ControllerKeys vs DS4Windows
ControllerKeys
kevintang.xyz
DS4Windows
ds4-windows.comSide by side
| Figure | ControllerKeys | DS4Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 7.9 (#11) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Integrations | The page describes OBS controls and overlays, HTTP webhooks, and use with AI coding tools including Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, Aider, Codex CLI, and Roo Code. | The official build includes experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support that can be enabled in Device Options. |
| Profiles | Profiles can switch automatically based on the active app, be imported from GitHub or Stream Deck V2, and be exported and shared. | The application supports profiles that can switch automatically when different programs are in focus. |
| Purpose | ControllerKeys turns game controllers or an Apple TV Siri Remote into keyboard and mouse input for a Mac. | DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator for connecting PlayStation controllers to Windows 10/11 PCs. |
| Support | The page links to a Discord community and issue reporting and lists email support at [email protected]. | The site provides installation, troubleshooting, supported-gamepad documentation and a contact form for direct support. |
Plans
In their own words
ControllerKeys
ControllerKeys has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
DS4Windows
DS4Windows is a free, open-source Windows application that maps gamepad input and emulates controllers so compatible games can use PlayStation controllers on Windows 10 or 11 PCs. It can present input as an Xbox 360 or DualShock 4 controller. Supported devices include DualShock 3 and 4, DualSense and DualSense Edge, Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, Switch Joy-Con, and various third-party PS4 controllers. Users can remap inputs to keyboard, mouse, joystick, touchpad, lightbar, rumble, and motion-sensor controls, and create profiles that switch when different programs are in focus. Connections include Micro USB, Sony Wireless Adapter, and Bluetooth 4.0 with the Microsoft Bluetooth stack. ViGEmBus is required to create virtual controllers; HidHide and FakerInput are optional drivers. The official build also has experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support. Requirements include Windows 10 or newer, .NET 8.0 Desktop Runtime, Visual C++ Redistributable, and ViGEmBus. Steam's PlayStation and Xbox Configuration Support should be disabled when using DS4Windows. Virtual DS4 rumble is disabled, and DualSense adaptive-trigger support is limited.