DSTX vs JoyToKey
DSTX
dstxapp.orgJoyToKey
joytokey.netSide by side
| Figure | DSTX | JoyToKey |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $7.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 7.6 (#18) | 8.5 (#4) |
| Profiles | Users can save and load custom controller profiles. | Users can create multiple controller profiles and associate them with the currently focused application. |
| Purpose | DSTX emulates an Xbox 360 controller from DualShock 4, DualSense, or Nintendo Switch Pro controllers on Linux. | JoyToKey converts game controller buttons and stick input into keyboard strokes or mouse movements for Windows applications and web games. |
| Support | The project lists Ko-fi, PayPal, GitHub Sponsors, and PIX as donation options. | 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
DSTX
DSTX is a free Linux application that makes DualShock 4, DualSense and Nintendo Switch Pro controllers appear as Xbox 360 controllers. It supports up to four controllers simultaneously through USB or Bluetooth and provides virtual controller output. Users can remap buttons, adjust rumble and stick sensitivity, calibrate deadzones, invert the Y axis and configure LED effects. Custom profiles can be saved and loaded for different setups. DSTX includes a GTK4 graphical interface, a terminal interface and a background daemon that keeps settings active after the window closes. Installation choices include Flatpak, Debian .deb, Fedora/RHEL .rpm, AppImage, binary tarball and source build. The AppImage contains only the GUI, so the core package is separate. Controller group permissions may require logging out and back in after installation. DSTX is GPLv3 open source, says it has no telemetry or tracking, and publishes its source code.
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.