DS4Windows vs JoyToKey
DS4Windows
ds4-windows.comJoyToKey
joytokey.netSide by side
| Figure | DS4Windows | JoyToKey |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $7.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 7.8 (#13) | 8.5 (#6) |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 7.8 (#16) | 8.5 (#4) |
| Integrations | The official build includes experimental Moonlight/Sunshine support that can be enabled in Device Options. | Profiles can be associated with target applications, and JoyToKey supports command-line arguments to refresh joystick devices or switch profiles. |
| Profiles | The application supports profiles that can switch automatically when different programs are in focus. | Users can create multiple controller profiles and associate them with the currently focused application. |
| Purpose | DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator for connecting PlayStation controllers to Windows 10/11 PCs. | JoyToKey converts game controller buttons and stick input into keyboard strokes or mouse movements for Windows applications and web games. |
| Support | The site provides installation, troubleshooting, supported-gamepad documentation and a contact form for direct support. | 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
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.
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.