Solutions to Uncomfortable PC Gaming?

[xtobymc]

I made the switch from console gaming to PC gaming back in January, and whilst PC gaming has been great, I have also found it somewhat uncomfortable. By "uncomfortable" I mean sitting in my chair using a mouse and keyboard whilst being close to a monitor. I often find after a few hours (sometimes after just a single hour) that my neck starts hurting, or my eyes feel strained, or my hands ache just from twitching the mouse back and forth and pressing WASD all the time.

Back when I played console I never had many comfort issues, as I could sit comfortably in a beanbag and was able to maneuver a lot more. However, I feel that being closer to a monitor on PC and having to press many more keys than a controller has can be quite strenuous.

Anyhow, so I was wondering if anybody had any good peripherals, PC accessories or techniques they could share which could help improve the comfort for PC gaming? I know it's an odd question to ask, but I thought I'd give it a try anyway.

Thanks

 

[dannyboy2233]

Some people purchase things for their mousepad in order to place their wrist on it to cushion it. They also do the same thing for the keyboard; you can purchase a wristrest (depending on the brand of your keyboard) to place in front of it. This helps some people. Another thing that you can do is try moving your monitor different distances away to see if that helps with your neck; sometimes, if a monitor is too close, you can strain your neck just by trying to look at it.
Another thing; there are some keyboards that are shaped differently than others; if you're really having trouble with peripherals, you can always take a look at some of the more ergonomic keyboards, and also perhaps a mouse that better fits your hand.
Although you probably have this already, a comfortable chair can be very nice, especially one with back-support. That way, you aren't slouched over for long periods of time, meaning that you feel (in my opinion) more refreshed, as well as having a less-pained back.
If none of this works, then perhaps KBM (Keyboard-Mouse) Gaming isn't for you; it's easy enough to buy an XBOX 360 controller to connect to your PC in order to play many FPS games; that way, you can just lay back in your chair and use a controller.
Hope you're starting to feel more comfortable!

 

[ssddx]

ergonomics.

at what height is the keyboard in relationship to your elbows? your elbows should be at around 90 degrees with your shoulders slack. if the desk is too high put an under the desk keyboard and mouse tray there.

at what height is the monitor in relation to your eyes? it should be centered. if it is too low then raise it up or put it on books or a stand.

my desk is too high, my monitor (well...tv) is a bit high and i lean forward a bit while gaming but i'm used to it and it doesnt bother me.

the biggest thing is to take breaks. you arent leaning back reclining in a chair anymore so you need to take more breaks. get up every half hour or so to stretch around. you might not realize it but you do move around when you use a controller... yet you arent doing it on the pc which could explain alot.

i use both a pc and a console... yes console is more relaxed i agree but pc doesnt have to be uncomfortable.

if mouse movement bothers you... change your dpi. high dpi = low hand movement

if wasd bothers you perhaps try a gamepad like the nostromo or switch to arrow keys.

keep in mind you can use a controller with most pc games however you lose the benefits of keyboard and mouse!

perhaps you just arent used to using a mouse and keyboard that much.

as far as eye strain... perhaps you are sitting too close, leaning forward, arent playing with ambient light, the backlight is too bright or you have a screen too small (ie details too small so you squint to see them).