Gamepad Mapper vs JoyToKey

Gamepad Mapper lets users control a Mac and its applications with a gamepad or joystick, translating controller inputs into mouse and keyboard actions. Mouse mappings can move the cursor, click, scroll, drag and double-click, with adjustable cursor and scroll speed. Keyboard mappings can assign keys, repeat presses and use F1–F12. The app also lists system controls for playback, volume, mute, brightness, Mission Control, App Exposé, desktop switching and Show Desktop. A mapping combination feature can trigger multiple commands simultaneously. Listed controllers include Xbox Series X, PS5, Nintendo Switch Pro, Xbox One, DualShock 4 and 3, Xbox 360, Logitech and SteelSeries Nimbus models, among others. Connections can use USB or Bluetooth, and the axis dead zone is adjustable. The app has light and dark modes and can auto-enable the last active configuration when a controller connects. It requires macOS 12.0 or later and is for Mac only. The download is free with in-app purchases; the listed All Access plan is ₹299 a month.

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.