ControllerKeys
ControllerKeys turns supported game controllers or an Apple TV Siri Remote into keyboard and mouse input for a Mac.
What ControllerKeys is
ControllerKeys turns supported game controllers or an Apple TV Siri Remote into keyboard and mouse input for a Mac. Buttons can trigger single keys, modifier combinations, long holds, double taps, repeats, chords, or ordered sequences. The app also supports JavaScript scripts, multi-step macros, shell commands, opening apps and URLs, and HTTP webhooks. Profiles can switch based on the active app, be imported from GitHub or Stream Deck V2, and be exported and shared. It supports Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam Controller, Siri Remote, 8BitDo, Logitech, PowerA, Hori, and other SDL-supported gamepads. Only one controller is active at a time; another connected controller takes over when the active one goes idle. ControllerKeys requires macOS Accessibility permission to simulate input. Its source is public under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 license, and official releases are signed, notarized, and verified by Gatekeeper. It is for macOS 14.6 or later; the listed license costs 19.99 USD once and includes a free 14-day trial.
Good
- Maps buttons to keys, combinations, and sequences.
- Profiles can switch with the active app.
- Supports a wide range of controllers.
- Includes a free 14-day trial.
Watch out
- Requires macOS 14.6 or later.
- Only one controller is active at a time.
- Requires macOS Accessibility permission.
- No virtual-controller output.
Who it suits
ControllerKeys suits Mac users who want controller input for productivity, coding, browsing, accessibility, presentations, or general use. Its app-specific profiles and automation options may also suit users configuring repeatable actions.
Verdict
ControllerKeys offers extensive input mapping and automation for Mac, with profiles that can follow the active app. Consider its one-controller-at-a-time limit and Accessibility permission requirement before purchasing; the listed license costs 19.99 USD once.
Plans and prices
From ControllerKeys's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| ControllerKeys license | $19.99, paid once | macOS 14.6+ · free 14-day trial · $19.99, discounted from $24.99 (limited-time 20% off) |
The facts
Each one read from ControllerKeys's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audience
- The maker describes the app as designed for productivity, coding, browsing, accessibility, presentations, and general Mac use.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Automation
- The app supports JavaScript scripts, multi-step macros, shell commands, app and URL launching, and HTTP webhooks.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- It supports Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam Controller, Siri Remote, 8BitDo, and more than 300 third-party controllers.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The page describes OBS controls and overlays, HTTP webhooks, and use with AI coding tools including Claude Code, Cursor, Copilot, Aider, Codex CLI, and Roo Code.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Limit
- The app maps input from one active controller at a time, with another connected controller taking over when the active one goes idle.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Permission
- ControllerKeys requires macOS Accessibility permission to use Apple’s CGEvent API to simulate keyboard and mouse input.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The app uses pseudonymous opt-out usage analytics and says raw controller reports, typed text, mappings, scripts, quick text, and configuration are not sent as analytics.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Profiles
- Profiles can switch automatically based on the active app, be imported from GitHub or Stream Deck V2, and be exported and shared.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ControllerKeys turns game controllers or an Apple TV Siri Remote into keyboard and mouse input for a Mac.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The source is public under the PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0 license, and official releases are signed with the maker’s Apple Developer ID, notarized by Apple, and verified by Gatekeeper.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The page links to a Discord community and issue reporting and lists email support at [email protected].checked 7 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Mappings
- Buttons support single keys, modifier combinations, long holds, double taps, repeats, chords, and ordered button sequences.checked 7 Oct 2026
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