Home > Software

MW3 best keyboard and mouse settings

Last Updated on April 15, 2024
Call of Duty: MW3 optimized keyboard and mouse settings. Image shows the text "MW3 best keyboard and mouse settings" below the Modern Warfare 3 logo and the PC Guide logo, on a purple gradient background.
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

One of the most iconic shooter games, Call of Duty, just got its 20th reboot with the release of Modern Warfare 3. So, today we’re taking a look at the MW3 best keyboard and mouse settings. Now that the game has become officially available, it’s important to know how to optimize its settings for an enhanced gaming experience, with better reaction speeds and aiming accuracy. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best mouse and keyboard settings for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, helping you fine-tune your gameplay for maximum precision, efficiency, and enjoyment.

Best keyboard settings for MW3

For many players, the precision and flexibility you can get when using a mouse and keyboard is preferred over the alternative of using a controller. Optimizing your keyboard settings in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 can greatly enhance your gameplay experience, and allow you to make the most of the beta. Customizing key bindings for various actions can make it easier to perform certain mechanics and improve your overall efficiency, and you could even consider investing in one of the best keyboards for MW3 to take things to the next level. Here are some recommended keyboard settings to consider:

Movement

Efficient movement is crucial in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, and custom key bindings can help you navigate the battlefield with ease. If you’re after a mouse upgrade for the latest Modern Warfare iteration, check out our picks of the best gaming mouse for MW3. Here are some recommended key bindings for movement, so open up the settings menu and try them out:

  • Move forward: W
  • Move backwards: S
  • Move left: A
  • Move right: D
  • Interact: E
  • Jump/Stand/Mantle: Space Bar
  • Prone: Z
  • Change Stance/Slide: N/A
  • Sprint/Tactical Sprint/Focus: Left Shift
  • Movement Advanced Keybinds: Default

These key bindings provide a solid foundation for fluid movement, allowing you to quickly navigate the map and engage in combat, and behaviors such as crouch, dive, and sprint effectively.

Combat Keybinds

Customizing key bindings for combat actions is essential for quick and precise execution of various maneuvers. Here are some recommended key bindings for combat:

  • Fire Weapon: Left Mouse Button
  • Aim Down Sight: Right Mouse Button
  • Reload: R
  • Melee: F
  • Next Weapon: 2 or Mouse Wheel Down
  • Weapon Mount: ADS + Melee
  • Lethal Equipment: F
  • Tactical Equipment: Q
  • Field Upgrade: X
  • Armor Plate Drop Item: G
  • Combat Advanced Keybinds: (Refer to the table below)
ActionKey Binding
Weapon InspectI
Alternate FireB
FocusN/A
Change Zoom/Toggle HybridN/A
Previous Weapon1 or Mouse Wheel Up
Switch to First WeaponN/A
Switch to Second WeaponN/A
Detonate C4N/A
Night Vision GogglesN
Mission Ability 14
Mission Ability 25
Killstreak 13
Killstreak 24
Killstreak 35
Killstreak 4 (extra)6
Killstreak WheelK

Best mouse settings for MW3

The mouse is an essential tool for precise aiming and swift movement in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3. Finding the right sensitivity and customizing key bindings can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. Before starting, make sure you set your ‘Aiming Input Device’ to ‘Mouse’ in the MW3 settings menu. Here are some recommended mouse settings to consider:

Vertical Aim Axis

The vertical aim axis setting determines how your mouse movement affects vertical aiming. It’s generally best to keep this setting at the standard setting to ensure intuitive and natural vertical aiming.

Aim down Sight Sensitivity

The aim down sight (ADS) sensitivity determines how your mouse movement translates when aiming down the sights of your weapon. It’s generally recommended to keep the ADS sensitivity at 1.0 to maintain consistent aiming across different scenarios.

Custom Sensitivity per Zoom

Some players prefer to have different sensitivity settings for different zoom levels, such as when using a sniper rifle compared to a handgun. However, for most players, it’s recommended to turn off the custom sensitivity per zoom option to maintain a consistent feel throughout the game.

Mouse Calibration

To further optimize your mouse settings, it’s important to adjust certain calibration options. These calibration settings help eliminate unwanted mouse acceleration, filtering, and smoothing, providing a more precise and reliable input for your gameplay.

Here are some recommended calibration settings:

  • Mouse Acceleration: 0
  • Mouse Filtering: 0
  • Mouse Smoothing: Off
  • Mouse Wheel Delay: 75

What’s the best sensitivity for keyboard and mouse in MW3?

Adjusting your mouse sensitivity is crucial for achieving accurate and responsive aiming. Experiment with different sensitivity levels based on your DPI (dots per inch) to find the optimal setting that allows you to flick from side to side with ease. We recommend starting with a sensitivity of 7 and making adjustments as needed. If the sensitivity feels too fast, you can lower it to 6 for better control.

How do I get better with a mouse and keyboard in Modern Warfare?

You can improve by experimenting with different settings and adjusting them to suit your personal preferences and play style. Doing this regularly will help you get better with mouse and keyboard in the world of Modern Warfare.

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.