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QJoyPad

QJoyPad is a free Linux utility that converts gamepad or joystick input into keyboard presses and mouse actions for XWindows programs.

Place
#25 of 29
Score
5.7
QJoyPad's website

What QJoyPad is

QJoyPad is a free Linux utility that converts gamepad or joystick input into keyboard presses and mouse actions for XWindows programs. It can control XWindows games without joystick support and is also described for emulation software. Users save multiple controller layouts and switch between them in the interface, from the command line, or through shell scripts. A joystick can move and click the mouse, with configurable axis sensitivity and movement behavior. Buttons support sticky presses and rapid fire, while axes offer gradient behavior and throttle controls. QJoyPad detects Linux-supported joysticks and gamepads, including devices with more than two axes, when the kernel recognizes the hardware and loads its driver. It can run in the system tray or without a tray icon; the --notray option provides a larger floating icon. The project is open source under GPL-2.0 and costs nothing. Requirements include Linux, XWindows, Qt 5, and kernel joystick support; libudev is optional. The documented installation method builds from source with CMake and make. It does not work at the console or on Microsoft Windows.

Good

  • Maps controllers to keyboard and mouse actions
  • Supports saved layouts and profile switching
  • Offers sticky buttons and rapid fire
  • Works with multi-axis Linux controllers
  • Free GPL-2.0 open-source project

Watch out

  • Works only in XWindows
  • Does not run on Microsoft Windows
  • Requires Linux kernel joystick support
  • Documented installation builds from source

Who it suits

QJoyPad suits Linux users who need controller mappings for XWindows games, emulators, or other XWindows programs. It is for systems whose kernel recognizes the connected joystick or gamepad.

Verdict

QJoyPad provides configurable controller-to-keyboard and mouse mapping for Linux XWindows software. Its free GPL-2.0 license is useful, but the XWindows-only scope and source-build requirement narrow where it fits.

Plans and prices

From QJoyPad's own pricing page, checked 10 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
Free (open source)FreeCompletely free · GPLv2 · source code

The facts

Each one read from QJoyPad's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Button options
Buttons can be configured for sticky presses and rapid fire, and axes support gradient behavior and throttle controls.checked 10 Oct 2026
Controller support
QJoyPad detects Linux-supported joysticks and gamepads, including devices with more than two axes; the Linux kernel must recognize the device and have its driver loaded.checked 10 Oct 2026
Gaming use
It lets users control XWindows games that do not have joystick support with a game controller.checked 10 Oct 2026
Installation
The GitHub fork documents building from source with CMake and make, and provides no stated binary package offer on that page.checked 10 Oct 2026
Integrations
The project describes use with XWindows programs and emulation software, and supports layout switching through command-line calls and shell scripts.checked 10 Oct 2026
Mouse control
A joystick can move and click the mouse, with configurable axis sensitivity and movement behavior.checked 10 Oct 2026
Requirements
The documented requirements include a Linux computer, joystick support in the Linux kernel, XWindows, and Qt 5; libudev is optional.checked 10 Oct 2026
Saved layouts
Users can save multiple controller layouts and switch between them from the interface, command line, or a script.checked 10 Oct 2026
Security and compliance
The GitHub repository lists a GPL-2.0 license; the opened project pages do not state security certifications or compliance claims.checked 10 Oct 2026
Support
The repository directs users to GitHub issues for bug reports and feature requests, and the documentation also gives an email address for layout-file help.checked 10 Oct 2026
System tray
QJoyPad can run in the system tray or without a tray icon, and supports a larger floating icon through the --notray option.checked 10 Oct 2026
What it does
QJoyPad converts gamepad or joystick input into keystrokes or mouse actions for XWindows programs.checked 10 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Linux and XWindows limit
QJoyPad is intended for Linux and works only in XWindows; it does not work at the console or on Microsoft Windows.checked 10 Oct 2026

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