ControllerMate vs JoyToKey

ControllerMate is a macOS utility that maps input-device controls and MIDI messages to custom keyboard, mouse, and MIDI actions. Its programming combines more than 70 kinds of building blocks into functions. Blocks can handle logic, math, and timing; generate keyboard or mouse activity; run AppleScripts; open files; or launch applications. Users can remap or disable keyboard buttons and configure standard or custom mouse acceleration curves for devices using ControllerMate's driver. MIDI notes, controller values, and patch changes can trigger blocks, and the software can send MIDI messages through a virtual MIDI source. It can also create virtual mouse, tablet, and joystick devices. A helper application can monitor connected controllers and keep current programming running after the main application closes. Unregistered use has no time limit, but only 10 blocks may generate output; input, logic, math, and timing blocks have no stated limit. OrderedBytes introduced ControllerMate as its first product in 2005. The maker lists uses including audio and video editing, music production, gaming, and flight simulation.

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.