This topic isn't to start a KB&M vs Controller debate. Preference will always win out. So no need to discuss it.

But, some of us simply can't use a mouse for extended plays. Due to an injury sustained while flying a SAR mission in Iraq, I get a terrible shake with a mouse. So, I use a controller with the PC.

This post is more about the possibility to, somehow, merge the two into something worthwhile. I've used the PS3 controller up to this point, but am looking to change to something more versatile. And, it seems like one heck of a coincidence that the release of each are the same day.

The question is simple: the Steam Controller or something else?

I want to acknowledge the following for making me aware of it:

I appreciate the insight and discussion.

I'm one of those Playstation/PC gamers who prefer the 360 controller with my PC games. I was 20+ years with K&M until I decided to just adjust myself to the controller. Controller for me is just way too comfortable in comparison to the other. With that said I too have preordered the steam controller and will be doing extensive testing to see which feels more comfortable and not necessarily which one is better. I can handle little controller inferiorities and when playing a game like Fallout, I don't think Carpal Tunnel (K&M) is worth it as a result of the 12-15 hour a day gaming sessions (which is what I average when playing these games).

I'm a huge fan of the xbox one controller, it's actually an improvement from the 360's. I very interested as well into what the steam controller brings to the table.

I have some issues with my hands as well and even thumbs sticks on a controller hurt my hands after a while. With the steam controllers using touch pads instead of thumbsticks could be great, if they compensate for the loss of the button input for clicking the sticks down. I am a little skeptical as to how accurate shooting will be without the finer control of moving a stick around.

I'm waiting till reviews and feedback are available but I may grab one just to check it out.

Actually, the Steam Controller looks great for FPS games (just some information we got from the one video we got from Valve, of course), but I don't know if it would work just as well as a controller in your case (I'm not an expert, so I don't really know).

I am getting a steam controller for no reason. I think GameStop is shipping mine out sometime next month.

I'm not even sure how good the Steam Controller is. Just that I want to try one and find out.

I need a good controller for PC games anyway. I don't just play shooters, after all.

Thank you all for the feedback. I pretty much only play Bethesda games, and this looks like it may be a good fit for Fallout and Elder Scroll games (might even make Oblivion a better "controller" game). I guess the only way to find out is try it!

I'm keen to try a Steam controller. It looks like it solves the basic problem that all thumbstick controllers have, which is indirect input for aiming.

I'm not so impressed with the latest revisions they've made, adding a left thumbstick and right button cluster. As a lefty, I was looking forward to a controller that I could configure to suit my needs. No it's back to being right-biased like an xbox pad rather than symmetrical. (I'll be aiming with the left pad, so the thumbstick is useless for me.)

In the end, that might not matter much. A thumbstick is great for movement/speed control, but most games don't allow you to mix mouse-style free-look with thumbstick movement. Setting up a Steam controller will mean mapping mouse/keyboard controls onto it, so we won't have variable walk/run speed like you get with a controller.

I may get the steam controller purely because we NEED a wireless controller at my place. If it's not the usb cord getting caught under the wheels of the desk chair, it's the cat and her jihad on anything with a wire.

You're not alone...good thing is mine gets tired and goes to sleep or he stops when I scratch his head

we've lost too many iphone chargers to her to count, and at least seven pairs of headphones, and I'm good omnidirectional microphone

Find some kind of bad tasting cat repellant and coat all your wires with it .

Hate the concept of the steam controller, esp the weird touchpads. They're trying to reinvent the wheel and it just isn't working. It's like using a laptop touchpad instead of a mouse.

No, it's like using a touchpad instead of a thumb stick. It won't be as good as a mouse, but it'll be a helluva lot better than a traditional game pad.

might as well have a trackball

Valve actually prototyped a controller with a trackball embedded in it. Looked interesting. That too would be better than a thumb stick. Direct 1:1 input is the key... Moving your cursor to where you want it at your own speed, rather than pushing the stick in a direction and waiting for it to get there.

In your opinion. A controller is far superior than a kb and m and this steam controller for first person games. The only time I prefer a keyboard and mouse is for real time strategy games. Using spacebar for aim down sights is as bad as using R3 to aim down sights on a controller.

All depends on the quality of the device, I'm sure it's going to have dead zones like Al.most every controller out there.

A bunch of you have indicated you are getting a Steam Controller "just to try it".

Don't forget to come back here and give us some feedback!

And when you have a game like Metal Gear Solid 5 that has an XBox controller so integrated (even if using a KB&M), how will a different layout like Steam map?

Any time I want to see what actions my keyboard maps to - MGS 5 shows me a picture of the XBox controller with no clue about the KB...