Why WASD?

[Occulus]

I often get remarks when people see me play a shooter that I use a really weird key layout. Well, I do. I refuse to use WASD.

Many years ago, a friend showed me this alternative layout, and it seems to work (for me) far better than WASD. It works like this:

ACTION:

R Mouse button- forward
L Mouse - attack/shoot
Center Mouse - alternate attack/cast a spell
Scroll up - previous weapon
Scroll down - next weapon

MOVEMENT (This is the really weird part):

Left hand placed naturally over left portion of the keyboard, with that side rotated away from me 33-45 degrees (to avoid wrist injury). The layout goes like this:

A and D keys - strafe left and right
E key - reload
S key - use
Space - jump
Left CTRL key - move backward
Left Shift key - dash/sprint
C key - crouch
V key - prone/lay down
TAB - menus
F key - flashlight (where applicable)
Z and Q are for whatever else is needed.

Freelook is always on, for looking around with the mouse.

Has anyone else used this layout? I find it's better for orbiting around targets than WASD. The WASD setup frankly makes me feel like I'm using a laptop keyboard; I feel all cramped for space. That, and I have big hands anyway.

Or am I just a weirdo that doesn't do anything like everybody else? :P

[jayfish]

1. I Use A Variation of WASD But It's Still Rather Cramped.

r_mouse=forward
l_mouse=fire
mouse_thumb 1=reload
mouse_wheel=weapon selection
x=reverse
z=left strafe
c=right strafe
s=crouch
w=prone
a=lean left
d=lean right
space=jump
v=secondary fire/zoom
tab=inventory/leaders

I like it because it's easier for me to reach up on the keyboard than it is to reach down. Oh and your setup put you into weirdo contention. ;)

Jay

[TheBaldyMan]

2. your layout seems OK - I just use WASD because I like it, along with my usual

custom layout. It's a free country - you lay your keyboard out how you want and say 'screw you' to anyone that says different.