WoW Interface Newb Question

[Krazi]

So, I'm a newb, I'll admit it, but I'm working to get a little more efficient and I'm wondering what you guys do for your keyboard and mouse situation?

Do you just use the keyboard, just the mouse and keyboard, or what?

I find it very awkward using the mouse, but I can't figure out a way to solely use the keyboard. I don't know how to "loot" when I kill and blah blah.

My main concern is that if I use the mouse, I can't click targets and abilities at the same time. Sure I can setup some number keys to what I need, but I also find myself looking down and clicking and point at my action bar more than looking at what is in front of me. It is hard to stun something if I'm looking down to find my next spell, or needing to find something I don't use that often to click.

So, what do you guys do? What works for you, and any advice for me would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Vindication]

My Dr00d binds.

8/F = Bur form. Only when I'm tanking, otherwise I bind it to 8 and put an ability there that I use often.
G = Kitty form.
7/R = Faeri Fire
10/X = Rake(cat), Lacerate(bear)
12/C = Bite(cat), Mangle(bear)
11/V = Prowl(cat), Maul(bear)

1/Mousewheel button = Mangle/claw(cat), Swipe(bear)
2/LeftExtraMousebutton = I have a Pounce if stealthed otherwise Shred macro(Cat), Charge(bear)
9/ RightExtraMouseButton = Rip (cat), Demo Shout (bear)

I have various CD's and other abilities I click when needed.

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As for whether or not to use keyboard/mouse, just keyboard etc... Later in the game when you start raiding you want to be able to mouse turn. Keyboard turners are almost always the people who die to environmentals b/c the keyboard turn is way slower than the mouse turn. As far as clicking + mouse turning... There are some clickers in the guild that might be able to help you with that

I think the interface requires some mouse usage, to move items, loot, etc. so you cant really get away from it 100% You can use tab to switch between mobs easily as a DPS. If tanking tab targeting is sometimes too slow b/c it has to cycle through things in front of you, so you want to click then if you can.


You just have to figure out what works for you, and what buttons you can easily hit.

[halanu]

PvP:

Q= Cyclone
E = Entangle
F = Barkskin
V = Natures Grasp
Then i use mouseover macros to heal

Pve = Same as above really i still use mouseover macros + grid to heal

[Markus]

Lol sup Krazi, playing again?

[Milara]

My setup is fairly simple. I grew accustomed to using 1-6 on the top number row for abilities from Everquest and the arrow keys for movement. But from other games I'm also comfortable using wasd for movement and the number pad for abilities. So I have the abilities I use the most on 1-4 on number row and 1-3 on the number pad (separate abilities) with less common but "needs to be easily accessible) abilities on 4-9, 0 and * on number pad. Abilities I hardly ever use at all and don't want to risk "accidentally" hitting get put either on 5-0 on the number row or on one of the other non-binded action bars for clicking (stuff like food, bandages, mounts, etc).

I switch fairly quickly between using wasd or arrow keys for movement, my other hand resting on the keys I'm using at that moment (like if I'm about to use an ability on 2 on the numpad, I use wasd for movement). If I don't need to move at all (or at least not at that time) I just have my fingers on both number row and number pad. Both movement keys are easily and quickly reached when the need arises.

I only use the mouse for: looting, clicking on abilities I rarely use such as eating/drinking as mentioned above, or when I have to do a quick turn. The mouse is the fastest way to do a 180 turn and when you have to immediately get the hell out of a blast radius of some boss's Noobkiller move, it comes in handy. My mouse is kind of crappy though (it's wireless and sometimes the clicks aren't very responsive) so I try not to rely on the mouse that much.

Best advice I can give though is to find what's comfortable for you and adjust your settings and bindings to suit it. If you're comfortable using letter keys for abilities, set those up in a way you'll remember. If you're comfortable with the number row or number pad, set those up as you prefer. If you want to raid or pvp, being able to immediately do what you need to without looking is pretty crucial. In 5 man instances it's nice (healers especially prefer you don't stand in fire, for example). For soloing it's not so important but it is a good chance to practice without endangering others or your reputation. ;-)

So 1) Set your abilities in a way you can easily learn and remember 2) Practice makes perfect 3) Aeri has large, clumsy boobs.

[Vindication]

Aug 6, 2009 20:39:55 GMT -5 Milara said:

3) Aeri has large, clumsy boobs.

[Krazi]

Thanks guys. I've been working on figuring out what I use most and what I need. I just figured out last night there is a difference between an "instant" and an "instant cast". Had no idea there was two, thought instant was instant, but there is a huge difference.

We'll see what happens.

Thanks.

Yes, Mark, I'm playing again. Itching for EO to jump into the FF game when it finally arrives!