Side by side
ControllerBuddy vs DS5 Mapper
Both stand on game controller mapper software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows
ControllerBuddy offers gamepad remapping and simulator profiles for Windows and Linux at no cost. Its mode-action and trigger limits, along with best-effort backward compatibility, are worth considering.
Visit ControllerBuddy Free plan MacWindows
Choose DS5 Mapper if you want to map a DualSense controller to keyboard and mouse input, including gyro aim. It supports macOS and Windows and is free; the beta release and operating-system security steps are worth considering before setup.
Visit DS5 MapperThe facts
| ControllerBuddy | DS5 Mapper | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | controllerbuddy.org | github.com |
| On game controller mapper software | #1 of 27 | #5 of 27 |
ControllerBuddy: what it does well
- Maps controls to keyboard, mouse or virtual joystick
- Includes modes and an active-mode overlay
- Supports Xbox, DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers
- Free and open-source under GNU GPL v3.0
What to know first
- Mode actions cannot combine multiple buttons
- Triggers cannot be merged into one rudder axis
- Backward compatibility is not guaranteed
DS5 Mapper: what it does well
- Free software released under the MIT license.
- Maps every DualSense input to keyboard or mouse controls.
- Gyro aim uses yaw and roll with smoothing options.
- Calibration persists between launches.
- USB and Bluetooth controller connections are supported.
What to know first
- The listed release is version 1.0-beta.
- macOS requires a Gatekeeper bypass and two permissions.
- Windows SmartScreen may require choosing Run anyway.
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