PadLink vs Universal Control Remapper

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.

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.