Modern gaming controllers can do a lot more than just move and shoot – they let you map buttons to keyboards, save profiles, and customize your setup. But not every controller lives up to its promises. In this guide, we’ll explore which models truly deliver on these features and help you decide which one is worth your time.
Flydigi Vader 4 Pro / 5 Pro / Apex 4/Apex 5
- ✅ Keyboard key mapping through Flydigi Space app
- ✅ Profiles save to controller (no software needed while playing)
- ✅ Extra buttons, quick triggers, hall effect sticks, RGB rings
ZD Ultimate Legend / ZD O+ Excellence
- ✅ “Esports mode” allows direct keyboard mapping
- ✅ Profiles persist in controller memory
Mobapad HuBen 2
- ✅ Recent updates have enabled the mapping of keyboard keys, number pad keys, and mouse buttons through the Mobapad app
- ✅ Settings save directly to controller
- ✅ Includes back paddles and extra buttons
BigBigWon / Mojhon (Blitz 2, Rainbow SE 2)
- ✅ Keyboard mapping via mobile companion app
- ✅ Profiles can be stored on hardware
- 👍 Comfortable, durable, solid build quality
8BitDo Ultimate 2 (with limitations)
- ✅ In Dinput mode, extra buttons can be assigned as keyboard keys (works with Steam Input)
- ⚠️ Wired mode = Xinput only, so you may need to go wireless for Dinput features
⚠️ Notes
- Xinput vs Dinput: Xinput is the modern standard for Windows games, but most key-mapping features are only unlocked in Dinput mode. That’s why Steam Input or third-party software is sometimes needed.
- Persistence: Best controllers are the ones where mapping saves to hardware (Flydigi, ZD, Mobapad, BigBigWon), so you don’t need background software.
You can also use external software such as reWASD or JoyToKey. And Steam Input is also a nice option, but it’s limited to Steam games.
Alicia Clayton
Gamer and tech reviewer in my spare time.
