Keyboard vs. Controller

DISCLAIMER:  I am NOT endorsing nor advising using a keyboard mapping program.  I am merely stating the Pros and Cons of using Keyboards vs. Controllers and IF a mapping program is used.  As far as I know, mapping programs are considered Third Party Programs and as such, Hacking under OGPlanet.com's Rumble Fighter FAQ- HACKING AND THE USE OF THIRD PARTY PROGRAMS: 

Q. What is considered hacking?

A. Hacking is using a program or a hook to alter the game and give yourself an advantage over the other players in the server. A hacking program can be as innocent as a calculator, since even though it doesn't hook into the game's code, it is still giving yourself an unfair advantage over other players. You should only use the knowledge you are given and learn to play the game at your own pace.

First and foremost, if you started with the keyboard and are past level 10, I suggest, DO NOT attempt to use a controller.  This will only cause you grief and many hours of frustration.  There are exceptions, of course, but from my experience, keyboard players always switch back to their keyboard.  I know many, many, many people that had grown accustomed to the keyboard and attempted to switch to controller-- ALL of them failed miserably.  Controllers have a different feel and are much less responsive than the keyboard.  Not only that, but you have to completely learn a new configuration.

On a similar note, controller players have a difficult time adjusting if they attempt to play using the keyboard.  I, myself, am probably half as good with a keyboard as I am with a controller.  Most of the time, I cannot even find the right keys (I have ALWAYS used controllers for other games-- PS1, PS2, PS3, XBox, XBox360, GameCube, Wii, Nintendo 64, and probably others).  So I advise sticking with a controller if you are past level 10 and began with the controller.

Pros of the Keyboard:

• More responsive
• Typically, faster finger reflexes-- less distance for fingers to travel
• Can roll fingers when the cause is needed (Example:  Shoot Boxing guard break)
• Double tap buttons are easier to perform (running)

Cons of the Keyboard:

• Laptop keyboards are smaller and can cause grief
• Typically, must be sitting at a desk/table/etc
• Greater strain on the wrists can cause less desirable play time (less hours played due to wrist strain)

Pros of the Controller:

• Less strain on wrists can bring more hours of enjoyed play
• Easier play while on a laptop
• Can recline (do not have to sit upright at a desk/table/etc)
• One button for 2 keyboard presses (Panic, counter, etc) [If using a mapping program-- see DISCLAIMER]
• Joystick can make angling easier

Cons of the Controller:

• Much less responsive than keyboard (more delay after button presses)
• Can be difficult to set up
• MUCH more difficult to run run with a joystick (double-tapping vs. double-flipping-joystick) **Biggest Con of joystick controllers**
• Sometimes, not all of the buttons can be utilized

My Controller Setup:

I have used a controller from Day 1 of my RF career.  As such, I have grown accustomed to using it with both its Pros and Cons.  I consider myself the most proficient controller user in the Rumble Fighter Community as everyone that I have met either uses a keyboard or is not up to their potential yet with a controller.  There may be someone better, but I have yet to find one.

I use a wired Microsoft XBox 360 Controller for the PC (I bought this before they offered the wireless version-- shows my age...).  It uses a USB plug and the software installs itself-- hence, 'plug and play.'

I am told this is a highly difficult setup.  Particularly the placement of Punch and Kick with respect to using Panic.  I agree, though I have become accustomed to it.  I suggest others do not use my setup.

XBox Controllers CANNOT have the D-Pad mapped with Rumble Fighter.  The game does not recognize the D-Pad, the 2nd Joystick directional movement (though, it does recognize the 1st and 2nd Joystick press-- see controller map), nor either Trigger buttons.