Keybinds vs clicking

Those are narrowly-specialized automatic transmissions. It's like having the mouse pointer confined into a tight field with only 2-4 large buttons.

People who are overzealous about binding are a quite abrasive in this thread, but you're just plain insulting, intellectually, at least.

Until recently(three weeks ago) I was what you could consider a semi-key-binding-clicker player. Trust me, there are a few more out there(They even stream live on twitch too!). The only reason I transitioned to fully key-binding functions most needed in PvP, was because MY style of play and the increase of intense situations(3v1/4v1 focus fire) I got into demanded it. I felt I needed to adjust and tweak more things to be able to be more of an annoyance to the opponent. The argument of being more efficient would be applied my many of you, and in a way you would be right(explained later).

The results of my tweaking(Which I'm still doing, even in the skill trees):

• I am now able to get behind people to Shiv and Backstab without burning a function that I could use to buy some time, apply pressure, occupy them until help arrives or simply escape and try again.
• Kitting an opponent and peeling off players from healers is much more fluid(or easier some might say).
• I became a moving target against "turret"-style classes. It annoys them a lot.
• Increase in the fun factor for me of my gameplay. This is my main gain from binding functions and mouse turning.
• Faster application of functions/skills in sticky situations without having to look at the tool-bar(Thought-to-Hand reflex improved greatly).

Team-play Efficiency results:

• Able to help people in FPs and H2/4(I am always asked for help). Combat is much more fluid, even if you're the one pulling them through. Result is, I get guild invites frequently(Looking around for a new guild that group PvP... boring pugging alone).
• Node help, Door- and Pylon defence is no more of a chore. I truly die less because of my mobility and prevent capping easier(unless stun-locked).
• Reading of an opponents weakness(Stiff movement or lack of good Manoeuvring/Mobility) and taking advantage of it. Back-pedalling is NOT a good defensive move, it's an invitation to be attacked more aggressively.

There are more I could add to either list, but those are the most prominent factors that stick out to me(from my notes on my progress). Key-Binding all functions came as a necessity of my desire the get better a PvPing. This was personal and nothing more. I was always put off by the opinionated behaviours(seen in this thread) by many self-titled "gamerz". It seemed to me that you believe with the title comes an open door to peoples minds and hearts for your input or output as the case may be.

I know a few others who feel the same as I do about your perceived importance in gaming or on this forum. The efficiency factor could only be applied when one has a desire to change or tweak their gameplay for self-satisfaction. I had and still do, so it can only get better for me and the people I'm grouped with. Please remember, many people have a different perception of the things you consider "facts".

Thanks to a guy called swifty on youtube I was able to understand(See) the mechanics of strafing and mouse-turning while applying skills. I believe this is the most daunting to clickers willing to try something different or transition to Key-binding. That "gamer" was the first one to video tape himself actually carrying out the function which made me understand the mechanics of it.

If all other things are equal (driver skill, make, model, tires, lubes, tuning, etc..) the automatic SHOULD win the drag.. this is fact. Please refrain from personally attacking me for presenting facts (I even gave you the caveat that in most circumstances, manual transmissions win roll races).

Additionally, the only point I was ever trying to make is that it is not required that you keybind in this game. There are MMOs that DO require it for even the slightest sliver of enjoyment (those are actually difficult MMOs.. nothing about this game is particularly hard).

It is possible for someone who clicks and casually plays to experience more than a measure of success in SWTOR.

Obviously keybinding is optimal, but these people treat it like a religion.. and just like in religion there are fanatical maniacs that would sooner burn you at the stake than accept that their view is not absolute. This thread is a perfect example of the kind of egotism and elitism that keeps PvP on the backburner in nearly every MMO to date. What development company could be bothered to foster a community of PvPers when they drive away anyone who does not fit their view of competitive?

It's childish and silly.

Okay I've read through this thread and I must say I feel conflicted about my current setup. I do half keybinds half clicking, but now I feel like I should go full keybinds. I just don't know where to start though. I've been using W,A,S,D to move around so long I feel like I could never get used to moving with only my mouse. So would any of you proud keybinders share your current setup or a guide for a comfortable keybind setup? I mean if clicking is so bad, why not give some tips to those who want to improve?

I can only speak for myself, but there is a guy called Taugrimm(http://taugrim.com/2011/04/07/guide-...d-keybindings/) that explained it well, he also gave examples and explanations, what I used as a template. There is also a video from a guy called swifty(https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=0WOUwxwz93k) that actually showed him using the mouse and W,A,S,D together. That worked for me. Don't worry about the hardware, I have none of those things and the mechanics still work. I hope that helps.

I also unbound S, Q, E, C,X,Y and Z and placed skill-functions on them. That way I have all needed skills for combat reachable. Here is an example of a setup I tested: http://i44.tinypic.com/15n3hty.png A and D are used now for strafing(I changed a few things at present), but that was some of the testing I did. You can bind strafing to anything as long as you are not confusing yourself. Set up the keys to what works for you(reaction, flexibility and reflexes mental and physical). You know yourself and abilities better than anyone on this forum.

The assumption that such crude, highly inaccurate/inappropriate analogies can be successfully used to distract someone else is insulting on its own right.
This, I understand. But learning about 10-16 keybinds (the very core of a class, with utility being on clicks) isn't hard at all, and that would greatly increase the efficiency of a player in a dynamic environment. Less critical to some roles, but highly, highly desirable for everyone to be able to fully contribute to your team.

I would point you to the TH400 and the Powerglide (and the TH350.. to a lesser extent) being the most popular and best performing transmissions on the drag for a very long time, only to be replaced by better performing automatic transmissions (hardly a highly specialized subset. They were and are widely available and are still contendors today).

That is neither here nor there. The point intended by drawing the comparison has been convoluted to the extent that I doubt anyone but you and I are reading it at this point.

Fact: You CAN compete in Objective PVP without keybinding (just because the vast majority cannot does not mean it is not possible. The vast majority cannot figure out how to play Operative DPS either...)


The only argument I would make is that this game was created with the sole purpose of hitting the casual market.
I would hardly say that 2-4 weeks of relearning how to move you character and all the nuances that come with it, on top of having to learn what keys control what abilities.. on top of trying to find a comfortable keybind setup...

qualifies as "casual".

It is simply a reach to think it does.

Keybinding obviously has a higher ceiling that clicking, but SWTOR doesn't come close to hitting the ceilings of either, especially not in the minds of the casual players (who happen to be the VAST majority).

/facepalm

Clicking is bad. And you will notice improvement going to keybinding even in swtor. Implying that you can play at max effeciency without fully keybinding is a stupid *********** claim to make that will never hold any water.

Did you include all speeders you have or just part of them?

You can participate. Compete though? Only if I'm so amazing that I need the extra challenge.

As I said in my previous posts, it's not the click/response time that has the greater impact. It's the situational awareness. You simply cannot maintain a sufficient degree without your mouse being in free swing most of the time.

A player can contribute as far as his awareness extends.

Also, the whole manual\automatic transmission comparison would be more suited for a "macros vs manual" debate. This is more like "bad manual transmission" vs "good manual transmission".
"Casual" is no excuse. Basic keybinding isn't hard. It doesn't need massive brainpower, hours of practice, or hours of finding comfortable key patterns (although advanced keybinding may require this - had to start from scratch for about 3 times till I found a solid UI layout and key patterns). But even basic keybinding has a massive potential to improve the player's experience - not to mention performance.