Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

JoyToKey VS LinearMouse

Compare JoyToKey VS LinearMouse and see what are their differences

JoyToKey logo JoyToKey

JoyToKey enables users to control the keyboard using any USB compatible controller (Dualshock 3, Xbox 360, etc.)

LinearMouse logo LinearMouse

LinearMouse is a free and open-source utility for macOS which aims to improve the experience and functionality of third-party mice.
  • JoyToKey Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-11-18

JoyToKey (or Joy2Key) enables PC game controllers to emulate the keyboard and mouse input, so that windows applications and web games can be controlled with your favorite joysticks! Whenever buttons and sticks are pressed on the controllers, JoyToKey converts them into keyboard strokes and/or mouse movements so that the target application will work as if a real keyboard and a mouse were used.

  • LinearMouse Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-21

JoyToKey features and specs

  • Customizability
    JoyToKey allows for a high degree of customization, enabling users to map keyboard and mouse inputs to their game controller based on their personal preferences.
  • Ease of Use
    The software is user-friendly and easy to set up, making it accessible even for beginners who want to utilize their controllers efficiently.
  • Compatibility
    It supports a wide range of controllers and can run on different versions of Windows, ensuring broad usability.
  • Offline Functionality
    JoyToKey can be used without the need for an internet connection, providing flexibility in various situations.
  • Profile Switching
    The program allows users to create multiple profiles for different games or applications and switch between them effortlessly.

Possible disadvantages of JoyToKey

  • Paid Software
    Although there is a free trial, the full version of JoyToKey requires a purchase, which may be a downside for some users.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface appears somewhat outdated compared to more modern software, which can be less appealing to new users.
  • Steeper Learning Curve
    While it's generally easy to use, some advanced features may require additional time and effort to master.
  • Lack of Mac Support
    JoyToKey is only available for Windows, which limits its availability to users on other operating systems like macOS.
  • Potential for Compatibility Issues
    Some users may experience issues with certain games or applications not working perfectly with the software, necessitating further troubleshooting.

LinearMouse features and specs

  • User-friendly Interface
    LinearMouse provides a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to customize mouse settings without a steep learning curve.
  • Customizable Scrolling
    The app allows users to adjust the scrolling speed and direction, which can be tailored for specific needs or preferences.
  • Free and Open Source
    LinearMouse is free to use and its open-source nature ensures transparency, allowing users to examine the code and contribute if desired.
  • Multi-platform Support
    It supports multiple operating systems, making it accessible to a broader range of users with different computing environments.
  • Low Resource Usage
    The app is lightweight and does not consume significant system resources, ensuring smooth and efficient performance even on older machines.

Possible disadvantages of LinearMouse

  • Limited Advanced Features
    While it covers basic mouse customization needs, it may lack some advanced features sought by power users compared to paid solutions.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Some users might experience compatibility issues with specific hardware or software configurations, which can be a drawback.
  • Limited Support Options
    As a free and open-source project, professional support options may be limited, leaving users reliant on community forums for help.
  • Learning Curve for New Users
    New users who are not familiar with customizing mouse settings might need some time to understand and utilize all available features effectively.

Analysis of JoyToKey

Overall verdict

  • Yes, JoyToKey is generally considered good. It is reliable and offers robust features for mapping inputs, making it helpful for gamers and users who prefer using controllers for non-game applications. It's particularly appreciated for its user-friendly interface and lightweight installation.

Why this product is good

  • JoyToKey is a popular software that allows users to map keyboard and mouse inputs to a game controller. It is widely used due to its flexibility, ease of use, and support for a wide range of controllers. Many users appreciate its ability to customize and save different configuration profiles for various applications or games, making it a versatile tool for enhancing their gaming or program interaction experience.

Recommended for

  • Gamers who want to use controllers for PC games that do not have built-in controller support.
  • Individuals who prefer using a game controller for regular desktop applications.
  • Users looking for a customizable and flexible input mapping solution across various applications.

JoyToKey videos

How to use any Controller on a PC - JoyToKey Guide/Tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - JoyToKey Review
  • Tutorial - [REVIEW]์ •๋ง ๊ฐ„๋‹จํ•˜๊ฒŒ ์กฐ์ด์Šคํ‹ฑ์œผ๋กœ ๋ฆฌ๋“ฌ๊ฒŒ์ž„ ํ•˜๋Š” ๋ฐฉ๋ฒ•! JoyToKey๋ฅผ ์•Œ๋ ค๋“œ๋ฆฝ๋‹ˆ๋‹ค!(How to Play Rhythm Game with Joystick)

LinearMouse videos

How to disable mouse acceleration on a Mac for FREE! LinearMouse tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - LinearMouse (FREE) - Make Mouse Faster - MouseZoom Replacement on macOS Monterey

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to JoyToKey and LinearMouse)
Gaming
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100
Controller Mapping
100 100%
0% 0
Mac Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare JoyToKey and LinearMouse

JoyToKey Reviews

Top 5 REWASD Alternatives in 2021
Overall, JoyToKey is a great tool, and youโ€™re going to like it because of how simple and essential it is. And it serves its purpose of providing free key mapping well. So, getting it is undoubtedly going to be a good decision for you. On the other hand, if youโ€™re looking for advanced editing, perhaps you should choose another one of the tools in this list.
Fantastic Controller Mappers and Where to Find Them
JoyToKey is a fairly good and functional controller mapper with a bit weird interface, and lots of hidden treasures. The hierarchy is the following: you create the profile, then add your joysticks with different configs. You also can change stuff in Button mapping (which Iโ€™ve called a hidden treasure because it took me some time to find that useful section). This gamepad...
Source: www.rewasd.com

LinearMouse Reviews

We have no reviews of LinearMouse yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LinearMouse seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 53 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

JoyToKey mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of JoyToKey yet. Tracking of JoyToKey recommendations started around Mar 2021.

LinearMouse mentions (53)

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing JoyToKey and LinearMouse, you can also consider the following products

Pinnacle Game Profiler - Pinnacle Game Profiler enables the use of virtually any game controller (gamepad, joystick, etc.) with any PC game. It's preconfigured for most game titles and controllers. Just download and play.

Mac Mouse Fix - A simple way to make your 3rd party mouse better.

Xpadder - Xpadder simulates the keyboard and mouse using your gamepad What does Xpadder let you do?

Caldis MOS - A little job for your mouse.

DS4Windows - DS4Windows is an open-source gamepad input mapper and virtual emulator designed to use and connect your PlayStation controller (DualShock 3/4 and DualSense 5) to a Windows 10 & 11 PC.

SteerMouse - Advanced driver for USB and Bluetooth mouses.