ControllerKeys vs PadForge
ControllerKeys
kevintang.xyz
PadForge
padforge.orgSide by side
| Figure | ControllerKeys | PadForge |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 7.3 (#23) |
| 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. | It supports Razer Chroma and Logitech LIGHTSYNC lighting, using the local Razer Synapse server and Logitech G HUB LED engine. |
| Profiles | Profiles can switch automatically based on the active app, be imported from GitHub or Stream Deck V2, and be exported and shared. | Profiles can switch automatically when a game takes focus, and the app includes 13 starter profiles for different kinds of games. |
| Purpose | ControllerKeys turns game controllers or an Apple TV Siri Remote into keyboard and mouse input for a Mac. | PadForge maps supported input devices to the virtual controller input a game expects. |
| Security | The source is public under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 license, and official releases are signed with the maker’s Apple Developer ID, notarized by Apple, and verified by Gatekeeper. | The maker says the app has no telemetry and that its phone controller uses HTTPS with a self-signed certificate whenever possible. |
Plans
In their own words
ControllerKeys
ControllerKeys has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
PadForge
PadForge is a free Windows application that maps physical input devices to the virtual controller format a game expects. It remaps gamepads, wheels, flight sticks, keyboards, mice, touchpads, MIDI devices, HOTAS, arcade sticks, and VR controllers, producing keyboard-and-mouse or virtual-controller output. Up to 16 virtual controllers can run at once, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam, VR, MIDI, and keyboard-and-mouse shapes. Per-app profiles can switch automatically when a game takes focus, and 13 starter profiles are included. Gyro tools provide calibration, smoothing, and gyro-to-stick or gyro-to-mouse mapping. Supported Steam community layouts can be imported. Razer Chroma and Logitech LIGHTSYNC lighting are supported through their local software engines. A browser on the same Wi-Fi network can serve as a controller for up to 16 phones without installing an app. Remote Link shares controllers between PadForge PCs over a network or the internet. The maker says there is no telemetry.