ControllerBuddy vs Gamepad Mapper

ControllerBuddy maps gamepad inputs to keyboard and mouse actions or a virtual joystick for flight simulators. Profiles can assign controls through different modes, and an overlay displays the active mode and virtual-axis states. A gamepad-controlled on-screen keyboard supports selecting keys and holding multiple keys at once. The software supports Xbox Controller, DualShock 4, DualSense and other controllers supported by SDLGameControllerDB. Community-maintained profiles are listed for simulators and aircraft, including DCS World and Microsoft Flight Simulator versions 2020 and 2024. ControllerBuddy runs on Windows 10 or 11 (x64) and Linux (x64 or aarch64); its official Flatpak package includes profiles and optional helper scripts for Proton games and DOSBox Staging. The software is free and open-source under GNU GPL v3.0. There are control limits: mode actions must be assigned at Default Mode level and cannot combine multiple buttons, and the two triggers cannot be merged into one rudder axis. It uses rolling releases, with backward compatibility not guaranteed.

Gamepad Mapper lets users control a Mac and its applications with a gamepad or joystick, translating controller inputs into mouse and keyboard actions. Mouse mappings can move the cursor, click, scroll, drag and double-click, with adjustable cursor and scroll speed. Keyboard mappings can assign keys, repeat presses and use F1–F12. The app also lists system controls for playback, volume, mute, brightness, Mission Control, App Exposé, desktop switching and Show Desktop. A mapping combination feature can trigger multiple commands simultaneously. Listed controllers include Xbox Series X, PS5, Nintendo Switch Pro, Xbox One, DualShock 4 and 3, Xbox 360, Logitech and SteelSeries Nimbus models, among others. Connections can use USB or Bluetooth, and the axis dead zone is adjustable. The app has light and dark modes and can auto-enable the last active configuration when a controller connects. It requires macOS 12.0 or later and is for Mac only. The download is free with in-app purchases; the listed All Access plan is ₹299 a month.