I use a pad and it's very doable. Here's a tip for pad, when you set a button to 2 buttons on one (such as pk or sh) if you hold it down and let it go the weak strength takes priority (p over k and so on). If you want the stronger of the two, hold down the weaker button whatever you have it set to.
I use the default layout with dust as L2, roman cancel as R2, SH as L1, and PK as R1. This might not work for you but i do recommend trying it.
Using a stick is a nightmare for me. I just can't do it, so i can't help you there.