In the realm of PC gaming, keyboard and mouse is still king. We used it to play Doom in the ’90s, and we still use it to play first-person shooters today.
Think about that: nothing has really changed in more than 25 years.
Arguably, that’s for good reason. Mouse aiming is extremely accurate, which is ideal for shooters. And WASD provides access to plenty of auxiliary keys while also offering passable movement control.
That’s right, I said passable. Accuracy notwithstanding, WASD comes with real downsides, whether you’ll admit it or not!
Whether due to dexterity issues, comfort, or even disability, many people (me included) default to using basic gaming controllers, which have their own drawbacks.
Luckily, we have alternatives. We can now enjoy mouse accuracy without relying on those four popular keys.
So what are the best WASD control alternatives to mouse and keyboard? We’ve found seven viable options.
Advantages of non-WASD movement control
So why should you consider a WASD alternative controller?
- Analog Movement: Unless you’re sporting an analog switch keyboard like the Wooting One, your switches are digital, meaning they’re either “on” or “off.” Press a key, move at full speed. Release the key, you stop. In stealth-dependent games like Skyrim, that’s a problem. Analog offers natural, featherable movement.
- No Diagonals: With WASD, you can only move in eight directions: forward, back, left, right, and diagonally. If you want 360-degree movement freedom, you’ll definitely want analog controls (probably a thumbstick.)
- Ergonomics: Over time, WASD movement hurts can cause strain on wrist and finger joints. WASD movement alternatives are often far more ergonomic and comfortable.
7 Top Gaming Control Alternatives to WASD Keyboard & Mouse
Here are seven of my favourite WASD substitutes. Some are products, others are just ideas; each has unique advantages.
1) Half a Controller: Easy and Inexpensive
This might seem low-tech, but you can use a standard gaming controller in one hand.
This makeshift solution gives you a joystick for analog movement, as well as shoulder buttons, d-pad and the trigger for extra functions.
Many modern games support simultaneous controller and mouse, meaning you can use both inputs at the same time.
Drawbacks:
You’ll run into issues with older games where mouse plus controller support is hit-and-miss. You could use Joy2Key to assign buttons to functions, but that’s fiddly.
Also, I find it tricky to hold a controller in one hand. You can rest it on a tabletop, but that’s not ideal.
Still, it’s an affordable, easy option to replace WASD gaming movement.
2) Nintendo Switch JoyCon: Comfortable Nunchuck-Style Controller
Nintendo recently added PC support to its peripherals, which is great news. The Switch JoyCon is a clever, user-friendly, high-end peripheral, and it makes a fantastic WASD movement alternative.
You can connect half or both to your PC using Bluetooth. One half of a JoyCon is almost perfect for movement; it fits naturally in your hand and provides six buttons plus a shoulder trigger.
Drawbacks:
As Nintendrew mentions in the linked video, default drivers aren’t analog-friendly, so you’ll get the same 8-directional movement as WASD. Fortunately, there are 3rd-party drivers which solve this problem. I won’t mention any here, but I suggest you Google “JoyCon analog driver PC.”
The other drawback? You’ll have fewer inputs than WASD; you’ll have to determine whether six buttons is sufficient for your gaming needs.
3) Gaming Keypads: Good Choice to Replace WASD
There are a handful of awesome gaming keypads out there, and they can be a fantastic upgrade over your old keyboard. They aren’t cheap! That said, you’re getting a premium product with top-of-the-line mechanical switches and plenty of buttons.
The Razer Orbweaver and Nostromo keypads are popular, and far more ergonomically efficient than a standard keyboard.
The Logitech G13 is another popular keypad with an analog thumb stick. It’s highly programmable, but I don’t love the stick placement, and it may be discontinued.
Drawbacks:
Frankly, a thumbstick is awkward unless you can hold your input device in a claw-style grip. I’m still waiting on a great gaming keypad with a thumbstick set on a 90-degree angle.
On Razer’s keypads, the thumb stick is really an 8-directional hat switch, which is basically WASD with better ergonomics.
4) Azeron: Hand-Crafted Gamepad, Total WASD Upgrade
Speaking of thumbstick keypads, you should really check out the Azeron. This cool-looking gaming keypad is an exceptional WASD movement alternative that’ll support even input-hungry games like MMOs.
The story is great. Starting with a hand-crafted wooden keypad, Latvian inventor Bucis now sells hand-crafted keypads. The Azeron gamepad uses efficient little tabs that can be easily reached without glancing down. There are now 30 buttons in total, including a D-pad (not pictured.)
Topping it off is the thumbstick. This one is set at a usable 90 degrees, and it’s intended for thumb movement. (They make a left-handed version too.)
Azeron reached out to me to let me know they now include custom key mapping software, including a feature to let you “rotate” the analog stick.
Drawbacks:
This 3D-printed product won’t have the polish you’d find with an “off-the-shelf” controller. And purchase turnaround time isn’t quick.
That all said, I think it’s an absolute bargain for a handmade, highly customizable item. The Azeron gaming keypad is utterly unique. You can check them out here.
5) Splitfish: A Unique, Quirky WASD Alternative
Splitfish has been crafting WASD alternative controllers for years, but they approach it from a different angle. They bring mouse accuracy to console.
Thumbsticks don’t hold a candle to mouse aiming. Anyone using a mouse on a console has a huge advantage and that’s Splitfish’s business model.
Of course if you’re reading this, you’re probably a PC gamer. Don’t worry though, several Splitfish products are PC compatible, like the FragFX 360.
It comprises a mouse with extra buttons on the side, and a Wii-like nunchuck. Together they replace every button on an Xbox 360 controller. On PC, Splitfish emulates a keyboard, with each button hard mapped to a key.
Drawbacks:
The FragFX nunchuck can only mimic a keyboard digitally. That means no analog movement and no feathering. There may be custom scripts that can get around this, but I wasn’t able to find any.
However, you do get more buttons than the Nintendo JoyCon, with two shoulder buttons and a full d-pad.
6) Joystick & Mouse: A Strangely Effective Combo
This one’s a little wilder, but it’s viable (if you can handle the learning curve.) You can use a joystick or flightstick instead of WASD.
A joystick is like a giant thumbstick. You push forward and backward to move, use left and right to strafe, and the remaining buttons as various inputs. And the movement is analog.
Once you’re accustomed to it, the controls feel natural and instinctive. There have been controller prototypes along this line, such as the ill-fated Wasdio.
Drawbacks:
The first is fatigue. A flightstick requires more physical movement to go forward, back, left and right, which might wear you out.
The second issue is setup. You’ll need a key mapper, and you’ll likely have to configure it for each game.
Still, if you have a joystick kicking around this might be worth a shot.
7) Steam Controller: Awesome WASD Substitute, Steep Learning Curve
I went back and forth on whether to include this one. Ultimately, I included it because I love the concept. The Steam Controller offers dual thumbpads and endless customizability. There’s no other controller like it, and it’s a true alternative to WASD movement, with far better aiming than any joystick gamepad.
Counterpoint: I hated using it.
I really tried to like it, but ultimately I gave up. The triggers and buttons are all top-notch; it may be the best feeling controller I’ve held. Still, I couldn’t get past my deeply-ingrained gaming habits.
Drawbacks:
Setup is a major hurdle. For each game, I spent an hour getting my controls configured. That’s not sustainable, at least not for my impatient dinosaur brain.
I also feel like there’s an overall shortage of inputs. Mode-shifting and dual-stage triggers help, but again you need to set that all up.
That said, I have friends who absolutely love the Steam Controller, so it’s clearly a subjective thing.
Honourable Mentions
In compiling this list, I looked at several other ideas that didn’t make the list for various reasons.
Playstation Nav Controller
This is similar to the Splitfish or the half-a-controller idea. A Playstation Nav controller connects wirelessly or via USB and offers analog movement to replace WASD. It features a half-controller’s worth of buttons and fits very nicely in your hand.
Downsides:
Nobody makes or sells these anymore. You’re stuck buying one used. This well-made controller just isn’t a reliable WASD control alternative for gaming anymore.
The Dufentech KeyBall
I’ve never understood why consoles haven’t embraced the trackball. They offer mouse-like aiming accuracy and you can easily mount one in a standard controller.
Case in point: the Dufentech KeyBall. This cool, DIY input device has combined an old Xbox 360 controller shell with a trackball mouse and a tiny thumb keyboard. And lots of Bondo.
Downsides:
It’s a prototype, not available for sale. Unless you’re willing to bust out your soldering iron and replicate the process at home, the KeyBall will forever be out of reach.
Who else hates WASD and wants a substitute?
Do you hate WASD movement too? Have you tried any of the above options?
Do you think I’m out to lunch?
Feel free to comment below, I’d love to hear what solutions you’ve come up with.
totally agree, about time some manufacturer made a viable alternative ,
tried the nav controller ,far too much messing around ,to get it to work
there’s a big market out there waiting .
come on suppliers ,
but make sure its got thumbstick on 90 degree angle for comfort .as mentioned.
my money is waiting 🙂
Do any of these options work on a Mac?
Also, would these work for both online and downloaded games? Do they have to have additional options to use any of these?
Fingers cramping hardcore on some mindless games that help me reset, haha.
Hi Braden, that’s a great question! I hear you re: cramping.
The Azeron gamepad might be PC only, it comes with custom mapping software. I’ll try to find out.
Aside from that, all the others listed here should be Mac compatible. They should work with most games, but setup will be a bit different for each and could involve a bit of custom keymapping.
So I’m approaching this as a long time console FPS player. One who is wanting to switch to pc because of the substantial upgrade of the framerate and graphics possible on the pc version of a game found on both console and pc like destiny 2. I can connect my Xbox one controller to the pc and play the game no problem, and do very well… That is until I’m in a PvP situation where there is just no way to compete with the speed and accuracy of the mouse aiming. It’s the one thing holding me back from full transition. So I’ve tried to learn to play with mouse and keyboard. The mouse portion is fine, but I loathe using wasd for movement. Things that require as you mentioned more ability to finesse input rather than off and on, but it’s worse than awkward. For example, destiny 2, on a gamepad, if I need to run and slide and transition directly into a multi jump while aiming and shooting at a moving target…. Game pad, my run and movement is on the same stick, I can’t slide unless I’m running, but ultimately, all I have to do is push forward on the stick, one button to slide, then another button input for each jump. On wasd, it was a pain in the ass to both have to hold a key to move forward and another to run going back and forth, but then having to hit a seperate key to slide while still holding run, then another to resume running before I could jump. It’s horribly awkward and while passable, always feels like too much awkward finger twister trying to make these weird claw shapes in the heat of the moment. I’m trying to figure out which of these options would work best for a game like destiny 2. Keeping the mouse and fire key would be nice, but I’m trying to figure out what to use for jump and zoom/ads, grenade etc… Let alone others like crouch, slide, ability etc. I like the idea of trying to use a half controller or a hybrid setup since I already have different kinds. Any suggestions?
I made the jump right around when you posted this. I did a splitfish and wireless logitec g 502. You will need the extra buttons on the mouse for sure and after trying out an Corsair IronClaw I was forced to buy something else when the wheel broke after 5 hours of use. I am glad I did, because the ease of use of the logitec software and mapping and the feel of the mouse and usability of the input placements make it worth the price I paid….I’d have paid even more than I did if I knew how much I would like it . Destiny is a different game on PC and I refused to learn wasd. Get a splitfish. Its the best option I found. Not to mention I can recline in my chair with my mouse on a side table. The orbweaver and those peripherals require you to sit at the desk….again as a console gamer, that was a huge turn off to me. Did you find a good solution already? What did you do? Splitfish isn’t true analog, but I dont notice it. A higher end, less cheap feeling, analog, more customizable option would be ideal, but the splitfish is more than adequate.
Waiting to spend my money on a viable solution. I tried the Razer and sent it back. Wasn’t what I hoped it would be. I will definitely be trying some of your suggestions. Thanks!
or you can use good movement keybinds like WASB or WASV…
I have the Split Fish FragFX 360 and use it for Overwatch and absolutely love it. I am about to start using it with a gaming mouse with extra buttons on it for COD MW. It is a bit quirky at first especially for games that have a lot of actions that need mapped.
The industry feels so close to a revolution is controller design. I almost want to start tinkering around myself.
Agreed! I’m working on a little something myself which uses an arduino pro micro, pretty excited to showcase it.
I second this. Lets make a controller that replaces wasd for everyone, including pros. High end, good software, rumble (I do love my rumble). Andrew, my last name is Gruber. We dropped the “e” at some point. Great minds think alike. Lets start a family business. hahaha.
Eric
Did you order the Splitfish from their site, and if so how long did it take to get? I just received my Tartarus V2 yesterday and set up the d pad for movement but I don’t really like it. I think the Splitfish would be better for me.
I got my Splitfish through their official site, and it took a few weeks as I recall. It was shipped over from Europe.
LEXIP gaming mouse, “Lexip Pu94 Gaming Mouse”, Is currently the Ideal alternative to WASD; since it has a joystick on the mouse, all in-game movement(traversal by joystick, viewing by mouse cursor) can be done with one hand while the other hand uses the keyboard.
Would love to try out the Lexip, it’s really cool, hope I get an opportunity to review it.
I have the Lexip. It’s a fantastic feeling mouse will the nicest gliders on the bottom I have ever used. That being said the gaming thumbstick and tilting mouse never got comfortable. too much for one hand to do everything plus most of the games I tried, I couldn’t get everything mapped correctly. Back using my MX master as it feels much better except for those sweet gliders on the Lexip.
Will Henry please help me… I want a gamepad like the razer ones with an analog stick, not an 8 direction one. Is there any similar ones? Right now the only option is the Azeron. I want a razer orbweaver just with the analog stick. Is there anything like it? please help.
If analog is a must, Azeron is your best choice. The Logitech G13 had an analog stick, but from what I’ve read it’s not well positioned for WASD movement, and now it’s out of production. Hope that helps!
Hi, do you know if is it possible to use the Fragfx V2 controller for PS3 (usb) with a win10 notebook? When I plug the device in, the pc recognize the device with the right name, but it doesn’t work at all. Maybe with some specific driver? Many thanks!
Hi Paolo, I know that the wireless PS3 FragFX works with PC, but I’m not sure the wired V2 does. None of the literature mentions compatibility with a PC. You might have some success with a guide like this. https://www.pcgamer.com/ps3-controller-on-pc-guide/
I can’t believe you didn’t mention the Panther XL! 🙂 It was released in the mid 1990s and allowed full analog movement, instead of discrete WASD movement. It consists of a digital trackball on the left and a joystick on the right. The trackball section has three mouse-like finger buttons and two mouse-like thumb buttons. The joystick portion has two 4-way HAT switches, two upper and lower thumb buttons and, of course, the indispensable pinky button 🙂 The PXL originally used the PC game port and was supported by many games including titles such as the original Duke Nukem 3D. After the game port became obsolete, it was replaced by a community supported modded version in which the trackball portion used optical mouse guts and the joystick portion used an ADC microcontroller board that can function as a WASD “keystick”, analog joystick or a joymouse. The above modifications replaced the game port with two USB 2.0 connections and the rudder connection with DPI adjustment spring-loaded push buttons for the inverted gaming mouse in the trackball section. The Panther XL is about the only FPS gaming peripheral that I can use — I hate the keyboard and mouse combination. Look here for more information : https://assassin3dblog.wordpress.com/
I wasn’t familiar with the Panther XL until now. Looks amazing!
Have you looked at the Razer Tartus Pro? It now has analog key switches…. Might be a good alternative to the regular keyboard. You should review it.