Speedrunning Controllers: Is Keyboard or Gamepad Better?

25 July 2025

Alright, speedsters, let’s rev up our engines and dive into one of the most hotly debated topics in the world of speedrunning: keyboard vs. gamepad. If you’ve ever lost sleep over whether your setup might be holding you back from shaving those precious milliseconds off your personal best, you’re not alone. Some folks swear by their keyboards like a gamer swears at lag spikes, while others clutch their gamepads as tightly as they’d hug a long-lost friend.

So, which is the real MVP for speedrunning? Spoiler alert: It depends. But don’t worry, I’m not leaving you hanging with that vague cop-out. Let’s break it down, sassy style.

What Really Matters in Speedrunning?

Before we pit the keyboard against the gamepad, let’s get one thing straight: speedrunning is about one thing and one thing only—beating the game faster than anyone else on the planet. Whether you’re glitch-hopping through walls, memorizing pixel-perfect routes, or mashing buttons at lightning speed, the ultimate goal is to be quicker than quick.

So what does this mean for your controller choice? Well, it means the "best" option is the one that lets you execute those insane skills with precision and comfort. But as with most things in gaming, there’s a lot more to unpack here.

The Case for Keyboards: Precision and Hotkey Heaven

Let’s start with Team Keyboard, because these warriors deserve their flowers. If you’ve ever played games on PC, chances are your trusty keyboard has carried you through countless victories. But when it comes to speedrunning, keyboards bring some unique perks to the battlefield.

1. Keyboards Are Built for Precision

Want to hit super-specific inputs like a surgeon wielding a scalpel? A keyboard might just be your best friend. With clearly defined keys and no mushy thumbsticks to worry about, you can map out every single move down to a pixel. Think about it: when you’re speedrunning, precision isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. A missed input can mean the difference between a new record and a rage quit.

For games that rely heavily on button combos or simultaneous key presses (hello "Celeste" fans!), a keyboard’s layout just makes life easier. Plus, remember how quickly you can move between WASD and other keys? It’s a game-changer for frame-perfect maneuvers.

2. Hotkey Customization Galore

Speedrunning often requires creative setups, and this is where keyboards absolutely dominate. You can remap your keys like an artist arranging their paints—tailored to your exact preferences. Wanna bind a specific technique to the spacebar? No problem. Need three inputs on the left-hand side for some wild glitch? Consider it done. The sky’s the limit when it comes to keyboard customization.

Oh, and let’s not forget that mechanical keyboards feel and sound ridiculously satisfying. (Serious question: is there anything better than that click-clack sound as you nail a tough section? I think not.)

The Case for Gamepads: Comfort and Analog Wizardry

Now, let’s talk about the beloved joystick-wielding underdogs: gamepads. Some speedrunners wouldn’t trade their controller for all the RGB setups in the world, and honestly? They’ve got some rock-solid reasons.

1. Analog Precision for Smooth Movement

Here’s the deal: some games really shine when played with analog sticks. Titles like "Super Mario 64," "Dark Souls," or any 3D platformer often require smooth, gradual movements that keyboards just can’t replicate. Analog sticks let you lean into those subtle motions, gliding through the game like a graceful swan instead of clumsily clunking along.

That’s not to say keyboards can’t work for these games, but mastering diagonal movement and finesse with WASD can feel like trying to run through quicksand.

2. Ergonomic to the Max

Gamepads were literally designed to fit in your hands. They’re the gamer equivalent of a comfy couch—it just feels right. For speedrunners grinding long practice sessions (and trust me, those can get intense), comfort matters. Nobody wants a cramped wrist when they’re halfway through a hotly-contested world record attempt.

Plus, let’s give props to good ol’ muscle memory. If you’ve spent years gaming with a controller, chances are your fingers already know their way around it better than your brain ever could.

Genre Matters: What Are You Speedrunning?

Here’s where things get spicy. The type of game you’re speedrunning can heavily influence whether a keyboard or gamepad makes more sense. Let me break it down for you:

Platformers

Games like "Celeste," "Hollow Knight," and "Super Meat Boy" are all about precision platforming. Keyboards dominate here because of—you guessed it—their precision and customization. However, if you're already a controller whiz, gamepads work fine too.

3D Action/Adventure

In games like "Super Mario 64" or "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," the analog movement of a gamepad is life-changing. Precise camera control and smooth movements? Gamepad all the way.

FPS or RTS

Okay, I’ll just say it: if you’re speedrunning an FPS or RTS game without a keyboard and mouse setup, are you even speedrunning? Keyboards win here, no contest. Sorry, gamepad fans.

Fighting Games

Fighting game speedruns are their own beast, and a lot of players actually prefer dedicated fight sticks. Still, gamepads tend to fare better here than keyboards, courtesy of their button placement and ergonomic design.

The Hybrid Approach: Why Not Both?

You ever hear the phrase "don’t put all your eggs in one basket"? It applies to speedrunning, too. A lot of pro speedrunners actually use both keyboards and gamepads, depending on the game or even specific sections of a run.

For example, you might use a gamepad for a smooth movement-heavy segment and switch to a keyboard for glitch-exploiting sections that require precise key presses. This approach gives you the best of both worlds—kind of like ordering a half-pepperoni, half-cheese pizza when you can't decide. It’s not greedy. It’s smart.

The Verdict: Which One Should YOU Use?

Here’s the thing: I could sit here all day raving about the pros and cons of keyboards and gamepads, but ultimately, the best controller for speedrunning is the one that feels most natural to you. You’re the one holding the controller (or keyboard), after all.

If you’re just starting out, test both options. Borrow a controller from a friend, or play around with different keyboard setups until something clicks (literally and figuratively). The speedrunning community is all about experimentation—what works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s totally okay.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It

At the end of the day, speedrunning isn’t about your controller—it’s about your skills, your determination, and your ability to push yourself past your limits to achieve greatness (and maybe bragging rights). Whether you’re gripping a controller, typing on a keyboard, or heck, even speedrunning with a DK Bongos drum (look it up, it’s real), just have fun with it. After all, the clock’s always ticking.