ControllerMate vs PadLink
ControllerMate
orderedbytes.com
PadLink
padlink.nimets.comSide by side
| Figure | ControllerMate | PadLink |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.2 (#8) | 8.1 (#11) |
| Maker | OrderedBytes says it was founded in 2005 and introduced ControllerMate as its first product that year. | PadLink is published by Nimets Technology and operated by Rath Socheat in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. |
| Purpose | ControllerMate triggers custom keyboard, mouse, and MIDI actions from input devices. | PadLink turns controllers macOS does not recognize into standard gamepad or keyboard-and-mouse input for games. |
| Support | Support is offered through documentation, the OrderedBytes forum, and email. | The maker says it replies to email questions within one business day and handles bugs, controller requests, and feature ideas through its public GitHub community. |
Plans
In their own words
ControllerMate
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.
PadLink
PadLink turns controllers that macOS does not recognize into game input, routing each as a virtual DualShock 4 or as keyboard and mouse. Different controllers can use those modes at the same time. Named profiles let users bind buttons to keys and assign analog sticks to Mouse, Arrow Keys, WASD, or off. The app reads USB HID controllers through per-device profiles, and its maker says it adds profiles over time. A companion iOS and Android app can act as a controller for a computer running PadLink on the same local network. PadLink is available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. The free Standard plan supports one active controller; Pro costs 2.99 USD one-time and supports up to four, with ad-free Mobile Remote, Car Driving cockpit, and future updates. An optional Pro trial lasts 7 days, needs no card or sign-up, and supports up to two controllers. On Windows, virtual-gamepad output depends on the third-party ViGEmBus driver; keyboard-and-mouse output does not.