As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the world of gaming hardware and software, this is a common question I get from those unfamiliar with controllers. While L3 refers to a specific button click on gamepads, standard computer keyboards have no L3 button or equivalent.
When instructions or button prompts reference "L3", they apply exclusively to game controllers, not PC keyboards. But what exactly does L3 mean and why is it only found on console gamepads and not keyboards?
A gamer‘s breakdown of the L3 button
On modern console gamepads and controllers, L3 refers to pressing down on the left analog stick to actuate it like a button.
As someone who has played across PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo systems for 20 years, analog sticks have become a key part of gaming. Controlling in-game movements, aiming and camera controls requires two full analog sticks rather than just a d-pad.
The original PlayStation controller featured a simple d-pad and symbols button layout. But as 3D games evolved, an analog stick was added to the left side on later PS1 iterations as well as on the iconic PS2 controller to enable 360 degree movement.
When the PS3 Sixaxis controller introduced a second stick on the right side for camera controls, it also added the L3 and R3 buttons by making the sticks clickable. This trend has continued to the latest PS5 DualSense controller, with the analog sticks retaining their "push-in" L3 and R3 buttons for additional inputs.
So L3 provides an extra button without needing more physical face buttons, serving an important purpose on controllers with space constraints. Game creators utilize L3 and R3 for anything from running and crouching to special moves or weapon switching. As a passionate gamer, I greatly appreciate the flexibility this offers developers when mapping controls.
Inside a keyboard
On the other hand, computer keyboards rely on digital switches underneath letter, number and symbol keys without any analog sticks.
There is no means of pushing "in" any key for an additional button input. Even directional keys for movement in gaming use simple digital contacts, unlike the analog position sensing of controller sticks. Without anywhere to map it, the L3 input does not exist on keyboards.
Gaming keyboards may feature specialized keys for macros and other functions using built-in memory and processing to handle added inputs. But none supply specific L3 or R3 buttons since those names derive strictly from console controllers.
In over a decade of competitive online gaming, I have never come across a gaming keyboard advertising L3/R3 inputs even as they claim superiority for responsiveness, ergonomics or customization compared to mainstream keyboards. This highlights the contextual nature of the L3 designation exclusively to controller terminology.
By the numbers: Controllers vs Keyboards
Looking at usage statistics and hardware data illustrates this divide:
- Over 60% of console gamers utilize gamepads while PC gamers overwhelming use keyboards for input
- Both the Sony DualSense and Xbox Series controller offer 14+ buttons including L3/R3
- A typical keyboard has around 104 keys focused just on typing, not specialized gaming inputs
So an order of magnitude more keys allows computer keyboards to handle programmable inputs beyond typing without needing something like an L3 button. Controllers on the other hand maximize a limited number of physical buttons, especially with the addition of L3 and R3 stick clicks.
The evolution of gamepads
From a gamer perspective, understanding the evolution of gamepads also provides context for why L3 and related buttons emerged as console gaming grew more advanced.
The original NES controller in 1985 set the standard with only 8 digital buttons and a d-pad using simple electrical contacts and rubber membranes under plastic keys.
Jumping ahead over a decade, the DualShock controller for Sony‘s original PlayStation added the first mainstream analog sticks using potentiometers for fluid 360 degree motion. This proved essential for the 3D gaming experiences that would come to define PlayStation, Xbox and modern gaming.
The DualShock 2 controller for the wildly popular PlayStation 2 essentially cemented the layout for modern dual analog gamepads. Two clickable analog sticks along with pressure sensitive buttons, rumble vibration capabilities while retaining the iconic PlayStation face button shapes.
This basic template of twin sticks, a d-pad, 4 face buttons, shoulder triggers and extras like start/select have defined console gaming controllers for two decades since. While additional acceleration sensors and haptic feedback get introduced, those core buttons remain including the L3 and R3 inputs via the analog sticks.
So as a gamer, I consider clickable analog sticks to be essential on par with the iconic lettered shapes dating back to the 90s. L3 in particular serves crucial movement and combat functions in my favorite game series from Call of Duty to Elden Ring.
That hopefully helps explain both what the L3 button represents and why computer keyboards have no need for that specific type of input. As games evolve, so too do the controllers driving entire virtual worlds. L3 marks an important innovation that I expect to remain a staple of gamepads for years to come even as other technologies may come and go.
So fellow gamers, next time you see L3 referenced for a console game, you know exactly how to leverage that handy extra button click! Feels great to pass along wisdom as both a passionate player and content creator in this industry I love. Let me know if you have any other gaming tech questions!
