AntiMicroX vs PadLink
AntiMicroX
github.com
PadLink
padlink.nimets.comSide by side
| Figure | AntiMicroX | PadLink |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.6 (#2) | 8.1 (#11) |
| Purpose | AntiMicroX maps gamepad keys to keyboard, mouse, scripts, and macros so a gamepad can control desktop applications. | PadLink turns controllers macOS does not recognize into standard gamepad or keyboard-and-mouse input for games. |
| Security | GitHub's project security page says no security policy is set up and no security advisories are published. | The maker says macOS gamepad mode uses an Apple-notarized DriverKit extension and does not require SIP changes, kernel extensions, or root access. |
| Support | The project points users to GitHub issues and discussions for help, bug reports, questions, and suggestions. | The maker says it replies to email questions within one business day and handles bugs, controller requests, and feature ideas through its public GitHub community. |
Plans
In their own words
AntiMicroX
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.
PadLink
PadLink turns controllers that macOS does not recognize into game input, routing each as a virtual DualShock 4 or as keyboard and mouse. Different controllers can use those modes at the same time. Named profiles let users bind buttons to keys and assign analog sticks to Mouse, Arrow Keys, WASD, or off. The app reads USB HID controllers through per-device profiles, and its maker says it adds profiles over time. A companion iOS and Android app can act as a controller for a computer running PadLink on the same local network. PadLink is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. The free Standard plan supports one active controller; Pro costs 2.99 USD one-time and supports up to four, with ad-free Mobile Remote, Car Driving cockpit, and future updates. An optional Pro trial lasts 7 days, needs no card or sign-up, and supports up to two controllers. On Windows, virtual-gamepad output depends on the third-party ViGEmBus driver; keyboard-and-mouse output does not.