ControllerKeys vs JoyToKey
ControllerKeys
kevintang.xyzJoyToKey
joytokey.netSide by side
| Figure | ControllerKeys | JoyToKey |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $7.50/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 7.9 (#11) | 8.5 (#6) |
| 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. | Profiles can be associated with target applications, and JoyToKey supports command-line arguments to refresh joystick devices or switch profiles. |
| Privacy | The app uses pseudonymous opt-out usage analytics and says raw controller reports, typed text, mappings, scripts, quick text, and configuration are not sent as analytics. | The privacy policy says the website may collect contact details, browser and device information, IP addresses, cookies, website usage data, and analytics or advertising data. |
| Profiles | Profiles can switch automatically based on the active app, be imported from GitHub or Stream Deck V2, and be exported and shared. | Users can create multiple controller profiles and associate them with the currently focused application. |
| Purpose | ControllerKeys turns game controllers or an Apple TV Siri Remote into keyboard and mouse input for a Mac. | JoyToKey converts game controller buttons and stick input into keyboard strokes or mouse movements for Windows applications and web games. |
| Support | The page links to a Discord community and issue reporting and lists email support at [email protected]. | 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. |
Plans
In their own words
ControllerKeys
ControllerKeys has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.