Side by side
ControllerMate vs Keysticks
Both stand on controller mapping software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
Choose ControllerMate if you use macOS and want detailed control remapping or programmable keyboard, mouse, and MIDI actions. Look elsewhere if you need another platform or more than 10 output-generating blocks without registering.
Visit ControllerMate
Free plan Open source Windows
Keysticks offers controller-based computer controls, custom game mappings, and shared profiles at no cost. Check game input compatibility and administrator requirements before relying on it for a particular task.
Visit KeysticksThe facts
| ControllerMate | Keysticks | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Mac | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | orderedbytes.com | keysticks.net |
| On controller mapping software | #8 of 29 | #4 of 29 |
ControllerMate: what it does well
- More than 70 building block types can be combined into functions.
- Maps MIDI inputs to actions and sends MIDI through a virtual source.
- Can run AppleScripts, open files, and launch applications.
- Creates virtual mouse, tablet, and joystick devices.
- Unregistered use has no time limit.
What to know first
- Available for macOS only.
- Unregistered use allows only 10 output-generating blocks.
- The free X-keys edition omits MIDI Source and MIDI Output blocks.
Keysticks: what it does well
- Works with wired and wireless XInput and DirectInput controllers.
- Custom layouts support games accepting keyboard or mouse input.
- Includes pointer controls and an on-screen keyboard.
- Profiles can support up to four players.
- Free and open source under EPL v1.0.
What to know first
- Some games block emulated input.
- Administrator-level tasks require matching administrator privileges.
- The interface is English only.
- Profile sharing requires an account and login.
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