AntiMicroX vs Keysticks

AntiMicroX is a desktop application for Linux and Windows that maps gamepad controls to keyboard keys, mouse actions, scripts, and macros. It can be used to control desktop applications or play games without gamepad support. Users can assign multiple mapping sets to a gamepad and switch between them. Auto profiles can associate a profile with the active application window, but that feature is unavailable in Wayland. The application can generate SDL2 configuration to map atypical gamepads to generic controllers such as Xbox 360 controllers. The project says it supports X.org and Wayland, while warning that the Flatpak package may not work correctly with Wayland. Downloads include Windows installers and Linux options such as Flatpak, AppImage, Debian or Ubuntu packages, and installation options for Fedora, openSUSE, and Arch. AntiMicroX is licensed under GPL version 3 and provides a D-Bus service for some functions, including selecting the current control set. The project is seeking a new maintainer and expects limited support, with no new features planned unless external contributors provide them.

Keysticks lets you control a Windows PC with a gamepad or joystick, including for web browsing, games, music and tasks normally handled with a keyboard and mouse. It supports correctly installed wired or wireless XInput and DirectInput controllers. For games that accept keyboard or mouse input, you can create custom layouts and mappings; configurable pointer controls and an on-screen keyboard with word prediction cover other computer tasks. The interface is English only, though the keyboard and word prediction support multiple languages. Sample profiles are included, and the Profile Browser lets you preview and download other users’ profiles. Sharing through the Download Area requires an account and sign-in. A profile can support up to four players, and the software supports per-app profiles and profile switching. Keysticks is free and open source under the Eclipse Public License v1.0. The listed release is v2.14 for Windows, with Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista suggested as minimum operating systems. Some games block emulated input, and administrator-level tasks require Keysticks to run with administrator privileges.