Controller settings are a commonly neglected thing - while the settings are important, many people leave the settings at default and don't touch them. There are two parts of controller settings: button layout and sensitivity ratings.
Part 1: Button Layout
The button layout, while important to pay attention to, is less significant than the sensitivity ratings. Nevertheless, you should still pick the setting that is right for you. A lot of this decision is personal preference: I prefer frogman because the mic button is on l2, freeing your right thumb for fighting. Your choice should not make an impact on the way you play once you are used to the controls.
Part 2: Sensitivity Ratings
a) Practical Meaning There are three slider bars that affect the performance of your movement while playing. The three bars are as follows:
Look Speed: changes the max speed that your crosshair moves in response to your right analog.
Acceleration: changes the amount of time taken for the crosshair movement to reach full speed. Dead Zone: determines the radius in which analog stick movement will not register.
b) Analysis and Conclusion
Ideal sensitivity ratings deviate with the use - gunfighting, requiring small precise movements (moving to the head and following zigzagging) generally is easier with a slower look speed, while (quick)sniping, requiring fast "throws" of the scope is generally easier with a higher turn speed. Dead Zone should almost always be around the 10-20 area unless controller problems force you to turn it up to avoid 'ghostwalking'. There are three controller settings that I have tested and found to be useful, depending on your play style.
1) Well Rounded: Look Speed: 65% Acceleration: 85%
This controller configuration is my personal favorite and provides you with a strong middle ground that you can be useful in every situation. The theory behind it is as follows:
When look speed is raised, gunfighting is compromised, while at the same time, sniping is compromised by lower look speed. The 'Well Rounded' setting offers a unique solution: look speed is lowered to raise gunfighting (which will not be turning far enough to kick in the acceleration), but acceleration is raised so that turning around speed is not sacrificed.
2) Gunfighter: Look Speed: 50% Acceleration: 65%
While this controller configuration is not the best for sniping, the precise control it allows for gunfighting makes headshots easier, zig-zagging targets easier to follow, and targets at long range much easier to connect with. If you do not intend to be a scoper, this configuration will allow you unprecedented long range accuracy.
3) Sniper: Look Speed: 90% Acceleration: 70%
With reduced control but increased reflex and scope 'throw' speed, this configuration is great for quicksniping. Movement in the scope is very fast and can be moved to a target in midair or popping out from a position quickly. These configurations will allow you to think less about moving the analogs and more about where the crosshair is moving.
