JoyToKey vs PadLink
JoyToKey
joytokey.net
PadLink
padlink.nimets.comSide by side
| Figure | JoyToKey | PadLink |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $7.50/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.5 (#4) | 8.1 (#11) |
| Privacy | The privacy policy says the website may collect contact details, browser and device information, IP addresses, cookies, website usage data, and analytics or advertising data. | Desktop input processing happens locally, and the maker says desktop apps do not require an account or include analytics, advertising, or behavioral tracking. |
| Purpose | JoyToKey converts game controller buttons and stick input into keyboard strokes or mouse movements for Windows applications and web games. | PadLink turns controllers macOS does not recognize into standard gamepad or keyboard-and-mouse input for games. |
| Support | For a missing license key after purchase, the purchase page directs users to check email spam and then contact the author using the address in the app’s Help > About menu. | The maker says it replies to email questions within one business day and handles bugs, controller requests, and feature ideas through its public GitHub community. |
Plans
In their own words
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.
PadLink
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.