Side by side
ControllerKeys vs PadForge
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 trial Mac
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.
Visit ControllerKeys
Free plan Windows
PadForge offers extensive input remapping, profile switching, and device sharing for Windows players. Users should consider their system requirements and check how games with aggressive anti-cheat handle virtual inputs.
Visit PadForgeThe facts
| ControllerKeys | PadForge | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | ControllerKeys license: $19.99, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | kevintang.xyz | padforge.org |
| On game controller mapper software | #19 of 27 | #15 of 27 |
ControllerKeys: 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.
PadForge: what it does well
- Maps many input types to virtual controllers.
- Supports up to 16 virtual controllers at once.
- Profiles can switch when a game takes focus.
- Phone controller works through a browser without installation.
- Free, with no subscriptions or paid feature packs.
What to know first
- Windows 11 on ARM64 is identified as preview.
- Anti-cheat rules vary, and the maker advises judgment.
Alternatives to ControllerKeys Alternatives to PadForge The whole list