Additional Information
Creates up to 4 virtual Xbox 360 controllers and feeds via keyboards
| Latest Version | Gaming Keyboard Splitter 2.3.0.0 |
| Requirements |
Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10/Windows 11 |
| Updated | October 30, 2023 |
| Author | Ivan Yankov |
| Category | Desktop Enhancements |
| License | Open Source |
| Language | English |
| Download | 1438 |
Overview
Gaming Keyboard Splitter (KeyboardSplitterXbox) is an advanced game input emulator that allows Windows PC users to designate keyboard controls that will be transformed into virtual Xbox 360 controllers, enabling PC gamers to transform their keyboards into up to four virtual controllers! This lightweight gaming utility provides an unprecedented amount of freedom and flexibility to PC gaming space, providing a simple way for gamers to enhance their cooperative gaming sessions with friends by always having access to enough controllers.
One of the key components of every Windows OS is the way they recognize and manage keyboards. No matter how many keyboards are connected to a desktop or laptop PC, Windows will recognize them all but will merge their inputs like all commands are coming from a single keyboard. This means that all PC games can only detect one keyboard, even though multiple of them are physically connected and actively used.
Gaming Keyboard Splitter can properly detect input from each individual keyboard that is detected by the Windows OS and designate separate Xbox 360 gamepad emulation powered by Xinput service, enabling PC gamers to create fully viable coop gaming sessions with up to 4 separate keyboards.
Getting KeyboardSplitterXbox software up and running requires a bit more involved procedure than many PC users are used to. The app is distributed online as a portable archive that users have to unpack anywhere on their local storage. Before starting the app, users must manually install several drivers listed on the official GitHub page of Gaming Keyboard Splitter – Microsoft's Xbox Accessories Driver (64-bit), Vcredist 2013 x86, and DirectX 9.0c June (or newer). This will help their PC to properly detect and manage all additional keyboards (the app and its custom input driver can easily track keys from up to 10 connected keyboards!). Additionally, on older versions of Windows OS (XP, Vista, or 7) users also must manually find and install Microsoft's Xbox 360 Controller Driver.
Once the app is up and running, gamers are free to add up to 4 virtual Xbox 360 gamepads and assign keyboard keys for each of them. The app supports a wide array of customization features, including a key input monitor, real-time USB keyboard detection, mapping presets a virtual gamepad tester, a keyboard input blocker, and many others. In addition to games, this app can also route keyboard controls to virtual xInput gamepads that are detected in non-gaming applications.
FAQ
What is Gaming Keyboard Splitter, and what does it do?
The app is an advanced game input emulator that allows Windows PC users to designate keyboard controls that will be transformed into virtual Xbox 360 controllers, enabling PC gamers to transform their keyboards into up to four virtual controllers.
How many keyboards can Gaming Keyboard Splitter support?
It can easily track keys from up to 10 connected keyboards, but it only allows for up to four virtual Xbox 360 controllers to be created.
What customization features are available in Gaming Keyboard Splitter?
It supports a wide array of customization features, including a key input monitor, mapping presets, a virtual gamepad tester, a keyboard input blocker, and many others.
Is Gaming Keyboard Splitter free to use?
Yes, GKS is 100% free and is developed as an open-source project that regularly receives new features.
What are the minimum system requirements to run Gaming Keyboard Splitter?
To run Gaming Keyboard Splitter, your PC must be running a 64-bit version of Windows OS, and you will need to manually install several drivers listed on the official GitHub page of Gaming Keyboard Splitter – Microsoft's Xbox Accessories Driver (64-bit), Vcredist 2013 x86, and DirectX 9.0c June (or newer).
Installation
Upon launching the application, you will be prompted to install the included drivers. Please proceed with the installation and restart your computer.
Features and Highlights
One of the key components of every Windows OS is the way they recognize and manage keyboards. No matter how many keyboards are connected to a desktop or laptop PC, Windows will recognize them all but will merge their inputs like all commands are coming from a single keyboard. This means that all PC games can only detect one keyboard, even though multiple of them are physically connected and actively used.
Gaming Keyboard Splitter can properly detect input from each individual keyboard that is detected by the Windows OS and designate separate Xbox 360 gamepad emulation powered by Xinput service, enabling PC gamers to create fully viable coop gaming sessions with up to 4 separate keyboards.
Getting KeyboardSplitterXbox software up and running requires a bit more involved procedure than many PC users are used to. The app is distributed online as a portable archive that users have to unpack anywhere on their local storage. Before starting the app, users must manually install several drivers listed on the official GitHub page of Gaming Keyboard Splitter – Microsoft's Xbox Accessories Driver (64-bit), Vcredist 2013 x86, and DirectX 9.0c June (or newer). This will help their PC to properly detect and manage all additional keyboards (the app and its custom input driver can easily track keys from up to 10 connected keyboards!). Additionally, on older versions of Windows OS (XP, Vista, or 7) users also must manually find and install Microsoft's Xbox 360 Controller Driver.
Once the app is up and running, gamers are free to add up to 4 virtual Xbox 360 gamepads and assign keyboard keys for each of them. The app supports a wide array of customization features, including a key input monitor, real-time USB keyboard detection, mapping presets a virtual gamepad tester, a keyboard input blocker, and many others. In addition to games, this app can also route keyboard controls to virtual xInput gamepads that are detected in non-gaming applications.
FAQ
What is Gaming Keyboard Splitter, and what does it do?
The app is an advanced game input emulator that allows Windows PC users to designate keyboard controls that will be transformed into virtual Xbox 360 controllers, enabling PC gamers to transform their keyboards into up to four virtual controllers.
How many keyboards can Gaming Keyboard Splitter support?
It can easily track keys from up to 10 connected keyboards, but it only allows for up to four virtual Xbox 360 controllers to be created.
What customization features are available in Gaming Keyboard Splitter?
It supports a wide array of customization features, including a key input monitor, mapping presets, a virtual gamepad tester, a keyboard input blocker, and many others.
Is Gaming Keyboard Splitter free to use?
Yes, GKS is 100% free and is developed as an open-source project that regularly receives new features.
What are the minimum system requirements to run Gaming Keyboard Splitter?
To run Gaming Keyboard Splitter, your PC must be running a 64-bit version of Windows OS, and you will need to manually install several drivers listed on the official GitHub page of Gaming Keyboard Splitter – Microsoft's Xbox Accessories Driver (64-bit), Vcredist 2013 x86, and DirectX 9.0c June (or newer).
Installation
Upon launching the application, you will be prompted to install the included drivers. Please proceed with the installation and restart your computer.
Features and Highlights
- Keyboards input monitor
- Virtual Xbox 360 controllers tester
- Customizable mapping presets
- Managing xbox custom functions
- Keyboard detector
- Key detector
- Realtime usb detection
- Keyboard input blocker
- Remote blocking/unblocking the keyboards input
Gaming Keyboard Splitter is 100% FREE and is developed as an open-source project that regularly receives new features.
PROS
- Turns keyboards into up to 4 virtual Xbox controllers
- Enables cooperative gaming with friends
- Supports customization features and routing keyboard controls to virtual xInput gamepads
- 100% free and open-source
CONS
- More involved installation process than typical
- Requires manual installation of several drivers
