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Keysticks
What it is
Keysticks is free Windows software that lets you control a PC with a gamepad or joystick, including for web browsing, games, music and tasks usually handled with a keyboard and mouse. It supports correctly installed wired or wireless XInput and DirectInput controllers. For games that accept keyboard or mouse input, you can create custom layouts and mappings. Configurable pointer controls and an on-screen keyboard with word prediction support everyday computer use; the keyboard and prediction support multiple languages, though the interface is English only.
Sample profiles are included, and the Profile Browser lets you preview and download profiles created by other users. Sharing through the Download Area requires an account and sign-in. Profiles can support up to four players, and per-app profiles and profile switching are supported. The maker also describes using a wireless controller to browse on a TV-connected computer, control music or change PowerPoint slides. The current listed release is v2.14 for Windows. Keysticks is open source under the Eclipse Public License v1.0, with source code linked on GitHub.
For and against
For
- Works with wired and wireless XInput and DirectInput controllers.
- Create custom layouts for games accepting keyboard or mouse input.
- Includes pointer controls and a word-predicting on-screen keyboard.
- Free, open source software with user-shared profiles.
Against
- Some games block emulated input.
- Administrator-level tasks require matching administrator privileges.
- The interface is English only.
- Sharing profiles requires an account and sign-in.
The verdict
Keysticks combines controller-based PC input with custom game layouts, profiles and tools for typing and pointer control. Check the listed Windows support and input limitations against your setup.
Who it suits
Keysticks may suit Windows users who want to control a computer with a gamepad or joystick, including people seeking an alternative to a mouse and keyboard. It also supports custom game controls and profiles for up to four players.
Plans and prices
Free
Windows only · XInput or DirectInput controller · 30 MB disk space minimum
Read 15 Oct 2026 · keysticks.net
Keysticks
Windows · EPL v1.0 · no time limitation stated
Read 8 Oct 2026 · keysticks.net
On the record
- Accessibility use
- The maker says Keysticks is designed to make computing more comfortable and describes using a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard.keysticks.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Account security
- The members page says account names and email addresses are stored for login and profile sharing, while remembered passwords are stored locally in encrypted form.keysticks.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Actions
- Actions include key presses, pointer control, window activation, program launching, profile loading and media or browser commands.keysticks.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- AlternativeTo listing
- AlternativeTo lists Keysticks as a free Windows application developed by T C Brogden Limited and written in C#.alternativeto.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- API and SDKs
- The repository documents internal use of the OpenAdaptxt API for word suggestions and the SlimDX API for gamepad input, without describing a public Keysticks API or SDK.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- The repository documentation names the SlimDX SDK for .NET 4 x86, NSIS and Visual Studio Community 2019 as build prerequisites.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Controller compatibility
- Supported controllers are correctly installed gamepads or joysticks using XInput or DirectInput.keysticks.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The site lists version 2.14 for Windows, dated 6 July 2024, with a 9.51 MB installer.keysticks.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Developer source
- The public repository is a C# .NET WPF application with installer projects, a C++ WordPredictor COM wrapper and CHM help sources.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The official help area covers installation, profiles, controls, keyboard features, options, Profile Designer tabs, advanced editing and action types.keysticks.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Editorial review on Softpedia
- 4.5 out of 5 from the Softpedia reviewer.softpedia.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Game controls
- Users can create controls for games that accept keyboard or mouse input, including custom layouts and input mappings.keysticks.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Gaming
- Users can create controller mappings for games that only accept keyboard or mouse input.keysticks.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent domain check
- Scam Detector reports an 86.5/100 authenticity score for keysticks.net and says the domain was registered on 23 April 2012.scam-detector.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent safety check
- Gridinsoft reports a 79/100 trust score for keysticks.net with no malware or phishing detections in its scan.gridinsoft.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Installer dependency
- The installer may request the SlimDX Runtime before installing Keysticks.keysticks.net · read 15 Oct 2026
- Language
- The user interface is English only, while the on-screen keyboard and word prediction support multiple languages.keysticks.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Licence
- The maker states that Keysticks is open source under the Eclipse Public License 1.0.keysticks.net · read 15 Oct 2026
