The basic aim of this write-up is to help our readers choose the best Xpadder alternative there is, but before we get down to our exploration of finding the Xpadder alternative best suited for you, let’s first develop a clear idea of what exactly Xpadder is and why do we need it.
Nowadays, many people ranging from young to older generations are into gaming and therefore need numerous software and hardware to make their gaming experience hassle-free and convenient.
Gaming is a way for people to relax and release their stress, thereby it mustn’t feel cumbersome; the experience of gaming should be freeing and elevating, so the games must run smoothly and require a minimum effort from the gamer’s side; this is where Xpadder comes in.
Developed by Jonathan Firth, Xpadder is a game-changing software that has the basic function of reproducing the function of the keyboard and computer mouse using a joystick or gaming controller instead.
The first and foremost benefit of using Xpadder is that it is compatible with numerous applications and can run on almost all versions of Windows.
This great software does have some limitations; it can not be used for online gaming where anti-hacking software is in use, and any game where GameGuard is being run automatically blocks Xpadder. All these limitations lead to a need for a more efficient alternative.
It is a challenge to find the perfect Xpadder alternative that suits all your needs and is still as efficient as Xpadder.
In the following section, we’ll discuss the features of almost every alternative available in the market for you to read and find the one which suits you the most.
So without any further ado, let’s dive into our quest to find the perfect alternative.
Best Xpadder Alternatives – Our Top Pick👌👌
1. JoyToKey
First up in our list, we have one of the most popular Xpadder alternatives JoyToKey (Download Here); this software is an extremely efficient emulating software because of the various features it possesses.
It competently converts gaming controller actions to keyboard actions, so basically, whenever the user presses a button on the gaming controller, this software converts that press of a button to the corresponding action of the keyboard, and that is what would be visible on the computer. Therefore it makes gaming easy by manifolds.
The download of this software is completely free of cost, and the user needs not to invest in a license key.
There is a free trial period; a major plus point of this software is that every feature you get in the paid version is available to use during the free trial so that the users get a complete idea of how the software functions.
However, once the free trial period expires, the users are expected to buy the license key for the software to function.
Another point that makes JoyToKey a great gaming software is that the paid version costs only 7 USD, which is less than how much Xpadder costs.
The payee can use PayPal to pay for his/her purchase; other payment options are also available.
The software has an Auto Setting Wizard, which helps the users immediately set up the software after it has been downloaded.
This software allows you to create and set up numerous profiles; for each profile, the users can set up a different keyboard functioning, i.e. for every profile, the gaming controller could correspond to a different action on the keyboard.
This wonderful software is compatible with Windows XP, 7, 8, and 10.
2. AntiMicroX
Next up, we have AntiMicroX (Download Here), a well-known Xpadder alternative. It was first launched in the year 2016; however, due to certain circumstances, this project was dropped by its original owner and picked up by another new owner.
Therefore is now available easily on GitHub, and this software comes loaded with a vast range of features that set it apart and make it great gaming and computing software.
Using this software, the users can map the keyboard and mouse functions to a gamepad.
The biggest plus point of this software which deems it a popular alternative for Xpadder is that it is free to download and use. There are various versions of this software available on GitHub.
The only drawback of AntiMicroX is that it is a bit complicated compared to Xpadder. Therefore, the user must have a thorough knowledge of computer systems to work successfully on this software.
3. Steam’s Built-In Mapper
Steam has numerous games, such as Mercenary Kill and many others; each steam game has an in-built mapper which can be conveniently accessed through Big Picture. (Check Here)
An amusing fact is that the mapper not only supports the steam controllers but others as well, and this makes it an ideal alternative. This mapper has certain very fascinating features.
It can be used to map and designate the features of other controllers, such as the PlayStation 4 controller, an Xbox One controller, and the Xbox 360 controller.
Although Steam’s Built-In Mapper has perfect compatibility with several controllers, for the users to set up various button mappings for multiple players at the same time.
Users must possess at least one steam controller or PlayStation 4 DualShock controller, also, it is necessary for the user to activate the Big Picture mode for this feature to work.
If the user is not using the steam controller, it is mandatory to attain support from other gamepads.
This wonderful software has a library where the users can go and select the game they want to establish these controls for, and if the library does not consist of the game the user wishes to set up controls for, then he/she can add that game to the library.
Another captivating feature of this software is that it gives the users an option to browse configurations that were set up by other users previously; these are the users who have played the same game using different controllers and have mapped the buttons to the keyboard.
A major benefit is that this is cost-effective, and if the users possess Big Picture and Steam, then they do not have to invest any extra money in buying another software, and they can easily use the in-built mapping.
4. DS4Windows
The next alternative on our list is DS4Windows; this software has one of the most user-friendly interfaces and can be easily used by people with lesser technical knowledge and experience.
This software is designed specifically to be compatible with the PS4 DualShock controllers; it helps to map out and set up specific keyboard functions on your controller.
This simple-to-use and hassle-free software help the users to set up multiple configuration profiles, not only this, but it also allows the users to switch between these profiles.
The software can help the user set up configurations like controlling the light bar using the game controller and thus adjusting the brightness of the computer screen, it also allows the user to use the touchpad of the controller as the computer mouse.
DS4Windows has the option to auto-switch between different profiles based on the program running or the game being played. The latest version of this software is readily available on GitHub (Download Here).
5. PPJoy/vJoy
PPJoy is a joystick driver and is the best Xpadder alternative if the users have an old joystick or console.
This software is the ultimate choice for Xpadder if you are using PlayStation or Super Nintendo gamepads, you can easily map out and set them up using PPJoy. This outstanding software is readily available for download on GitHub.
The only drawback with PPJoy is that it has not had any updates in a while now, which makes it less ideal for compatibility with the ever-changing technology, but to vanish any worries you have, there is vJoy which is a more technologically advanced replacement for PPJoy.
vJoy, unlike PPJoy, is open-source software and has remarkable compatibility with Windows Vista, 7, 8. 8.1, and 10.
PPJoy and vJoy are both available for free downloads and free accessibility.
Click on the link to visit the website and download the software: PPJoy
Click on the link to visit the website and download the software: vJoy
6. InputMapper(Beta)
The next alternative on our list is InputMapper (Download Here); the basic aim keeping in mind this software was designed, is to build an accessible pathway between the games the users play and the devices they use.
This software was initially known as DS4Tool and is supposed to be an upgraded version of DS4Windows.
Unlike DS4Windows which supports only a single game controller, InputMapper supports a range of gaming controllers, namely Sony DualShock 4, Sony DualShock 4 V2 Upgraded, Xbox 360 Controller, etc.
The software is also known to support a number of output devices such as Xbox 360 controller (Via VI Gem), Sony DualShock 4 (Via VI Gem), Keyboard/Mouse, etc.
The developers of the software have been working very hard for the software to support a number of other input as well as output devices.
There is a strong possibility that in the future, this software might be able to support Sony DualShock 3 (using Fireshock drivers), PlayStation Move Navigation Controller (using Fireshock drivers and many others.
InputMapper is totally free of any costs to be downloaded and used.
7. JoyStick 2 Mouse 3
Next up in our list, we have one of the most popular gaming software JoyStick 2 Mouse 3 (Download Here); this software is an extremely efficient alternative to Xpadder because of the various features it possesses.
The first and foremost thing to understand about this software is that using this users can control their computer keyboard with the help of a joystick or a simple gaming controller.
This amazing software was designed keeping in mind the plight of people with physical disabilities in their hands and also people with wrist pain.
JoyStick 2 Mouse 3 allows the users to set up multiple profiles and also switch between these profiles at any given point.
The software allows the users to connect up to a maximum of 16 joysticks with a limit of 32 buttons per joystick or controller.
8. Keysticks
Next up we have this fascinating Xpadder alternative, namely Keysticks, this software can be used not only to control and play games but also to browse the internet and do a bunch of other stuff, there are numerous factors that make this software an ideal alternative to using in place of Xpadder.
This software can be used to play music without the need for a bunch of wires, simply with the click of a button on a gaming controller, this also helps you to shuffle and switch between different playlists.
It also has excellent compatibility and control over MS PowerPoint, the user can simply switch and move over slides using the controller or a joystick.
Nowadays TV screens are often connected to computers, Keysticks make it very easy to control and run these TV screens, therefore the users can easily use the TV screens to browse the internet, play games and do a lot of fun stuff.
This interesting software lets the users switch from window to window and also from profile to profile, not only this but the users can also use this software to easily and conveniently launch programs with the comfort of using a gaming controller.
Keysticks are super compatible with wired as well as wireless Xbox 360 controllers. It allows the use of any gaming control which uses XInput or DirectInput.
It allows up to four players to join and is open-source software that is completely compatible with Windows 10
This gaming software is completely free of cost to download and use, the previous version of this software required the users to pay a license fee before downloading, i.e. purchase a license, but the latest version has omitted this problem completely.
9. JoyXoff
The next alternative in our list is specifically designed for being compatible with Xbox controllers.
The first and foremost feature to be noted about JoyXoff (Download Here) is the excellent language support; it is available in several languages, namely English, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, French, Colombian Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
For those users holding on to a PlayStation controller it is a must to download an Xbox emulator, and this way, they can easily let JoyXoff take charge of and set up their controller.
This fascinating software is extremely compatible with Windows 7 and Windows 8, however, does not work on a device having Windows vista or Windows XP.
This software makes an ideal alternative for Xpadder because unlike Xpadder, it is free to download and use.
10. Molten Gamepad
The next software on our list is Molten Gamepad (Download Here), this software was designed and curated by the makers of AntiMicro.
The latest version of this software is readily available on GitHub. It can be used to map and designate the features of other controllers such as the PlayStation 4 controller, an Xbox One controller, and the Xbox 360 controller.
It can easily and efficiently translate the commands given by the user using a game controller to the actions performed by a keyboard. This amazing software is completely free to be downloaded and used.
11. MotioninJoy
MotioninJoy (Download Here) is the best-suited alternative for users owning PlayStation 3 Controller.
Unlike any other alternative for Xpadder or for that matter even Xpadder itself, this amazing software is completely free to download and then use.
This software is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. When using this captivating software on a Windows PC, the users can use their DualShock 3 or Sixaxis controller without any hassle or fuss at all.
The most unique feature of this software that makes it stand out from other alternatives is that it allows the users to use the Bluetooth function to connect their PlayStation 3 controllers to their Windows PC. This fascinating software is completely free of advertisements.
12. GlovePIE
Next up in our list, we have GlovePIE (Download Here), this software is extremely efficient because of various reasons it possesses.
When this software was originally curated, the purpose of the design was to be compatible with Essential Reality P5 Glove, but as time changed, the curators and developers of the software made it more compatible with other devices such as WorldViz, InterSense, 5DT, Polhemus, eMagic, Ascension and output devices such as MIDI output devices.
This carefully designed software is the perfect alternative for you if you possess Nintendo Wii Remote, WorldViz PPT Trackers, or Sony Dual Shock controller, this is because using this software you can emulate your keyboard functions with a Joystick or a game controller.
The biggest plus point of this interesting-to-use software is that you can easily use it even if you own a very old computer; this is because this software is compatible even with Windows XP.
13. Joypad
Among all the xpadder alternative free that we have come across Joypad (Get Here) completely stands out, and this is because?🧐
Using this one-of-a-kind software the users can use their iPhone as a gaming controller on their Windows PC, all that is required from the user’s end is to install a Joypad on his/her iPhone.
The software makes an automatic connection between the iPhone and Windows PC. If the users do not want to go with the option to connect automatically, there is also an option to enter the MAC address of the phone directly into the PC
Therefore the basic aim of this software is to let the user control his/her PC using the iPhone instantly and wirelessly.
14. MAXJoyPad
MAXJoyPad is a great alternative to Xpadder for users having an Android handset, and this is because this software allows the users to control the functions of their computer device using an Android phone.
This allows the users to use the gamepad controller on their Android phones to control the activities on their PC.
It allows instant communication of your Windows PC with the android apps using an android driver. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support offered by this software is immaculate.
Using this carefully designed software, up to four players can use their separate Android devices to play games on a Windows PC.
Xbox 360 controllers can also be connected using this software, the only requirement is the availability of an emulator. This software is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
15. QJoyPad
Last but not least is the QJoyPad (Get Here), this software is only compatible with XWindows.
It can be used efficiently on Linux computers . The users need to install a QT toolkit on their computers to run this software. QJoyPad, unlike Xpadder, is completely free to download and use.
✅FAQ
Is there a free version of Xpadder?
Xpadder requires a one-time payment, and no free version is available.
What is the best controller Mapper?
Xpadder, JoyToKey, AntiMicro, DS4Windows, and reWASD are popular options that provide customization and support for multiple gamepads.
What is better than JoyToKey?
Some popular alternatives to JoyToKey include Xpadder, which maps keyboard and mouse inputs to gamepad/joystick buttons for a fee.
AntiMicro is an open-source controller mapper that enables users to map keyboard and mouse inputs to gamepad/joystick buttons. reWASD is a paid controller mapper that provides customization options and supports various gamepads.
Controller Companion is another paid controller mapper that provides a user-friendly interface and allows users to customize gamepad buttons and triggers.
These controller mappers provide various customization options and support multiple gamepads.
Is JoyToKey free to use?
JoyToKey is a tool that lets users map keyboard and mouse inputs to gamepad/joystick buttons. The software is user-friendly and lightweight, and it’s available for free.
Users can donate to support the developer. Although some features, like creating multiple profiles or using more than 16 buttons, aren’t available in the free version, JoyToKey’s core functionality is accessible to all users.
What can I use instead of Xpadder on Linux?
AntiMicroX, QJoyPad, Steam, and Xboxdrv are alternatives to Xpadder that provide various customization options and support for multiple gamepads for Linux.
Which emulator has the best key mapping?
The key mapping capabilities of emulators can vary, depending on the specific emulator and platform.
However, some emulators are known for advanced key mapping features. For example, RetroArch is an open-source, multi-platform emulator with a built-in controller mapping tool.
ePSXe is a popular PlayStation emulator for Windows, Linux, and Android with advanced key mapping options.
Dolphin is a Nintendo GameCube and Wii emulator allowing keyboard and mouse inputs to be mapped to gamepad/joystick buttons.
PCSX2 is a PlayStation 2 emulator supporting multiple gamepads and advanced key mapping capabilities.
What is the most responsive controller?
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller, and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller are some of the most responsive controllers on the market.
Is reWASD free forever?
reWASD is not free to use. It offers a 14-day trial period, following which a license must be purchased to continue using the software.
Is ShowKeyPlus free?
ShowKeyPlus is a free, open-source program that can be downloaded on various platforms, including Windows and Linux.
What is better than input Mapper?
Some popular options include reWASD, JoyToKey, and Xpadder.
reWASD is a highly customizable program that allows for remapping controller buttons, creating custom profiles for different games, and configuring controller settings, such as deadzones and sticks response curves.
JoyToKey is a lightweight and user-friendly program that allows for mapping keyboard and mouse inputs to gamepad buttons, making it a good choice for casual gamers or those new to controller mapping.
Xpadder is a well-established program that provides advanced controller mapping features, including the ability to map mouse movements and gestures to controller buttons.
Closing Remarks
In a world where gaming has become an integral part of many people’s day-to-day life, the gaming experience mustn’t have any hurdles or hassles.
Therefore we presented the above list for our readers to compare and contrast the features of all the available software and then pick the Xpadder alternatives which suit them the best.
