The oldest desktop controllers are the keyboard and mouse. There are so many games and applications designed primarily with these controllers in mind. However, it is good to note that keyboards and mice are not all the same.
When shopping for desktop controllers, it is imperative that you be clear on what you want to do. For example, if you need the controller to help with basic control tasks, such as those that can be done using the arrow keys, a standard keyboard will be sufficient. However, if what you need is advanced control such as playing a video game, you will need a keyboard that offers more features. The same goes for the mouse. In addition to having the right and left click buttons, there are advanced mice that offer more functions such as buttons on the side that complete additional tasks. We even have computer mice that have touch capabilities. Being clear on what you need the desktop controller for is the key to finding the product that is perfect for you.
If you need to perform direct pointing or precise functions, a joystick might be better than a mouse or keyboard. Desktop joysticks are more intuitive. There are also many different types of joysticks available including hand-operated joysticks, displacement joysticks, finger-operated joysticks, and hand-operated isometric joysticks. Finding the product that is perfect for you will be very easy.
Similar to a mouse, modern joysticks include more than the handle. Most products today include buttons which are often referred to as triggers. This makes it easy to complete more tasks and easily. A key difference between a joystick and a mouse is that the cursor or pointer continues moving in the direction of the joystick until the joystick is placed in an upright position. With a mouse, the cursor stops as soon as movement ceases. In some cases, this can be limiting for the user.
A major advantage of a joystick is that it offers fast interactions. This is important both in gaming and industrial applications. However, it is good to note that a joystick becomes harder to handle when choosing options from the screen. Joysticks are thus not ideal input devices in such cases. There are also some joysticks that limit direction to the right, left, forward, and backward; they don’t offer a lateral or diagonal movement.
Keyboard and mouse and joysticks have their fair share of pros and cons. Prior to choosing either of them as your preferred desktop controller, it is good to compile a list of pros and cons based on what you need them for. The option with the most pros wins. Alternatively, you can use all these input devices together.
Desktop Controllers