Thread: Aiming: Mouse vs Joystick

I was having a discussion with a friend who is strictly console and it started out as you would expect a PC v. Console debate would, but after we went past the pleasantries, one question has gone unanswered: Is there scientific evidence that aiming is more precise and/or quicker when using either a mouse or joystick? Everything we have searched online is the usual PC fanboys throwing cheap insults to Console fanboys and vice versa, but we have yet to find any shred of evidence the proves either sides' point.

Has anyone come across such information? I prefer PC over console in terms of FPS but even looking past that bias, I still think the mouse is the clear winner. Most everyone uses a computer throughout the week, day, and even hour and to me using the mouse to navigate around the screen to point and click on things is subliminal practice for using this input device in a game. It just seems that using a joystick there is more room for error that wouldnt be as easily corrected as a mouse would be.

Comments?

Thoughts?

(most importantly) Sources?

logically speaking the mouse offers easier precise control and also easier wide turning. The gamepad joystick is limited to how swiftly you can turn but the limitation on turning with a mouse is whatever the player wants it to be

edit: honestly I think this is hard to find any definitive research on because on first glance its a hesaid/shesaid preference thing. There is room for logic but any logical testing done will automatically be shot down by whoever "loses" as bullshit.
...kinda like global warming.

Test if yourself. Make a picture that can be loaded on to both the PC and console with 4 dots on it or something. Time your (or your friend's) ability to hit the dots in a particular with the cursor order using the mouse on pc and the joystick for the console. I doubt there would be much contest. Mouse will feel more accurate and be quicker.

Mice track where you are physically moving them and are 1:1. Joysticks register a speed to move in a certain direction. This difference is why mice are superior for aiming.

Edit:
Do a 180 turn with a mouse and do it with a joystick. The limit (to speed and accuracy) on the joystick user is the joystick's range of motion. The limit on the mouse user is the speed of the user's hand. The joystick user is limited by his tool, the mouse user is not.

Doesn't really have to be a scientific test, just draw a few simple patterns with your reticle and see who can perform them more quickly and accurately.

Try going in a circle clockwise, going in a circle counter clockwise, doing a horizonal figure eight, and then a vertical figure eight.

With a mouse you should be able to whip those patterns out several times per second while keeping it very accurate and tight, good luck doing that with a controller.

How many people use joysticks on their computers? Not speaking of gaming, but in general.

If the joystick were truly faster and more accurate and intuitive, why doesn't anyone use them to control their PC's? You would think that at least a small portion of people would....most especially those who would already be accustomed to pointing and clicking on things using a joystick.

Because they aren't. It's a preference thing for gaming, but if put head to head, it would be no contest. The mouse lets you go as fast or as slow as your brain can move your hand/arm, and is infinitely adjustable by the nanosecond. The joystick's range is set....it can only go so fast or so slow.

well most games allow the sensitivity to be changed but were talking like 5 different settings, youre either very slow doing a full turn or you have very bad precision.

Some of you are under the assumption that I want to take the time to test this instead of just finding it on the internet. This is an incorrect assumption. :-P

thats the attitude that got us in this war to begin with!

Originally Posted by enf

Some of you are under the assumption that I want to take the time to test this instead of just finding it on the internet. This is an incorrect assumption. :-P

Don't just see the data....be the data.

Or just have him read this thread....it's on the internet, so it must be rock solid.