Keysticks vs Universal Control Remapper

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.

Universal Control Remapper (UCR) is a free, open-source Windows application for routing physical device inputs to virtual outputs. It can connect any number of inputs to any number of outputs, including analog input, and supports devices such as keyboards, mice, joysticks, racing wheels, and Tobii eye trackers. Listed outputs include Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 controllers, DirectInput controllers, keyboards, and mice; provider documentation also names Titan One, 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse, and MIDI devices. Nested profiles can be switched by external programs using command-line parameters, and remapping and device order persist across reboots and unplugging. Plugins can add input and output transformations, while device providers can extend compatibility. The project says UCR uses no injection and is compatible with games that use anti-tampering technologies such as Denuvo. Some providers may require technical setup, command-line use, and administrator rights to install drivers; additional drivers may be needed for virtual Xbox or DirectInput controllers. UCR is labeled Alpha, and the project warns of bugs, experimental features, and settings files that may not work across versions. Its latest listed release is v0.9.0 Alpha, dated 2020-01-02.