with ease. I am a raider, cleared all ultimates, so primarily that is what I'm looking to make it work for. Rotations are easier than controller on this I believe, and while I still gotta get used to the button placement of stuff that doesnt get used as often, I can see already that this will probably be something I dont go back on in the future. Highly recommended already, but know the transition period into being proficient with it won't come easy. Be ready to put in work to get good at it and it'll pay off

I’ve been using Razer’s Orbweaver/Tartarus for over a decade probably. Love it! Devices like this make gaming on a device designed for word processing (keyboard) seem even more silly than it already is. Most people don’t even realize the battle they are fighting with the slanted columns of keys on keyboards, which is better FOR TYPING WORDS, but worse for gaming, when compared to the straight rows of buttons on these devices.

I've always played with a controller and a keyboard but this looks like a cool keyboard substitute

does it support mac?

This looks like it could be a nice upgrade to my Razer Tartarus that’s starting to show its age. I’ve used it for years and couldn’t go back. I’ve heard some negative points for this compared to competitors but the seem to be minor. The full analogue stick looks nice but it tend to switch between the stick on the Tartarus and mouse anyway so it suits me fine.

This reminds me of those old Intellivision controllers where they were like NEEDS MOAR BUTTONS but they didn’t have any good ideas so they just put a giant grid of buttons on it.

I like mine but like any new device you've never used it takes time to get used to. Honestly want a mouse with a joystick on it to use with this but almost non-existent, tried the RoG Chakram but the directions on the joystick were unprogrammable.

Can I play Warzone too?

i started of with just the controler, then i developed a love for using the controler in my leeft hand and a mouse in my right hand. it was so great. but at somepoint i switch to full keyboard and mouse then getting a mmo mouse wow. though havent tried mmo mouse and controler, could be great. i have looked at the TAC before, so tempting but the price ouch.

I did the same thing a couple years ago. Had just learned m&k for destiny 2 and guild wars. Started playing FF14 and needed something to help with rotations. I bought the Razr version of that device and it’s been awesome ever since. That one also appears more user friendly and easier to macro given what you showed of the Hori device. I think it may also have more buttons.

Don't get me started on Canada shipping, I've ordered from SQUEX store before but those damn taxes make me think like 5 times before doing so now, if you don't live in the US these prices hike up a lot, same goes for people who live in Mexico and below. Sad since there's a couple things I really want.

My brother has this and he still doesn’t know how to clear UwU lol. I’m a controller player myself and I like how it feels because I’m a huge Fighting Gamer. I originally was console but I switch to pc when I do Savage and Ultimates. Either way my controller never let me down and I don’t plan to change it :)

I received mine recently, and was disappointed that the extendable arm that holds the analogue stick seems to have quite a lot of wobble in it, but then I designed and 3D printed a shim that clips in from the bottom to hold it steady and it's happily replaced my Razer Tartarus!

its just an orbweaver

Hey I have a some of wrist pain if using WASD and have been playing MMOs on the keyboard since right before the launch of WoW and have been using a very, very old method of strafing in these games that it has been outdated for quite a while. Basically I use the mouse side buttons to strafe left and right and I bind WASD to whatever binding I want, this does have its downsides as using your thumb for the mouse will make it a little difficult to use the other side buttons for anything else than strafing(and I use it for going backwards), I introduced my gf to XIV back in ARR and she had little trouble getting into it with the control method and preferred it out of the two. Give that a shot, though it won't work well at all with clicking abilities but that's something to be avoided in general.

I got the razer tatarus v2 and its the only way ill play an MMO from now on. The configuration is quite different but similar to this one so i think making a switch to it might be clunky. I would have preferred if you had a hand cam showing you using it though for a more visual comparison

Visually I feel like it would have me go back to controller, as it's been such a comfort for me. But one thing I will admit that controller lacks is what the mouse allows me to do! I am very curious about this now though, it may be what I'm looking for!🤔

M am I clics my skills

As someone who owned the first iteration of the hori tactical commander f14, it is really great to have, but I do have some issues with it. It's mostly wear and the lack of adjustment for the analog stick for bigger hands. It wasn't uncomfortable at the max setting, but I was putting my thumb in an uncomfortable position using it. After only a half year to full year, the analog stick would still have deadzone issues, regardless of how high I made the deadzone. Also, somehow I managed to only make the k&m mode accessible and I could no longer use it on ps4. I do think some of these were my own fault, but please consider it before buying. It works really well, but the durability of the parts and accessibility leaves much to be desired. If it just worked forever I would be happy with it and I would recommend it to everyone.

I'd consider getting one if it wasn't already far more expensive than my keyboard was.

Hey You convinced me to get this one as a PS5 player also very intereseted to finnaly find something interesting for playing this marvelous game.

Ive been using the reazer naga mice and the razer tratas keypad since 2019 This is the best combination to play ff14

I like my g13 😅

Glad you like it but its way too primitive for me. I got a stream deck that will display my skills lit up on each tab.

I might have to pick it up since its more like the original tartarus the new version just doesn't feel the same

Hello, Gamer.

Neat controller! But too expensive, I just remapped my confirm key to F on my keyboard and use and MMO mouse.

Looks nice. After playing with controller for a bit, I can see the potential value of an analogue joystick instead of the joystick the Tartarus has.