Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Keysticks VS Controllers

Compare Keysticks VS Controllers and see what are their differences

Keysticks logo Keysticks

Control your PC using an Xbox controller instead of the mouse and keyboard

Controllers logo Controllers

Controllers turns your Mac into a console gaming experience.
  • Keysticks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-24
  • Controllers Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-17

Keysticks features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Keysticks offers an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all skill levels to set up and configure their game controller as a mouse and keyboard for their PC.
  • Customization Options
    The software allows extensive customization of controls, enabling users to tailor the layout and responsiveness of their controller inputs to suit their personal preferences or specific application needs.
  • Versatile Compatibility
    Keysticks is compatible with a wide range of controllers and can be used with various applications beyond gaming, such as web browsing and media control, enhancing its functionality.
  • Accessibility Features
    By enabling alternative input methods, Keysticks can assist users with disabilities to interact with their computers more easily, providing better accessibility options.

Possible disadvantages of Keysticks

  • Potential Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, new users might face a learning curve in understanding how to effectively map controls and maximize the software's potential.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to professional-grade software, Keysticks may lack some advanced features that more experienced users might be looking for to optimize input configurations.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported that the software can occasionally be unstable or experience crashes, which can interrupt the flow of use.
  • Windows Only
    Keysticks is only available for Windows platforms, limiting its accessibility for users operating on Mac or Linux systems.

Controllers features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Controllers from vividmachine.com are designed to be user-friendly, allowing for intuitive operation and quick setup, which reduces the learning curve for new users.
  • Customizability
    These controllers offer a high level of customization, enabling users to tailor settings and configurations to meet specific project needs and objectives.
  • Robust Performance
    They are built to deliver consistent and reliable performance, which enhances productivity and reduces downtime in various applications.
  • Integration Capabilities
    These controllers can be easily integrated with other systems and platforms, providing seamless operation within existing processes and workflows.
  • Comprehensive Support
    Purchasers of vividmachine.com controllers receive access to extensive customer support and documentation, ensuring assistance is readily available when needed.

Possible disadvantages of Controllers

  • Initial Cost
    The upfront cost of purchasing controllers from vividmachine.com may be higher than other alternatives on the market, which could be a barrier for smaller budgets.
  • Complexity for Advanced Features
    While designed to be user-friendly, utilizing advanced features might require a steep learning curve or additional training for optimal exploitation.
  • Limited Availability
    Due to high demand or production limits, there may be a delay in procuring these controllers, affecting project timelines and planning.
  • Compatibility Limitations
    Despite good integration capabilities, there might be compatibility issues with very specific or outdated legacy systems.
  • Maintenance Requirements
    Regular maintenance and updates are necessary to ensure continued optimal performance, potentially increasing the long-term operational workload.

Keysticks videos

Keysticks Demo

More videos:

  • Review - Keysticks, 마인크래프트 PC 윈도우 게임에서 엑스박스 컨트롤러를 사용할수 있게 하는 유료 프로그램 소개

Controllers videos

The freaky truth about custom controllers… #gaming #scuf #ps5controller #bestps5controller

More videos:

  • Review - BEST Controllers in 2023
  • Review - The Best Xbox Series X/S Controllers - Budget to Best

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Keysticks and Controllers)
Gaming
62 62%
38% 38
Controller Mapping
61 61%
39% 39
Gaming Tools
68 68%
32% 32
OS & Utilities
46 46%
54% 54

User comments

Share your experience with using Keysticks and Controllers. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Keysticks should be more popular than Controllers. It has been mentiond 5 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.

Keysticks mentions (5)

  • How to use the build-in controller to control another console/pc?
    FULL disclosure I haven't personally tried this but in theory should work: Click start - type MSTSC - select show options - local resources - show more - put check mark in ports and other usb device - click connect Type in PC name and press enter (If it denies you google how to fix it) Once connected to remote PC open "Setup USB controllers" and see if it's identified as a controller or not IF it DOES -... Source: about 2 years ago
  • Stream Deck Anki Profile — Does anyone else use something other than mouse and keyboard to help study?
    I've done that with a cheap Chinese DualShock-like USB gamepad using Keysticks. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Can anyone please help me play with controller if possible? i’ve seen videos of third party software but wanted to ask. i’m new and thrilled to be part of the community. GW1 is one of my favorite games. thanks.
    In my case I used Keysticks quite a while ago, but still works for that, it just allows you to re-map your keybinds into a controller (I think its only for Xbox, dunno if works with PS controllers). Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Tools I use for my online sessions at events
    Out-of-the-box is not possible to set the controller as presenter with PowerPoint. You need a software called KeySticks . It looks like old, but it works. - Source: dev.to / about 3 years ago
  • To anyone who wants to play java with a controller still...
    So to y'all wanna play java edition with a controller? Well I mean, that would be the only reason you're reading this post soo... anyway. I recommend downloading KeySticks, it allows you to change every button on your controller to an input on the computer, and it's extremely easy to use! If you don't already have a controller, then I recommend using the 8BitDo Pro 2 controller with KeySticks. It 's cheaper, works... Source: over 3 years ago

Controllers mentions (1)

  • Help with mapping keyboard to gamepad
    I switched to using the app Controllers to remap the buttons (https://vividmachine.com/controllers/) and it solved it! Source: almost 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Keysticks and Controllers, you can also consider the following products

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

Joystick Mapper - Joystick Mapper, An app for Mac OS X that allows you to use gamepads in any app or game

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.

Gamepad Test - Now you can test one or more controllers for malfunctioning or failures via this online gamepad controller test and monitor their performance.

AntiMicro - A tool for mapping keyboard and mouse events to gamepads and joysticks.

SDL2 Gamepad Tool - It's a simple GUI tool to create/modify gamepad mappings for games that use SDL2 Game Controller API. Created to be an alternative to Steam Bigpicture gamepad configurator.