DS4Windows

Pros of AntiMicro

• Supports a wider range of input devices, including keyboards and mice
• More flexible mapping options for complex configurations
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, macOS)

Cons of AntiMicro

• Less specialized for DualShock 4 controllers
• May require more manual configuration for optimal DS4 support
• Lacks some DS4-specific features like touchpad and gyro support

Code Comparison

DS4Windows (C#):

public void MapAxis(int axisId, int actionId)
{
    // DS4-specific axis mapping logic
}

AntiMicro (C++):

void JoyAxisButton::setChangeSetCondition(SetChangeCondition condition)
{
    // Generic axis mapping for various input devices
}

Both projects aim to improve controller support on PC, but they have different focuses. DS4Windows is tailored specifically for DualShock 4 controllers, offering seamless integration and DS4-specific features. AntiMicro, on the other hand, provides a more versatile solution for mapping various input devices to keyboard and mouse actions, making it suitable for a broader range of controllers and input methods.

The code snippets highlight the difference in approach: DS4Windows has specialized functions for DS4 controllers, while AntiMicro uses more generic methods to accommodate different input devices.

Pros of x360ce

• Supports a wider range of controllers, including generic gamepads
• Offers more granular button mapping and axis configuration
• Provides a user-friendly graphical interface for controller setup

Cons of x360ce

• May require more initial setup and configuration
• Can be less stable with certain games or system configurations
• Lacks some advanced features like touchpad support for DS4 controllers

Code Comparison

x360ce:

public static string GetProductGuid(string instanceId)
{
    var list = instanceId.Split('&');
    var guid = list.FirstOrDefault(x => x.StartsWith("IG_"));
    return guid?.Substring(3).ToUpper() ?? "";
}

DS4Windows:

public static string GetDeviceProperty(IntPtr deviceInstance, NativeMethods.SPDRP propertyType)
{
    var property = new StringBuilder(1024);
    NativeMethods.SetupDiGetDeviceRegistryProperty(deviceInstance, ref _deviceInfoData, propertyType, out _, property, 1024, out _);
    return property.ToString();
}

Both repositories focus on controller input management, but DS4Windows is specifically tailored for DualShock 4 controllers, while x360ce aims to support a broader range of gamepads. The code snippets demonstrate different approaches to device identification and property retrieval, reflecting their distinct focuses and implementation strategies.

Pros of ViGEmBus

• Lower-level driver implementation, providing better system integration
• Supports a wider range of virtual devices, including Xbox 360 controllers
• Can be used as a foundation for other input remapping tools

Cons of ViGEmBus

• Requires more technical knowledge to implement and use effectively
• Less user-friendly for end-users compared to DS4Windows
• Lacks a built-in graphical user interface

Code Comparison

DS4Windows (C#):

public static void MapTo360Controller(DS4State state, X360State reportState)
{
    reportState.LX = (byte)((state.LX - 128) * 257 + 32768);
    reportState.LY = (byte)((state.LY - 128) * -257 + 32767);
    // ... more mapping code ...
}

ViGEmBus (C):

VOID DS4_REPORT_INIT(
    _Out_ PDS4_REPORT Report
)
{
    RtlZeroMemory(Report, sizeof(DS4_REPORT));
    Report->bThumbLX = 0x80;
    Report->bThumbLY = 0x80;
    // ... more initialization code ...
}

The code snippets show that DS4Windows focuses on mapping DS4 inputs to Xbox 360 controls, while ViGEmBus provides lower-level report structures for various device types. ViGEmBus offers more flexibility but requires more implementation effort from developers.

Pros of DS4Windows (Ryochan7)

• More frequent updates and active development
• Improved compatibility with newer Windows versions
• Enhanced customization options for controller settings

Cons of DS4Windows (Ryochan7)

• Slightly steeper learning curve for new users
• May require additional setup for some specific games

Code Comparison

DS4Windows (Jays2Kings):

public static void RefreshHID()
{
    ReEnableDevice(GUID_DEVINTERFACE_HID, true);
}

DS4Windows (Ryochan7):

public static bool RefreshHID()
{
    bool result = false;
    result = ReEnableDevice(GUID_DEVINTERFACE_HID, true);
    return result;
}

The Ryochan7 version adds a return value to indicate success or failure of the operation, providing more information to the calling function.

Both DS4Windows projects aim to enable DualShock 4 controller support on Windows, but Ryochan7's fork has become the more actively maintained version. It offers improved compatibility and features, making it the preferred choice for many users. However, the Jays2Kings version may still be suitable for those who prefer a simpler interface or have specific compatibility requirements with older setups.