JoyXoff vs Keysticks
JoyXoff
joyxoff.com
Keysticks
keysticks.netSide by side
| Figure | JoyXoff | Keysticks |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Controller Mapping Software | 8.2 (#9) | 8.1 (#10) |
| Licence | JoyXoff is proprietary freeware: redistribution is limited to unmodified installers and the copyright notice says all rights are reserved. | The maker states that Keysticks is open source under the Eclipse Public License 1.0. |
| Maker | The software is developed by Diego Ferracini. | The contact page identifies Tim Brogden as the creator of Keysticks. |
| Profiles | Users can create profiles for individual processes and applications. | Sample Windows profiles are included, and users can download or share additional profiles through the Profile Browser. |
| Purpose | JoyXoff is a free Xbox controller mapper that simulates mouse and keyboard events, media functions, and process-specific profiles. | Keysticks lets users control a Windows PC with a gamepad or joystick to browse the web, play games and music, and use the computer in place of a keyboard and mouse. |
| Support | The maker invites users to send questions or suggestions by email and links to the JoyXoff Wiki for more information. | The maker provides online help and an FAQ and invites users to contact Tim, the creator, through a contact form. |
| System requirements | The documented minimum operating system is Windows 8.1 with an Xbox 360 or Xbox One controller; Windows 10 or newer is recommended. | The published minimum is Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista with at least 30 MB of free disk space. |
| Virtual keyboard | It includes an arcade-style virtual keyboard and an Xbox One-themed plain virtual keyboard. | The software includes an on-screen keyboard with word prediction and selectable layouts. |
| What it does | JoyXoff maps Xbox controller input to mouse, keyboard and media actions, supports per-process profiles, and can power off Xbox 360 wireless controllers. | Keysticks maps game-controller input to mouse, keyboard and application actions for PC use. |
Plans
In their own words
JoyXoff
JoyXoff is free Windows software that maps Xbox controller inputs to mouse and keyboard events, media functions and other bindings. Users can configure desktop bindings separately from profiles for individual processes, while profile bindings are disabled automatically when a program runs fullscreen. The utility works with XInput-compatible controllers, including Xbox 360 and Xbox One models listed by the maker. It includes an arcade-style virtual keyboard and a plain Xbox One-themed keyboard, and can turn off Xbox 360 wireless controllers. Steam users can create bindings intended to avoid Guide-button conflicts in Big Picture. PlayStation controllers may be used through an Xbox 360 controller emulator such as x360ce, with additional setup. JoyXoff requires Windows 8.1; Windows 10 or later is recommended. It starts with Windows after installation and stores files in %ProgramData%\Joyxoff. An option addresses UAC prompts and the sign-in screen. Version 3.65.10.1 for Windows x86 is listed with a June 24, 2026 date and SHA256 checksum.
Keysticks
Keysticks lets you control a Windows PC with a gamepad or joystick, including for web browsing, games, music and tasks normally handled with a keyboard and mouse. It supports correctly installed wired or wireless XInput and DirectInput controllers. For games that accept keyboard or mouse input, you can create custom layouts and mappings; configurable pointer controls and an on-screen keyboard with word prediction cover other computer tasks. The interface is English only, though the keyboard and word prediction support multiple languages. Sample profiles are included, and the Profile Browser lets you preview and download other users’ profiles. Sharing through the Download Area requires an account and sign-in. A profile can support up to four players, and the software supports per-app profiles and profile switching. Keysticks is free and open source under the Eclipse Public License v1.0. The listed release is v2.14 for Windows, with Windows 10, 8, 7 or Vista suggested as minimum operating systems. Some games block emulated input, and administrator-level tasks require Keysticks to run with administrator privileges.