Questions

Use a QuadStick on a Mac

Download InputConfig on the Mac App StoreInputConfig is completely free on the Mac App Store. You don't have to make an account, there are no subscriptions, and nothing is locked. Optimized for Apple silicon.

The QuadStick's maker lists the Mac as compatible, and the QuadStick can act as a mouse, a keyboard or a game controller. As a mouse and keyboard it works on a Mac with no app. As a game controller, InputConfig, free on the Mac App Store, can turn its sips, puffs and joystick into any key, click or shortcut. I have not tested a QuadStick myself.

Steps

  1. Connect the QuadStick to the Mac over USB, or Bluetooth with the optional module.
  2. Use its mouse and keyboard modes directly, or its game controller mode.
  3. In game controller mode, open InputConfig and check it in the Live Visualizer.
  4. Make a row per sip, puff or direction with Scan.
  5. Choose the key, click or shortcut for each.

Pick the mode that fits

  • Mouse and keyboard. The QuadStick sends pointer movement, clicks and keys itself, which a Mac reads like any mouse and keyboard.
  • Game controller. The QuadStick appears as a gamepad. Games that read a controller can use it, and InputConfig can give each input any job on the Mac.

The QuadStick's own configuration decides what each sip, puff and lip position sends. Use its mouse mode for the desktop, and its controller mode with InputConfig when you want a sip or a puff to run a shortcut.

Map it in InputConfig

  • You: Put the QuadStick in game controller mode, open InputConfig, make a row, click Scan and sip, puff or move the joystick.
  • InputConfig: Fills the input with what the QuadStick sent, and sends your chosen output each time.
  • Check: Watch the Live Visualizer, which shows each input as it arrives.

A row can also fire a different action when held, or on a double press, which turns one sip into three jobs. Hold and double-tap actions explains it.

Know the limits

  • I have not tested a QuadStick. The modes above are what the maker describes, so check its own documentation for setup.
  • Bluetooth is an add-on. The maker sells a Bluetooth module separately, and it can be out of stock.

The short version

  • Desktop. The QuadStick's own mouse and keyboard modes.
  • Shortcuts and more. Game controller mode with InputConfig.

For other adaptive hardware, adaptive controllers on a Mac covers the PlayStation Access Controller, the Xbox Adaptive Controller and switches.

Questions

Does the QuadStick work with a Mac?

Its maker lists the Mac as compatible. It can act as a mouse, a keyboard or a game controller.

Can a sip and puff controller run keyboard shortcuts on a Mac?

Yes. In game controller mode, InputConfig can give each sip, puff or direction any key, click or shortcut.

Download InputConfig on the Mac App StoreCompletely free. You don't have to make an account, there are no subscriptions, and nothing is locked. Optimized for Apple silicon. Open source on GitHub.

Updated