# KeyLinker vs 8BitDo Ultimate Software

KeyLinker and 8BitDo Ultimate Software both sit at 2.3 stars, but that hides the real split: 36% of KeyLinker's written reviews are positive against 26% of 8BitDo Ultimate Software's. 8BitDo Ultimate Software's advantage is ratings volume (197 vs 49) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 2.3 for KeyLinker against 2.4 for 8BitDo Ultimate Software. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 49 and 197 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 36% of KeyLinker's written reviews are positive against 26% of 8BitDo Ultimate Software's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | KeyLinker | 8BitDo Ultimate Software |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keylinker/id1472490585/reviews) | **[2.4 (197 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bitdo-ultimate-software/id1532713768/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 49 | **197** |
| Positive reviews | **36.2% of reviews** | 26.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 38 MB | 167 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ShenZhen ZhiXu Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1472490584) | [8BitDo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1532713770) |

## What reviewers say

### KeyLinker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/keylinker/id1472490585)

Customize and enhance your controller experience with this utility app. Modify parameters for keys, lighting, vibration, and more to suit your personal preferences. Enjoy a more personalized and responsive gaming setup.

**Highlights:** Modify key parameters, Customize lamplight settings, Adjust vibration feedback, Configure joystick and trigger, Simultaneous device connection

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### 8BitDo Ultimate Software

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/8bitdo-ultimate-software/id1532713768)

Gain complete control over your compatible gamepad. Customize button layouts, fine-tune analog stick and trigger responses, and manage vibration intensity. Create custom macro commands for advanced gameplay.

**Highlights:** Button mapping customization, Stick and trigger sensitivity adjustment, Vibration power control, Macro creation, Controller compatibility management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Functional app
- 💡 Helpful for left-hand device use
- 🚀 Seamless controller connection
- 🚀 Intuitive key mapping

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Inconsistent performance
- 🐛 Lack of support for certain controllers
- 🐛 Buggy firmware updates
- 🐛 Profiles not saving properly

**Reported bugs**

- App unable to detect connected controllers
- Key mapping not working as expected
- Profiles resetting after app restart
- Firmware update issues bricking controllers

**Requested features**

- Support for more controllers (e.g. 8bitdo Zero 2, SN30 Pro+)
- Add ability to remap command/option keys for macOS/iOS
- Improve macro functionality (e.g. adjustable delay, ability to hold keys)
- Add media control key mapping options
- Implement Bluetooth firmware update capability


## Frequently asked questions

### Is KeyLinker free?

KeyLinker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is 8BitDo Ultimate Software free?

8BitDo Ultimate Software is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, KeyLinker or 8BitDo Ultimate Software?

8BitDo Ultimate Software is rated higher. KeyLinker averages 2.3 out of 5 from 49 ratings, while 8BitDo Ultimate Software averages 2.4 from 197 ratings.

### Do KeyLinker or 8BitDo Ultimate Software have ads?

Neither KeyLinker nor 8BitDo Ultimate Software shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, KeyLinker or 8BitDo Ultimate Software?

KeyLinker ships an update every 2 months, and 8BitDo Ultimate Software every 2 months. Most recently, KeyLinker was updated on September 19, 2026 and 8BitDo Ultimate Software on September 23, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*