Is it cheating to use mouse and keyboard on console? There’s little doubt in most gamers’ minds that using a keyboard and mouse is advantageous in certain games. When it comes to twitch reactions in competitive shooters, in particular, a standard gamepad or controller just can’t compete. So, is using KB&M on console cheating? Here’s what you need to know.
Is it cheating to use mouse and keyboard on console?
No, using a mouse and keyboard on console is not cheating. PS4 and Xbox One both feature integrated keyboard and mouse support that wouldn’t have been implemented if it allowed players to easily cheat the system.
Most games that feature official mouse and keyboard support recognize when console players are using KB&M in place of a controller. This ensures that keyboard and mouse users are separated into their own matchmaking pool; no harm is done when they aren’t mixing with gamepad users to upset the game balance.
Should unique matchmaking not be automatically enabled, there’s usually an option that players can manually toggle. Doing so will prevent controller users from being matched with mouse and keyboard players.
Although there are protections in place, it is possible to bypass them. Using third-party peripherals can allow any game to be controlled with a mouse and keyboard, which blurs the line a little bit. These peripherals do have a place, as they’re vital to ensuring greater accessibility for disabled players. They can, however, also be abused to gain the upper hand.
Although it might be frustrating to encounter one of the latter group online, it’s important that gaming is an accessible hobby for everyone.
Is it cheating to use mouse and keyboard on console?
- No, it isn’t cheating to use a keyboard and mouse on console.
- PS4 and Xbox One both feature dedicated KB&M support.
- Console games with integrated support generally split players into separate matchmaking pools.
- If they don’t, there’s usually a manual setting that achieves a similar effect.
- Peripherals allowing for KB&M use in unsupported games blur the line.
- These peripherals are important, however, as they provide accessibility for disabled gamers.
It isn’t a black and white issue, though consoles adopting greater keyboard and mouse integration is largely positive.
