Cyberpunk 2077 keyboard and mouse (KBM) controls are generally excellent for combat but notoriously difficult for driving. The Verdict
Precision Combat: KBM is the superior choice for gunplay and hacking.
Driving Clunkiness: Turning with keys (A/D) is "all-or-nothing," making vehicle handling feel twitchy compared to a controller's analog stick.
Customization: Most keys are rebindable, though some hard-coded UI keys can be frustrating for left-handed players or those using non-standard layouts. Key Control Breakdown Key (Default) Movement W, A, S, D Interact F Phone T Inventory I Journal J Scanner TAB (Hold) Quick Hack Middle Mouse (Targeting) Crouch C or Left Ctrl Dodge Double-tap directional keys (can be toggled in settings) 🕹️ Expert Recommendation Many players adopt a hybrid approach:
Use Keyboard/Mouse for exploration and high-intensity gunfights to ensure accuracy.
Keep a Controller plugged in to pick up specifically for driving segments to gain better steering and throttle control.
If you find the mouse aiming "off," check your Mouse Acceleration and Response Curve settings in the Controls menu to smooth out the movement. If you'd like, I can help you with: Optimal settings to fix driving sensitivity on keyboard
A guide for key rebinding if you use an ESDF or AZERTY layout Comparing performance between PC and console versions cyberpunk 2077 keyboard controls
Question. cyberpunk, keyboard and mouse or controller? - Facebook
The keyboard and mouse control scheme in Cyberpunk 2077 is the definitive way to experience its fast-paced first-person combat, though it presents a steep learning curve for driving and high-speed traversal. While the default WASD layout is standard for most PC shooters, the sheer number of specialized inputs—ranging from quick-hacking and scanning to cyberware activation—requires a strategic approach to keybinding and muscle memory. The Core Movement and Interaction Suite
At its foundation, Cyberpunk 2077 utilizes a traditional FPS movement set. W, A, S, and D control basic movement, while Space handles jumping. However, the game’s RPG roots introduce layers of complexity to these basic inputs. For instance, interaction is mapped to F by default, a choice that often feels cramped for players used to "E" as the primary action key. Sprinting is handled by Left-Shift, and crouching—crucial for stealth and mitigating recoil—is mapped to C for toggling or Left-Ctrl for holding.
Following the 2.0 Update, movement became significantly more kinetic with the introduction of a dedicated Dash mechanic. While some players stick to double-tapping movement keys to dash, many power users remap this to a Side Mouse Button or E to allow for "dash-jumping"—a high-momentum technique where a player dashes and jumps mid-air to clear massive distances. Combat and Cyberware Management
Weapon handling on a keyboard offers superior precision for headshots compared to a controller's analog sticks. The default combat layout includes: Left-Click: Fire weapon or perform a quick melee attack.
Right-Click: Aim down sights (ADS) or block with melee weapons. R: Reload. Q: Quick attack or dedicated melee button. Middle Mouse Button: Use combat gadgets like grenades.
E: Activate Cyberware (such as the Sandevistan or Optical Camo). Cyberpunk 2077 keyboard and mouse (KBM) controls are
X: Use a consumable, typically a MaxDoc or Bounce Back healing item.
A common point of friction for PC players is the Middle Mouse Button for grenades. Because scrolling also cycles weapons, players frequently trigger accidental grenade throws while trying to switch guns. Many veterans recommend remapping gadgets to Q and moving the "Quick Attack" elsewhere to prevent these explosive accidents. Scanning and Hacking Interface
The "Netrunner" playstyle introduces a unique UI layer that relies heavily on the Tab key. Holding Tab opens the scanner, which slows time and highlights interactive objects or enemies. While in this mode, the mouse is used to highlight targets, and specific keys (usually F or Mouse Wheel) are used to cycle through available quickhacks. For players who find holding the key tedious, the game includes a Caps Lock toggle option for scanning in the settings menu. The Challenge of Keyboard Driving
The most significant drawback of keyboard controls is vehicle handling. Unlike a controller’s triggers and analog sticks, which allow for gradual acceleration and smooth turning, a keyboard is "binary"—the keys are either 100% on or 100% off. This often makes cars feel like they are "sliding on ice".
, covering the default layout, known community issues, and the popular "hybrid" playstyle.
Mastering Night City: The Ultimate Guide to Cyberpunk 2077 Keyboard Controls
Navigating the neon-drenched, chaotic streets of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 Tab (hold) — Scan enemies / open quickhack
requires quick reflexes and a solid grasp of your control scheme. Because the game seamlessly blends fast-paced first-person shooter (FPS) combat with driving and deep role-playing game (RPG) menu systems, playing on a keyboard and mouse (KBM) offers unparalleled aiming precision, but it also comes with a few quirks. ⌨️ Default Keyboard & Mouse Controls
For the most part, CD Projekt Red utilizes a standard layout familiar to PC shooter veterans. Below is a breakdown of the primary key bindings you will use most often. 🚶 Exploration & Movement W / A / S / D : Move Forward / Left / Backward / Right Left Shift : Sprint (Toggle) : Crouch (Toggle) : Crouch (Hold) ⚔️ Combat & Weapons Left Mouse Button (LMB) : Shoot / Melee Attack Right Mouse Button (RMB) : Aim Down Sights (ADS) / Block : Quick Melee Attack
: Interact / Action (Grab enemies, open doors, pick up items) : Select Weapon 1, 2, or 3 : Equips Fists/Arm Cyberware : Open Weapon Wheel (Hold) or Cycle Weapons (Tap) Middle Mouse Button : Use Combat Gadget (Grenades, etc.)
: Use Cyberware System (e.g., Sandevistan, Berserk, or projectile launch system) : Use Consumable (Health MaxDOC or BounceBack) 👁️ Hacking & UI : Scan (Hold) : Scan (Toggle) : Open Phone : Call Vehicle : Open Map : Open Inventory : Open Journal (Quest Log) : Quicksave 🚗 Vehicle Controls : Accelerate / Brake (and Reverse) : Steer Left / Right : Handbrake : Exit Vehicle : Cycle Camera View ⚠️ Common Gripes & "Unrebindable" Keys
While standard combat feels incredibly fluid with a mouse, the PC community frequently points out a few specific issues with Cyberpunk 2077 's default layout:
Controls are Clunky/Bad :: Cyberpunk 2077 General Discussions
| Action | Key | | :--- | :--- | | Move Forward / Backward | W / S | | Move Left / Right | A / D | | Sprint (Hold) | Shift | | Sprint (Toggle) | Left Ctrl (or rebindable) | | Crouch (Hold) | C | | Crouch (Toggle) | Left Ctrl (or rebindable) | | Vault / Climb | Space | | Dodge (while aiming) | Direction + Left Ctrl (or double-tap direction; can be disabled) | | Walk (Toggle) | Z | | Look / Aim | Mouse | | Scan / Quickhack Mode | Tab | | Interact / Pickup | F | | Holster / Draw Weapon | Double-tap Alt (or hold Alt for weapon wheel) | | Photo Mode | N | | Call Vehicle | V | | Menu (Pause) | Esc |
Tab (Hold).Cyberpunk is a heavy RPG; you will spend a lot of time talking to NPCs.
FSpace or Left Mouse ButtonLeft Mouse Button to select the highlighted choice.