DSTX vs PadLink

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.

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.