Yes you can defiantly use a controller with this game. I would highly advise an Xbox brand controller, either a wired Xbox 360 or Xbox One. Personally I use an Xbox One controller because I prefer the feel vs the 360, but I do have a wired 360 controller too.
I love using mine for vehicles while on PC, and use M / KB for infantry. Usually to swap in-between M / KB and controller, all you have to do is hit a key or two on the keyboard, or a couple buttons on the controller and the input will switch.
As far as set up, Xbox controllers are very simple, plug-and-play. Just plug it in, it will download the drivers automatically (if on Win10, the drivers are actually pre-installed).
I also agree with @MorningTimeCloud to stay away from PS controllers as they do not work well with PC gaming and are extremely problematic setting up and getting them to work.
