Controller Manager vs JoyToKey

Controller Manager is a free, MIT-licensed Linux daemon that remaps physical controllers to another protocol, such as presenting a Sony DualSense as an Xbox 360 pad. Each connected controller can be switched between native and remapped modes from the system tray. Identical controllers are tracked separately by stable device identity, so they can use different modes. Device-layer remapping applies across launchers and applications, including Steam and Proton. Tested families listed by the project include Sony DualSense and Microsoft Xbox One and Series pads over USB and Bluetooth. The tray updates when controllers connect or disconnect, and DualSense lightbar colors indicate native or emulated mode. A raw HID gate hides the source node in remapped mode to address double input. It requires a modern Linux desktop, a user systemd session, a StatusNotifierItem tray host, and write access to /dev/uinput.

JoyToKey converts game-controller buttons and stick input into keyboard strokes or mouse actions for Windows applications and web games. A joystick button can be assigned a key, key combination, mouse movement, wheel movement, or click. Users can make multiple profiles and have the active profile switch based on the application in focus. An Auto Setting Wizard helps configure basic assignments, while advanced settings let a button rotate among two or three assignment sets based on rotation, press duration, or analog input level. Button Alias can create virtual buttons, combine functions for one input, or trigger an input when two buttons are pressed together. Profiles can be associated with target applications, and command-line arguments can refresh joystick devices or switch profiles. JoyToKey supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Vista, and is offered as an installer or ZIP archive, with a separate ASCII-only build. The shareware can be evaluated without functional limits. The JoyToKey License Key is listed at $7.50 a month for continued use after the trial period. The download page states that the product has no warranty.