ControllerBuddy vs JoyToKey
ControllerBuddy
controllerbuddy.orgJoyToKey
joytokey.netSide by side
| Figure | ControllerBuddy | JoyToKey |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $7.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.8 (#1) | 8.5 (#4) |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 8.8 (#2) | 8.5 (#6) |
| Profiles | Profiles are JSON configuration files that can be edited and saved inside the application. | Users can create multiple controller profiles and associate them with the currently focused application. |
| Purpose | ControllerBuddy maps gamepad inputs for flight simulators, aiming to let users fly without a joystick, keyboard, or mouse. | JoyToKey converts game controller buttons and stick input into keyboard strokes or mouse movements for Windows applications and web games. |
| Support | The project directs bug reports to GitHub Issues and questions to its Discord community. | For a missing license key after purchase, the purchase page directs users to check email spam and then contact the author using the address in the app’s Help > About menu. |
| System requirements | The FAQ lists Windows 10 or 11 on x64 and Linux on x64 or aarch64. | The official download page lists Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Vista. |
| What it does | ControllerBuddy maps gamepad controls to keyboard, mouse and virtual-joystick inputs for flight simulators. | JoyToKey converts game-controller buttons and sticks into keyboard keystrokes and mouse actions for Windows applications and web games. |
Plans
In their own words
ControllerBuddy
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.
JoyToKey
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.