Freedom251 › Game Controller Mapper Software
ControllerKeys
What ControllerKeys is
ControllerKeys turns game controllers and an Apple TV Siri Remote into keyboard and mouse input for a Mac. Buttons can trigger individual keys, modifier combinations, long holds, double taps, repeats, chords and ordered sequences. For more complex actions, the app supports JavaScript scripts, multi-step macros, shell commands, app and URL launching, and HTTP webhooks. Profiles can switch according to the active app; users can import them from GitHub or Stream Deck V2 and export or share them. Supported devices include Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo controllers, Steam Controller, Siri Remote, 8BitDo and other SDL-supported gamepads. It also describes integrations with OBS controls and overlays, webhooks and AI coding tools including Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, Aider, Codex CLI and Roo Code. Only one controller is active at a time, with another taking over when it goes idle. ControllerKeys requires macOS Accessibility permission to simulate input. Its license is listed at 19.99 USD once, discounted from $24.99, with a free 14-day trial; macOS 14.6 or later is required.
Who it suits
ControllerKeys suits Mac users who want to use a controller for productivity, coding, browsing, accessibility, presentations or general use. It also offers profile switching for people who want different input mappings in different apps.
What it does well
- Maps controller buttons to keys, chords and sequences.
- Supports macros, scripts, shell commands and webhooks.
- Profiles can switch based on the active app.
- Supports more than 300 third-party controllers.
- Public source under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 license.
What to know first
- Requires macOS 14.6 or later.
- Requires macOS Accessibility permission.
- Only one controller is active at a time.
Limits
The license is 19.99 USD once, and the trial lasts 14 days. One active controller is supported at a time; another connected controller takes over when the active one goes idle.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ControllerKeys license | $19.99, discounted from $24.99 (limited-time 20% off) · macOS 14.6+ · free 14-day trial | $19.99, paid once |
As kevintang.xyz lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the ControllerKeys website
- Use the free 14-day trial or purchase the one-time license
- Install it on macOS 14.6 or later
- Grant macOS Accessibility permission
- Connect a supported controller or Apple TV Siri Remote
- Create or import a profile and assign mappings
Verdict
ControllerKeys offers extensive ways to turn controller input into Mac keyboard and mouse actions, with app-specific profiles and automation options. Note the macOS requirement, Accessibility permission and single-active-controller limit.
Questions
How much does ControllerKeys cost?
The ControllerKeys license costs 19.99 USD once. A free 14-day trial is available.
Which Macs and controllers are supported?
The license lists macOS 14.6 or later. Supported inputs include Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo controllers, Steam Controller, Apple TV Siri Remote, 8BitDo, Logitech, PowerA, Hori, and other SDL-supported gamepads.
Can profiles switch automatically?
Yes. Profiles can switch based on the active app, and per-app profiles are supported.
Does ControllerKeys offer virtual-controller output?
No. Keyboard and mouse output is listed, while virtual-controller output is not.
What permissions does it require?
ControllerKeys requires macOS Accessibility permission to simulate keyboard and mouse input.
Is its source available?
The source is public under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 license.
Facts from ControllerKeys's own pages
- Audience
- The maker describes the app as designed for productivity, coding, browsing, accessibility, presentations, and general Mac use. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Automation
- The app supports JavaScript scripts, multi-step macros, shell commands, app and URL launching, and HTTP webhooks. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- It supports Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam Controller, Siri Remote, 8BitDo, and more than 300 third-party controllers. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The page describes OBS controls and overlays, HTTP webhooks, and use with AI coding tools including Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, Aider, Codex CLI, and Roo Code. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Limit
- The app maps input from one active controller at a time, with another connected controller taking over when the active one goes idle. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Mappings
- Buttons support single keys, modifier combinations, long holds, double taps, repeats, chords, and ordered button sequences. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Permission
- ControllerKeys requires macOS Accessibility permission to use Apple’s CGEvent API to simulate keyboard and mouse input. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The app uses pseudonymous opt-out usage analytics and says raw controller reports, typed text, mappings, scripts, quick text, and configuration are not sent as analytics. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Profiles
- Profiles can switch automatically based on the active app, be imported from GitHub or Stream Deck V2, and be exported and shared. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ControllerKeys turns game controllers or an Apple TV Siri Remote into keyboard and mouse input for a Mac. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The source is public under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 license, and official releases are signed with the maker’s Apple Developer ID, notarized by Apple, and verified by Gatekeeper. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The page links to a Discord community and issue reporting and lists email support at [email protected]. · kevintang.xyz, 7 Oct 2026
Where ControllerKeys stands on Freedom251
- Game Controller Mapper Software#19 of 27