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Crouching and jumping are usually performed in combination with movement. How do you press Q or E while also using WASD freely?

For run'n'gun games like Quake, nothing really but for games with more controls like ArmA or Tribes those extra buttons come in handy.

Shield, nade, lean left/right, use item, etc.

Weapon switching is a big part of competitive Quake. Easy-to-reach weapon keybinds give you an advantage.

Sure but aren't they all on the number keys?

Sure, but try hitting 8 without moving your hand from wasd

I suppose with ESDF you have the two keys Q and W where otherwise only tab would be.

Q and E are lean left, lean right!