Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SteerMouse VS DS4Windows

Compare SteerMouse VS DS4Windows and see what are their differences

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SteerMouse logo SteerMouse

Advanced driver for USB and Bluetooth mouses.

DS4Windows logo 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 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-04-10
  • DS4Windows Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-30

SteerMouse features and specs

  • Customizability
    SteerMouse allows users to customize the functions of each button on a wide range of mice, offering versatile control options.
  • Precision
    It enables users to fine-tune the cursorโ€™s sensitivity and acceleration, allowing for better control over cursor movement.
  • Multi-device Support
    SteerMouse supports a variety of mouse models from different brands, making it a highly versatile tool for users with different types of mice.
  • Macros
    The software allows users to create and assign macros to mouse buttons, enabling complex actions with a single click.
  • Ease of Use
    The interface is user-friendly, making it easy to set up and configure, even for those who might not be tech-savvy.

Possible disadvantages of SteerMouse

  • Price
    SteerMouse is a paid application, and some users might find it expensive compared to free alternatives.
  • Limited to Mac
    The software is only available for macOS, limiting its user base to those who use Apple computers.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Although it supports a wide range of mice, not all models might be compatible, potentially causing issues for certain users.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, the depth of customization might be overwhelming for new users, leading to a moderate learning curve.
  • System Resources
    Running SteerMouse in the background can consume system resources, potentially affecting performance on less powerful machines.

DS4Windows features and specs

  • Customization
    DS4Windows allows users to create custom control mappings, apply profiles for specific games, and personalize the user experience.
  • Compatibility
    The software makes it easy to use the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers on a Windows PC, offering good compatibility with various games and applications.
  • Macro Support
    Users can create and assign macros, which can automate repetitive tasks or complex button sequences, enhancing gameplay or productivity.
  • Bluetooth and Wired Support
    DS4Windows supports both Bluetooth and wired connections, providing flexibility in how users connect their controllers.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, DS4Windows allows for community contributions and continuous improvement, ensuring that the software evolves to meet user needs.
  • Ease of Use
    The software is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for even less tech-savvy individuals to set up and configure.

Possible disadvantages of DS4Windows

  • Potential Instability
    Like many community-driven projects, DS4Windows may have occasional bugs or stability issues, which can impact the user experience.
  • Limited Official Support
    Since DS4Windows is not an official software from the controller manufacturers, users may find limited official support or documentation.
  • Driver Installation
    Users might need to install additional drivers, which could be a hassle and might not always be straightforward for everyone.
  • Manual Updates
    Updates need to be manually downloaded and installed, which can be inconvenient compared to automatic updates.
  • Compatibility Issues
    There can be occasional compatibility issues with certain games or Windows updates, requiring troubleshooting by the user.
  • Learning Curve
    Although the interface is user-friendly, fully utilizing all features and customizations may still present a learning curve for new users.

Analysis of SteerMouse

Overall verdict

  • SteerMouse is considered a good choice for users who want enhanced control over their mouse settings on macOS. Its robust set of features and regular updates make it a reliable and valuable tool for improving productivity and user experience.

Why this product is good

  • SteerMouse is highly regarded for its powerful customization features that allow users to tailor their mouse settings beyond the limitations of standard drivers. It is particularly praised for its ability to assign different functions to mouse buttons, create custom acceleration curves, and support a wide range of mice, catering to both casual and professional users who require precise control and functionality.

Recommended for

  • Graphic designers and digital artists who need precise control over their mouse movements.
  • Gamers looking for customizable button assignments and sensitivity settings for an improved gaming experience.
  • Users who have multiple or non-standard mice that need specialized settings not offered by default macOS drivers.

Analysis of DS4Windows

Overall verdict

  • Yes, DS4Windows is generally considered a good tool for those looking to make the most out of their DualShock controllers on a Windows PC. Its continuous updates and active community support further enhance its reliability and functionality.

Why this product is good

  • DS4Windows is a popular utility for Windows that emulates an Xbox controller for DualShock 4/5 controllers, enabling compatibility with a wide range of PC games that do not support PlayStation controllers natively. It offers extensive customization options such as button mapping, trackpad usage, gyro control, and profile management, making it a versatile tool for diverse gaming needs.

Recommended for

    PC gamers who use DualShock 4/5 controllers and want to ensure compatibility with games requiring Xbox controller input. Also, those who appreciate advanced customization of controller settings for an optimized gaming experience.

SteerMouse videos

SteerMouse - Mouse Chording on Mac

More videos:

  • Review - Bind Mouse Button to Key Sequence Based on Active App (Mac) - SteerMouse
  • Review - Bind Mouse Buttons to Keyboard Shortcut Based on Active App (Mac) - SteerMouse

DS4Windows videos

[How To] Connect PS4 Controller To PC Using DS4Windows Tutorial (Windows 7/10)

More videos:

  • Review - Game Controller To Cull & Review Photos | PS4 DualShock DS4Windows
  • Review - Steam vs DS4Windows - Which Do I feel is best for DualSense on Windows

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SteerMouse and DS4Windows)
Note Taking
100 100%
0% 0
Gaming
0 0%
100% 100
Automation
100 100%
0% 0
Controller Mapping
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 SteerMouse and DS4Windows

SteerMouse Reviews

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DS4Windows Reviews

Top 5 REWASD Alternatives in 2021
DS4Windows is pretty great software, especially if we consider the fact that it comes for free. The options and functions are great, and the user interface is pretty simple and basic as well. So, Iโ€™d say it is one of the best contenders against REWASD if youโ€™re a PS4 controller user.
10+ alternatives of DS4Windows (Ryochan7 fork)
Before we get to our list, let us take a quick look at the DS4Windows (Ryochan7 fork) review. We will also review the features, price, benefits, pros, and cons of DS4Windows (Ryochan7 fork). If you like our list of DS4Windows (Ryochan7 fork) and similar software alternatives in 2022, then please rate us below.
Best Alternatives to DS4Windows to Use Your PS4 Controller on PC
SCP and DS4Tool are both great alternatives to DS4Windows. Neither is as easy to use and both are more prone to crashing than DS4Windows. However, SCP lets you use legacy Dualshock devices and DS4Tool gives you control over more input settings like touchpad sensitivity and rumble intensity. From personal experience, we consider Steam Big Picture Mode to be the best solution:...
Source: techwiser.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DS4Windows should be more popular than SteerMouse. It has been mentiond 172 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.

SteerMouse mentions (54)

  • Building the Mouse Logitech Won't Make
    Shout out for SteerMouse! https://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/ It's a kind of magical mouse driver that supports nearly every USB mouse made, including _all_ the quirky little buttons and extra functions. As the author said, it's ultra-light-weight, native Mac UI (none of that weird chrome slop that companies like Razer insist upon using). I use mine with a funky Razer "MMO" mouse that has a funny numeric keypad on... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Solaar is a Linux manager for many Logitech keyboards, mice, and other devices
    Just switched from logi options to Steer Mouse myself. You can map the buttons and add chords. The only thing it might lack is being able to use mouse movement as a trigger (eg hold the back button and move left to change spaces). Still looking for it https://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • An Open Source Mouse and Trackpad Utility for Mac
    Iโ€™m eager to try this out, but you might also want to check out Steermouse[1], which is a utility it took me years longer to discover than it should have. Iโ€™m not sure how it stacks up to this open source project, but itโ€™s definitely been worth the license cost to me over the years. [1] https://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • [Rant] My Search for the One Mouse to rule them all - on Mac
    There are 3rd party apps like Steer Mouse that let you re-assign buttons/shortcuts on a Mac, but I havenโ€™t used them in a long while, so canโ€™t really speak to compatibility. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Tip for mx mouse side buttons
    Will I use steermouse to configure the mouse. But didnโ€™t put any specific configuration for arc. Source: over 2 years ago
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DS4Windows mentions (172)

  • Problems with controller drift/game not detecting controller?
    If your gamepad is not supported by our service, you can try to install DS4Windows. Its function is to โ€œtrickโ€ the PC into recognizing any controller as if it were an Xbox 360 or DualShock 4, which in turn might allow you to use it on Boosteroid. ๏ปฟPlease note: we do not guarantee that this method will work. We are not responsible for the possible consequences, you do it at your own risk. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Controller Issues
    Use DS4, its a controller emulator that helps with stuff like that, don't really know how to explain it but with it I can use my ps5 controller for salt and sacrifice on pc instead Https://ds4-windows.com. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Hellp.Pace Wheel not working right
    From what I see online, it only officially supports PS3+PS4, and not PC. You might be able to get it to work using https://ds4-windows.com/ . Source: over 2 years ago
  • Can i use a ps5 controller on star citizen
    Playstation controllers don't use the xbox protocol. So it's a bit tricky. You need some extra software like ds4-windows. https://ds4-windows.com/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • MCO/ADXP Gamepad???
    Yeah I kinda spammed a bit :PHotkey Auto Cast or Smart cast type of mods tobind spells or power directly to a key, then use some Macro app for your controller to remap the powers/spells keys to gamepad macros. I use DS4Windows for my DS4 controller for similar macros. Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SteerMouse and DS4Windows, you can also consider the following products

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

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

X-Mouse Button Control - XMouse Button Control (XMBC) allows you to create application and window specific profiles.

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

Karabiner - Karabiner, previously called KeyRemap4MacBook, is a very powerful keyboard remapper for Mac OS X.

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