DSTX vs Keysticks
DSTX
dstxapp.org
Keysticks
keysticks.netSide by side
| Figure | DSTX | Keysticks |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 7.6 (#18) | 8.1 (#10) |
| Profiles | Users can save and load custom controller profiles. | Sample Windows profiles are included, and users can download or share additional profiles through the Profile Browser. |
| Purpose | DSTX emulates an Xbox 360 controller from DualShock 4, DualSense, or Nintendo Switch Pro controllers on Linux. | Keysticks lets users control a Windows PC with a gamepad or joystick to browse the web, play games and music, and use the computer in place of a keyboard and mouse. |
| Support | The project lists Ko-fi, PayPal, GitHub Sponsors, and PIX as donation options. | The maker provides online help and an FAQ and invites users to contact Tim, the creator, through a contact form. |
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.
Keysticks
Keysticks lets you control a Windows PC with a gamepad or joystick, including for web browsing, games, music and tasks normally handled with a keyboard and mouse. It supports correctly installed wired or wireless XInput and DirectInput controllers. For games that accept keyboard or mouse input, you can create custom layouts and mappings; configurable pointer controls and an on-screen keyboard with word prediction cover other computer tasks. The interface is English only, though the keyboard and word prediction support multiple languages. Sample profiles are included, and the Profile Browser lets you preview and download other users’ profiles. Sharing through the Download Area requires an account and sign-in. A profile can support up to four players, and the software supports per-app profiles and profile switching. Keysticks is free and open source under the Eclipse Public License v1.0. The listed release is v2.14 for Windows, with Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista suggested as minimum operating systems. Some games block emulated input, and administrator-level tasks require Keysticks to run with administrator privileges.