8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 vs MonsGeek Driver
8BitDo Ultimate Software V2
app.8bitdo.comMonsGeek Driver
monsgeek.comSide by side
| Figure | 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 | MonsGeek Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Gaming Peripheral Software | 8.2 (#10) | 8.5 (#4) |
| Spec score · Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software | 7.6 (#72) | 8.8 (#7) |
| Firmware updates | The page says new firmware is added to the software when available. | The driver provides firmware upgrading from its About page. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Macro support | Yes | The download hub lists macro customization as a core driver function. |
| Privacy | 8BitDo’s privacy policy says it may collect information about software use and device details, including operating system, software applications, IP address, and location. | MonsGeek's privacy policy says it may collect account or contact details, website usage data, and log information such as IP address, browser type, and timestamps. |
| Purpose | The software configures 8BitDo devices and keeps their firmware up to date. | MonsGeek describes its downloads hub as a source of drivers, manuals, and configuration files for MonsGeek keyboards. |
| Support | The company’s shop contact page lists [email protected] for customer support. | MonsGeek provides FAQ, Discord and driver/manual resources and says representatives generally respond within 24 business hours. |
Plans
In their own words
8BitDo Ultimate Software V2
8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 configures supported 8BitDo devices and provides firmware updates when available. Users can remap or disable supported keys, create profiles, record macros that trigger multiple instructions with one keystroke, and adjust lighting effects and colors on supported devices. Audio configuration is listed among V2’s enhanced features. The page lists selected 8BitDo controllers for Windows and macOS and indicates which customization features each supports; listed device types also include mechanical keyboards, numpads, mice, speakers, adapters, arcade controllers and mod kits. The software is free for supported 8BitDo devices. Its requirements are Windows 10 (1903) or above and macOS 13.0 or above, and an 8BitDo FAQ says there is no mobile version. For certain devices that are not recognized, the product FAQ gives button combinations and USB connection steps. 8BitDo’s privacy policy says it may collect software-use and device details, including operating system, applications, IP address and location.
MonsGeek Driver
MonsGeek Driver is a free driver and configuration resource for MonsGeek mechanical and magnetic-switch keyboards. Its drivers can customize RGB lighting, macros, and key mappings; supported models and features vary by driver. The plugin-free web driver supports FUN68, MG108B, M1 V5 TMR, and FUN60, but not the FUN60 ISO Layout. Downloads include V4 drivers for Mac, web, and Windows, plus older driver options. VIA-compatible keyboards have configuration JSON files that can be imported into VIA for layout customization. The hub also lists model-specific manuals covering setup, features, troubleshooting, and specifications. MonsGeek says it plans to add more models to the web driver periodically. The online driver does not support Safari or Firefox, and MonsGeek recommends Chrome. On Mac, Bluetooth customization is unavailable, and some features, including Audio Visualizer, are not available in the Mac web driver. The listed price is free.