FlexInput vs JoyShockMapper
FlexInput
github.comJoyShockMapper
github.comSide by side
| Figure | FlexInput | JoyShockMapper |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 7.7 (#14) | 8.5 (#5) |
| License | The repository identifies FlexInput as MIT licensed. | The repository is released under the MIT License with an as-is warranty disclaimer. |
| What it does | FlexInput is a node-based HID/MIDI input routing and mapping application for Windows that connects physical and networked inputs to virtual outputs. | JoyShockMapper converts controller input into keyboard, mouse, and virtual-controller events for PC games. |
Plans
In their own words
FlexInput
FlexInput is a Windows application for routing and mapping HID and MIDI inputs to virtual outputs. Its visual signal graph supports drag-and-drop editing, reusable nested sub-patches, and factory presets. Listed controller inputs include XInput, DualShock 4, DualSense, Switch Pro, Joy-Con 2, and third-party SDL3 controllers; it also accepts MIDI. Outputs include virtual XInput and DualShock 4/DualSense controllers, keyboard, and mouse. MIDI mapping offers per-CC output pins and CC Learn, while supported controllers can provide raw gyroscope and accelerometer data. FlexInput can route an AutoMap gamepad bus between two instances over LAN UDP, encrypted PSK UDP, or P2P transport. LAN UDP is unencrypted; PSK uses a shared passphrase and P2P uses a cryptographic keypair. WASAPI loopback audio can be routed to rumble. HidHide can conceal remapped physical devices but requires a separate driver. The app is free and MIT-licensed. It requires Windows 10/11 (x64); installation uses a Windows x64 ZIP, with no installer.
JoyShockMapper
JoyShockMapper maps game controller input to keyboard, mouse, or virtual controller events for PC games. It supports gyro controls and flick stick for aiming and turning. Buttons can map to keyboard or mouse inputs with tap-and-hold, chorded, and simultaneous-press options; stick modes can control the mouse or trigger keys, including scroll-wheel and flick-stick modes. The project describes support for DualSense, DualShock 4, paired JoyCons, and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. It loads commands from text configuration files, and its download includes example gyro configurations. JoyShockMapper is free, with a Windows release and Linux builds available from source. Development primarily targets Windows, and Linux builds may not always work. Linux use requires read and write access to /dev/uinput and the relevant /dev/hidraw device; focused-window detection works only on X11. Virtual Xbox or DS4 output requires separate ViGEm bus software. The releases page lists v3.6.1 as the latest release.