GameFlow vs JoyToKey
GameFlow
github.comJoyToKey
joytokey.netSide by side
| Figure | GameFlow | JoyToKey |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $7.50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Controller Mapper Software | 8.9 (#1) | 8.5 (#6) |
| Profiles | Profiles are human-editable JSON documents that can be created, duplicated, renamed, imported and exported. | Users can create multiple controller profiles and associate them with the currently focused application. |
| Purpose | GameFlow is cross-platform gamepad tooling that transforms gamepad, keyboard, mouse or phone input through saved profiles into virtual-controller output. | JoyToKey converts game controller buttons and stick input into keyboard strokes or mouse movements for Windows applications and web games. |
| What it does | GameFlow transforms gamepad, keyboard, mouse or phone input through saved profiles into virtual-controller output. | JoyToKey converts game-controller buttons and sticks into keyboard keystrokes and mouse actions for Windows applications and web games. |
Plans
In their own words
GameFlow
GameFlow is free, cross-platform gamepad tooling that routes gamepad, keyboard, mouse, or phone input through saved profiles to virtual-controller output. Mapping options include autofire, remapping, shift layers, SOCD cleaning, stick trim, gyro aiming, touchpad mapping, button combos, and freeze macros. Custom control logic can be written in sandboxed Lua through MoonSharp. Profiles are editable JSON documents that users can create, duplicate, rename, import, and export. A phone browser on the same local network can act as a controller without an installed app, with support for up to 16 phones. GameFlow can generate a transparent controller-overlay URL for an OBS Browser source, and its motion server exposes DSU/Cemuhook over UDP for Cemu, Dolphin, Yuzu, and Ryujinx. The application requires .NET SDK 10.0 or later and uses SDL3 for gamepad and joystick input on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Windows virtual output uses HIDMaestro in user mode; Linux and macOS virtual gamepad output are not built yet.
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.