Questions
How to type on a Mac with a game controller
A controller has no letters, so typing takes one of three routes: click an on-screen keyboard with the stick, speak, or put the words you type most on buttons. InputConfig does not draw an on-screen keyboard of its own; it drives the one built into macOS, and it puts dictation and saved text on buttons.
The macOS Accessibility Keyboard
- Open System Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard, and turn on Accessibility Keyboard. A full keyboard floats on screen.
- Activate InputConfig's Desktop Navigation preset, so the left stick moves the pointer and a trigger clicks.
- Point at a key and click. The Accessibility Keyboard offers word suggestions, which cut the clicks a lot.
Dictation on a button
Bind Start Dictation to a button: press, speak, press again. For anything longer than a few words, this is much faster than clicking letters. See dictation, zoom, and speak.
InputConfig is free on the Mac App Store. macOS 14 or later, no account, no tracking, open source.
Saved text on buttons
A Type Text output types a whole string: your email address, a sign-off, a reply you send often. With chords, a held bumper gives every button a second string.
Editing without a keyboard
Desktop Navigation already puts Select All, Undo, Cut, and Paste on the face buttons and the arrow keys on the D-pad, which covers most editing. The Mac without a keyboard guide builds the full setup.
Questions
Does InputConfig have an on-screen keyboard?
No. It works with the Accessibility Keyboard built into macOS, clicked with the controller.
Can I type with a PS5 or Xbox controller on a Mac?
Yes: click the Accessibility Keyboard with the stick, dictate from a button, or type saved text from a button.
Related
Free. macOS 14 or later. No account, nothing leaves your Mac. Open source on GitHub.