Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

reWASD VS ControllerKeys

Compare reWASD VS ControllerKeys and see what are their differences

reWASD logo reWASD

First and only gamepad mapper to make Xbox Elite paddles separate buttons.

ControllerKeys logo ControllerKeys

Turn your spare Xbox, DualSense, or DualShock 4 controller into a productivity powerhouse. JavaScript scripting, gyro aiming, swipe typing, webhooks, OBS control. Perfect for vibe coding with AI tools like Claude Code and Cursor.
  • reWASD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-17
Not present

reWASD features and specs

  • Versatility
    reWASD allows you to remap any controller to keyboard and mouse actions, making it highly versatile for various types of games and different user needs.
  • User Interface
    The software offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate even for beginners.
  • Customization
    reWASD provides comprehensive customization options, including the ability to set up multiple profiles, create complex macros, and adjust sensitivity curves.
  • Supported Controllers
    The software supports a wide range of controllers, including Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch Pro controllers, expanding its usage to many gamers.
  • Game Profiles
    It offers game-specific profiles that can be downloaded and shared, making setup quicker and easier for popular games.

Possible disadvantages of reWASD

  • Pricing
    reWASD is a paid software, and some users may find it expensive compared to other similar tools or free alternatives.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic features are easy to use, mastering the advanced customization options can be challenging and require a significant time investment.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of reWASD has limited functionality, which may not be sufficient for users who require more advanced features.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users have reported occasional bugs and glitches, particularly when dealing with specific hardware or during updates.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be resource-intensive, affecting system performance if running on lower-end hardware.

ControllerKeys features and specs

  • Game controller as keyboard/mouse
    ControllerKeys allows users to map game controller inputs to keyboard and mouse actions, enabling the use of a gamepad for tasks beyond gaming, such as general computer navigation and productivity.
  • Customizable mappings
    Users can create custom profiles and mappings, tailoring controller button assignments to specific applications or workflows for a personalized experience.
  • macOS native application
    ControllerKeys is designed specifically for macOS, providing a native experience that integrates well with the operating system without requiring complex setup or third-party dependencies.
  • Accessibility benefits
    The app can serve as an accessibility tool for users who find it easier or more comfortable to use a game controller rather than a traditional keyboard and mouse setup.
  • Simple and lightweight
    The application appears to be a straightforward, lightweight utility that focuses on doing one thing well โ€” translating controller inputs to keyboard and mouse actions โ€” without unnecessary bloat.

Possible disadvantages of ControllerKeys

  • Limited platform support
    ControllerKeys is only available for macOS, meaning Windows and Linux users cannot take advantage of the application and must look for alternative solutions.
  • Niche use case
    The app serves a relatively niche audience; most users are comfortable with keyboard and mouse input, limiting the overall appeal and user base of the application.
  • Limited public information
    There is relatively limited documentation, reviews, and community discussion available about the app, which can make it harder for new users to evaluate it or troubleshoot issues.
  • Potential input latency
    Translating controller inputs through a software mapping layer may introduce slight input latency compared to native keyboard and mouse usage, which could be noticeable in time-sensitive tasks.
  • Controller compatibility concerns
    Not all game controllers may be fully supported, and users with less common or older controllers might encounter compatibility issues or missing button mappings.

Analysis of reWASD

Overall verdict

  • Overall, reWASD is well-regarded for its flexibility, ease of use, and powerful features. It is particularly praised for its user-friendly interface and the ability to cater to both beginners and advanced users. However, like any software, it may have a learning curve, and some advanced features require a subscription. Users generally find it reliable and worth the investment.

Why this product is good

  • reWASD is considered a good software tool for its ability to remap gamepad controls and enhance the functionality of various input devices. It supports a wide range of controllers, allowing users to customize their gaming experience extensively. The software also offers features like creating complex macros, setting up automatic actions, and extensive customization options, making it appealing for gamers who want more control over their gameplay.

Recommended for

  • Gamers who want to remap their controller buttons and optimize their gaming setup.
  • Users who need to use non-standard controllers with PC games.
  • Individuals looking to create custom shortcuts or macros for their controllers.
  • People who engage in complex gaming environments and require advanced input configurations.

Analysis of ControllerKeys

Overall verdict

  • ControllerKeys (kevintang.xyz) is a useful and thoughtfully designed tool for people who want to use a game controller as an input device for their computer, offering a practical solution for accessibility and convenience.

Why this product is good

  • Allows you to map game controller buttons to keyboard keys and mouse actions, expanding how you can interact with your computer
  • Useful for accessibility, letting users who find keyboards or mice difficult to operate an alternative input method
  • Handy for controlling media, presentations, or games from a distance using a familiar controller
  • Typically lightweight and easy to set up, making it approachable for non-technical users
  • Provides flexibility for custom configurations to suit individual preferences

Recommended for

  • Users who want to control their PC from the couch using a game controller
  • People seeking accessibility-friendly alternative input methods
  • Gamers who want to remap controller inputs for non-native games or applications
  • Anyone giving presentations or controlling media who prefers a controller over a remote
  • Hobbyists and tinkerers interested in custom input mapping

reWASD videos

260 Buttons On Xbox One Controller!! | ReWASD Tool

More videos:

  • Tutorial - reWASD.com 4.0 Tutorial for Conroller remapping and binding M/KB
  • Tutorial - reWASD Controller remapping Tutorial #3 Adv, macros, etc Bioshock Infin.

ControllerKeys videos

Use a Game Controller for Anki on Mac โ€” ControllerKeys Demo (Better than Enjoyable) #macos

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to reWASD and ControllerKeys)
Gaming
90 90%
10% 10
Controller Mapping
89 89%
11% 11
Gaming Tools
89 89%
11% 11
Emulators
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

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

reWASD Reviews

Top 5 REWASD Alternatives in 2021
REWASD has made quite an impact in the keymapping software industry with their innovation of the basic gamepad features and controls, but if for some reason, you donโ€™t like using it, or you find it too complex, there are other alternatives to REWASD that you can find in 2021.
Fantastic Controller Mappers and Where to Find Them
Just wondering, have you already chosen the controller mapper that would suit all your needs? Weโ€™re on our way to help you decide! Choosing the controller mapping software is a tough deal because each one of them has its own specifics. Weโ€™ve created a config sample that has almost identical mappings in each program, just so you could see the difference. So it will be quite...
Source: www.rewasd.com

ControllerKeys Reviews

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

Based on our record, reWASD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 17 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.

reWASD mentions (17)

  • Get ready to dive into the future of gaming with reWASD 6.7! ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ
    ๐ŸŽ‰ Brace yourselves for the ultimate gaming upgrade, and don't forget to visit https://rewasd.com to experience the magic firsthand! Let's game on and rock this 6.7 revolution! ๐Ÿš€๐ŸŽฎ #reWASD #GamingRevolution. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • ๐Ÿ“ฃ Exciting News! reWASD 6.6. Update Released!
    Please download and install the latest version of reWASD from our site. Source: about 3 years ago
  • ๐Ÿ“ฃ Exciting News! reWASD 6.6. Update Released!
    Head over to our official website: rewasd.com for more details on these enhancements and explore the full power of reWASD 6.6.! Source: about 3 years ago
  • Is there a way to make TeamViewer more responsive when trying to play games remotely?
    An honorary mention goes to reWASD as well. Its a paid, but cheap, controller remapper that allows for various profiles for different games and controllers. I use this to play emulated switch games on my phone, via sunshine and moonlight, with a gamesir x2 bluetooth controller. The controller is picked up as an Xbox 360 controller through moonlight/sunshine, and reWASD identifies it and applies a virtual switch... Source: about 3 years ago
  • When is epic gonna add its own controller support? Playing EG games on steam isnโ€™t really a solution
    I recommend reWASD. It has more features and supports more controllers than DS4 Windows. I even prefer it over Steam Input. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

ControllerKeys mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of ControllerKeys yet. Tracking of ControllerKeys recommendations started around Apr 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing reWASD and ControllerKeys, 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.)

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

AntimicroX - AntiMicroX is a program used to map keyboard and mouse actions to gamepad/joystick buttons. It is useful for playing games with poor or no gamepad support. It is a new fork of discontinued AntiMicro

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.

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

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.