Topic: What's the best "Keyboard to Controller" program?

[Ratty]

Over the last couple years I have acquired several indie puzzle platformers which I would like to play but do not support gamepads, or if they do support them it's just the 360 controller which I don't own and don't think is worth buying just for 3 or 4 smallish indie games. So what's the best "joypad to keyboard" program, preferably a free one? A reliable download link for the free program(s) would be great to. But any help is much appreciated.

[Kale]

If you got a ps3 controller, you can use motion injoy with it. Though I don't know if that's a keyboard to controller program...

Wait... are you trying to map it to keyboard? or are you trying to map keyboard to controller? It sounds like the latter from your title, but since you mentioned not wanting to buy a 360 controller, it might also sound like you don't have a controller.

[Ratty]

If you got a ps3 controller, you can use motion injoy with it. Though I don't know if that's a keyboard to controller program...

Wait... are you trying to map it to keyboard? or are you trying to map keyboard to controller? It sounds like the latter from your title, but since you mentioned not wanting to buy a 360 controller, it might also sound like you don't have a controller.

Keyboard to controller, I have a PS2 to USB controller converter and also a logitech usb controller around here somewhere.

[Abnormal Freak]

What's lovely about MotionJoy is you can set a PS3 controller to work as a 360 one. Downloads the drivers and registers in all games intended for 360 use.

But if you don't have a DualShock 3/SIXAXIS controller, I don't know how to help you. D:

[Aridale]

XPadder hands down. Ive used it for years and use it for everything from simply tweakin the dead zone on the sticks to full blown custom mapping. Ive used every controller "profiling software" I could find and none of em touch XPadder or come even close.

www.xpadder.com

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

On Facebook, made a pretty comprehensive guide to using a Dualshock3/SIXAXIS controller with MotioninJoy for the good people out there who have a PS3 controller and don't want to spend money buying a new PC Pad.  It's kinda long, but it's written in an easy-to-understand language with pretty decent instructions.  It seems to have helped some friends of mine.

I WILL PASTE IT NOW!


-------------------
NOTE: I just followed these instructions as I typed them, so everything that I just typed should work on most systems.  Your mileage may vary.

It looks like the instructions are long, but they are actually very easy.  Keep Calm and Follow the instructions.

 

Here's what you will need:

    -A PC running Windows (my setup has a dualboot with WinXP and Win7, so this should work for both).
    -A Dualshock3 or Sixaxis controller (it kiiiiiinda doesn't matter which)
    -The Dualshock3/Sixaxis Charging Cable (though technically any Mini-USB to USB cable should work)
    -Unzipping/Archival Software (which Windows comes with, but you can use 7Zip/Winrar/Winzip if you'd like, but you need it to unzip the software)
    -Software (more on that in a little bit)

 

NOTE: This is for setting up your controller as a WIRED USB Controller.  If you want to use it as a Wireless Bluetooth Controller, this is also possible but it's a lengthier explanation that should probably be a separate note.  Anyway...

 

About the Software:

You will need the MotionInJoy PS3Controller Drivers to interface your WINDOWS OS to the PS3's Controller.

http://www.motioninjoy.com/download

**in the past, you would have to make note of what system you're using, whether it's 32bit windows or 64bit.  This doesn't seem to matter anymore**

I chose version 32bit and 64bit all in one: site 1

 -As of current, you'll be downloading a file named "MotioninJoy_071001_signed.zip".  Unzip that to a folder of your choosing.

Inside the zip you'll have one EXE file.  You can check it for viruses if you'd like (but I just checked it and it's clean)

"WELCOME TO THE MOTIONINJOY DUALSHOCK3 DRIVER SET UP WIZARD

    -Click the NEXT> button
    -Select a folder, or leave it default, then click NEXT >
    -The install will create a start menu folder.  Let that happen by clicking NEXT >
    -Choose whether you want a desktop or quick launch icon by checking/unchecking the boxes, then click NEXT>
    -Review your choices and click INSTALL (or click
    The program will install the software.
    -Keep the "Run DS3_Tool" checkbox CHECKED and click FINISH.  We're going to be configuring the interface now.

NOTE: The interface can be configured to run when Windows starts or to run on demand like a regular program.  It sits in an icon on your system tray and takes a minimal amount of resources.  Just letting you know.

 

Upon Clicking FINISH, the "MotionInJoy Gamepad Tool" software will launch (you will notice it's a window with a green-ish interface.  Clicking FINISH will also launch a Web Browser Window.  Do not panic, this is the online manual.  If you have an adblocker, you might want to whitelist the website it opens, as it's basically an online HELP file, found here:  http://www.motioninjoy.com/wiki/en/help

It MIIIIIIGHT open up another window with an ad.  You can close that out.  Hey, they gotta make money I guess.  ANYway, let's get to configuring.

 

GRAB YOUR CONTROLLER AND ITS USB CABLE NOW

    -Connect your controller to the cable
    -connect the USB end of your cable to the PC
    You will get the sound of stuff being installed.  If you get an install window, cancel out of it.  We're gonna stick with the Gamepad Tool installation for now.
    -On the black toolbar on the top, click on "DRIVER MANAGER"

In here, you should see "PLAYSTATION(R) 3 CONTROLLER" under "Hardware Location", and some stuff like "USB/ViD_054blahblahblah" under "HardwareID" and a green checkmark under "MotioninJoy".  If you don't have any of these, STOP, and repeat the steps.  Your gamepad might not be fully connected or there may be some problem with the connection.  If everything's OK, then...

    -Click on the white checkbox to the left of PLAYSTATION(R)3 CONTROLLER
    -Click on the gray "LOAD DRIVER" button.

You will see a report at the bottom of this screen showing what is being installed. You may also get a file transfer window.

When all is done you may get a "FOUND NEW HARDWARE" box or "DRIVERS BEING INSTALLED" or "HARDWARE INSTALLED AND READY TO USE" message on your System Tray.  This good but we're not done.

Please check that the bottom report has the line "INFO:Load driver for 'USB Device' completed."

If it doesn't have it, there may be an issue/incompatibility (maybe something to do with your USB drivers or if you're using an USB Hub, etc.)

If it has it, YAY!

 

-Click on "PROFILES" on the black toolbar on top.

You should see the following:

"Connected Game Controller(s): 1. Dualshock3/Sixaxis (USB), with an animated "charging" graphic to the right.  If so, GOOD!

 

Now for some further configuring:

    -On the "SELECT ONE MODE", click on the Radio Button that has "DX-Default".  The pull-down menu should only have DX-Default (but it may vary per system.  DX-Default is what I use).
    This puts the controller in PLAYSTATION3 Mode, meaning:
    -Both analog sticks should work
    -The D-pad should be working
    -vibration should work
    -analog buttons should be operational

 

IGNORE the =>Options (it remaps buttons but we're trying to keep this simple.

NOTE: in case you run into incompatibilities, you can always put the controller in PLAYSTATION 1 mode (no analog sticks), PLAYSTATION 2 mode (with joysticks, but no SIXAXIS gyroscopic movement), or even XBOX360 CONTROLLER EMULATOR (attempts to turn functions into X360-style functions), but for now let's assume it works on PLAYSTATION3 DX-DEFAULT mode.  I know some emulators like Zsnes sometimes have issues when stuff is set to PS3 but it's not always the case and this is a new version so maybe I'm worried over nothing...

 

IGNORE the "LED" setting.  What it does is tell the controller to display certain info on the four red 'lights' in the controller.  Right now it should be flashing 1,2,3, and then 4 lights, indicating "BATTERY INFORMATION", that's the default.

 

    -CLICK the pink "ENABLE" button.  Nothing should happen but I do this by default.
    -CLICK the gray "VIBRATION TESTING" button.  You should feel some force feedback from your controller now.  Some systems (like mine) briefly turn the USB off and back on after this test.  If you hear some sound like that from your system, this is OK and everything it still working.

You don't have to click on the "Game Controller Panel" but if you do, it'll open the Microsoft Windows Game Controller panel, where you will be able to check if your buttons/analogs are working.  If you do this, things change depending on what mode of play the controller is set up, but generally it'll have the D-pad set to the POV hat, the buttons in the controller will be buttons 1-12 in the panel (not counting the PS button), and the analog triggers will be set to XY for the Left Analog, Z for the R2/L2 trigger buttons, etc.

 

The controller **SHOULD** be working and recognized on your PC.  If for some reason it's not, try changing the modes to something like Playstation2 or Playstation1.

 

-On the black toolbar, click on "OPTIONS".

-Choose whether to auto-run the program upon Windows Start, whether you'd like the program to check for new versions, and whether you would like for the software to remain in the system tray after closing the window.  IGNORE the bluetooth controller option for now, as this tutorial is not for a wireless controller.  Just leave it alone.  When you're done, click the gray "X" on the upper right of the set up.  You should be done.

 

Feel free to test your new controller on PC titles, emulators, etc.

 

BIG NOTE!!! IMPORTANT!!! READ

IF you choose to set up your controller as a PS3 controller, this means the gyroscopic/SIXAXIS motion controls are OPERATIONAL.  This means that tilting the controller counts as a button press.  Please make note of this as you are configuring the buttons in games/emulators.  If you forget this crucial fact, it might look weird to see the game/emulator's interface 'choosing' a button for you.  It's not doing that, it's just recognizing you moving the controller as a button.  If you don't like that it's doing that, use the MotioninJoy Tool (should be on your system tray, if not just run it from your start menu) and reconfigure the controller as a PLAYSTATION2 controller, which will disable the SIXAXIS functions.

 

Also note: The MotionInJoy software has a tendency to run ads within, as it's basically a glorified browser window.  Do not fear the ads, as you will never see them (and can actually adblock them on your browser software's setting). It's a small price to pay to play games with your Playstation Controller.

 

Last note: If you disconnect your PS3 controller from USB without disconnecting it in the software first (or by holding down the PS button), you will turn on your Playstation3.  Just a heads-up.  First time it happened it freaked me out.

 

HAVE FUN!

[KaZudra]

Xpadder, it allows mouse acceleration found in all controller supported FPSs plus a huge array of features.
Also, Chatpad drivers now exist only for Wired xbox360 controllers.

[Ratty]

Hm well looks like I'll just have to buck up one of these days when I have the money and buy Xpadder. I had heard it was the best before, but was hoping to get out of having paying the 10 bucks XD. Anyway thanks all.

[Aridale]

yeah it kinda sux... it used to be free but not anymore. Still its 10 bucks well spent cause it really is great software. Ive only ever had 1 problem with it in prolly 4-5 years Ive used it and that was cause I went to win8 and hadnt updated xpadder in like a year lol

[Phoenix7786]

As far as free programs to use a controller for keyboard inputs, Joy2Key has been good to me. Have you tried that one?

[Ratty]

Yeah I heard of Joy2Key but never really heard a solid opinion on it one way or the other, also never found what looked like a reliable download link for it.

[Aridale]

Im pretty sure joy2key hasnt been updated in ages. Its ok for what it is but not in the slightest intuitive or well presented. If you wanna set up mappings you have to figure out what axis is what and what button is what yourself and find it in the options. The options include like 10 axes and 50 buttons. So youll have 1 binding setup near the top and others near the bottom so your have to keep scrollin around to look at what you set to where. It also doesnt support scaling mouse values. Like if you set right stick to control the mouse its all or nothin based on the deadzone you cant move the stick less to move the cursor slower like you can in XPadder. Its also a pain in the ass to switch between configs with a button press. Again somethin xpadder does easily and with great options like "while held" assign a button like a trigger to switch to set 2 (each config has 10 sets) while held then back to set 1. Thats how you can a controller work for a game with lots of bindings. Like the face buttons can be jump and use and blah blah but hold down l trigger and the face buttons become hotkey 1-4 etc. Pain in the ass in joy2key.

Heres a vid of me playin WoW with a 360 controller and 90% of it is cause of xpadder. The visual side of it is a few wow addons to customize the hotkey layout.
Playing WoW with a 360 Controller - SM Graveyard

[Ratty]

Im pretty sure joy2key hasnt been updated in ages. Its ok for what it is but not in the slightest intuitive or well presented. If you wanna set up mappings you have to figure out what axis is what and what button is what yourself and find it in the options. The options include like 10 axes and 50 buttons. So youll have 1 binding setup near the top and others near the bottom so your have to keep scrollin around to look at what you set to where. It also doesnt support scaling mouse values. Like if you set right stick to control the mouse its all or nothin based on the deadzone you cant move the stick less to move the cursor slower like you can in XPadder. Its also a pain in the ass to switch between configs with a button press. Again somethin xpadder does easily and with great options like "while held" assign a button like a trigger to switch to set 2 (each config has 10 sets) while held then back to set 1. Thats how you can a controller work for a game with lots of bindings. Like the face buttons can be jump and use and blah blah but hold down l trigger and the face buttons become hotkey 1-4 etc. Pain in the ass in joy2key.

Heres a vid of me playin WoW with a 360 controller and 90% of it is cause of xpadder. The visual side of it is a few wow addons to customize the hotkey layout.
Playing WoW with a 360 Controller - SM Graveyard

Ahh I see. Well I might check it out sometime anyway since all I want to do is plug in buttons and a dpad and not bother with analog sticks right now. Likely as not though I'll just continue to let super meatboy and the like continue to sit on a shelf until I get xpadder, maybe then I'll finally be able to play the badly handled PC port of Psychonauts to.

[Aridale]

yeah its rough with older games and some indies. But its gettin better and better. Pretty much every game that comes out on pc and xbox fully supports the controller on pc and more and more pc only games are supporting it atleast partially now. It was a really solid move on microsofts part to basically build the 360 controller into windows. The only barrier to entry is either findin a wired controller or findin the wireless adaptor. Neither of which is especially hard.

[Ratty]

yeah its rough with older games and some indies. But its gettin better and better. Pretty much every game that comes out on pc and xbox fully supports the controller on pc and more and more pc only games are supporting it atleast partially now. It was a really solid move on microsofts part to basically build the 360 controller into windows. The only barrier to entry is either findin a wired controller or findin the wireless adaptor. Neither of which is especially hard.

Ahh yeah, well I'm told that I should just get a 360 controller but I'm not really interested in getting one. The dpad looks really cheap and floaty and I prefer controller layouts to be more classic.