The Problem with Living Room Computing
You've connected your Mac to the TV for a movie night or casual YouTube browsing. But now you're stuck with an awkward setup: a wireless keyboard balanced on your lap, a mouse on the armrest, or constantly getting up to click things. It doesn't have to be this way.
With a game controller and the right software, you can browse media, control playback, and navigate the web entirely from your couch. No keyboard required.
Why a Game Controller?
Game controllers are designed for comfortable, extended use from the couch. They're wireless, ergonomic, and you probably already have one. With the right mapping, they become the perfect living room remote.
What You Can Do
Video Streaming
Browse and control YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and any web-based streaming service.
Mouse Control
Use the joystick as a mouse to click videos, navigate menus, and interact with any website.
Playback Control
Play, pause, skip, adjust volume, and toggle fullscreen with dedicated button mappings.
Search & Type
Use the on-screen keyboard to search for videos without reaching for a physical keyboard.
Recommended Hardware
Controllers
| Controller | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 DualSense | Built-in touchpad for precise mouse control, comfortable for long sessions | Best overall for media browsing |
| Xbox Series X|S | Familiar layout, excellent build quality, reliable Bluetooth | Xbox users, general use |
DualSense Touchpad Advantage
The PS5 DualSense controller has a large touchpad that works as a trackpad for mouse control. This makes it significantly easier to precisely click small targets like video thumbnails or UI buttons compared to joystick-based mouse control.
Step-by-Step Setup
Install ControllerKeys
Download and install ControllerKeys. Grant Accessibility permissions when prompted.
Configure Media-Friendly Mappings
Set up your controller with mappings optimized for media browsing. See the recommended mappings below.
Connect Mac to TV (Optional)
For the full living room experience, connect your Mac to your TV via HDMI or AirPlay. Adjust display settings for the best picture.
Recommended Button Mappings
Here's a suggested configuration optimized for media browsing:
| Button | Mapping | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Left Joystick | Mouse movement | Move cursor to click videos, buttons, menus |
| Right Joystick | Scroll | Scroll through video lists, comments, web pages |
| A / Cross | Left Click / Enter | Select videos, click buttons, confirm actions |
| B / Circle | Escape | Exit fullscreen, close dialogs, go back |
| X / Square | Space | Play/pause video (works on YouTube, Netflix, etc.) |
| Y / Triangle | F | Toggle fullscreen (YouTube, Netflix) |
| D-pad Left/Right | Arrow Left/Right | Skip back/forward 5 seconds (YouTube) |
| D-pad Up/Down | Arrow Up/Down | Volume up/down (YouTube) or navigate |
| LB / L1 | Cmd (hold) | Modifier for shortcuts |
| RB / R1 | Tab | Switch browser tabs |
| LT / L2 | Cmd+Left Arrow | Browser back |
| RT / R2 | Cmd+Right Arrow | Browser forward |
| Menu / Options | On-screen keyboard | Open keyboard for searching |
| View / Share | Cmd+T | New browser tab |
DualSense Touchpad Mappings
If you're using a DualSense controller, take advantage of the touchpad:
- Touchpad swipe - Move mouse cursor precisely
- Single tap - Left click
- Two-finger tap - Right click (context menu)
- Two-finger swipe - Scroll through content
Platform-Specific Tips
YouTube
- Space = Play/Pause
- F = Fullscreen
- J/L = Skip 10 sec
- K = Play/Pause
- M = Mute
- Arrow keys = Navigate/Volume
Netflix
- Space = Play/Pause
- F = Fullscreen
- M = Mute
- Up/Down = Volume
- Left/Right = Skip
- Escape = Exit
Twitch
- Space = Play/Pause
- F = Fullscreen
- M = Mute
- Alt+T = Theater mode
- Arrow keys = Seek/Volume
Spotify Web
- Space = Play/Pause
- Shift+Left/Right = Previous/Next
- Ctrl+Up/Down = Volume
- S = Shuffle
- R = Repeat
Pro Tips
Use Browser Bookmarks
Set up a bookmarks bar with your favorite streaming sites for quick one-click access.
Picture-in-Picture
Use macOS Picture-in-Picture to keep videos visible while browsing. Right-click video twice on YouTube.
Create a Media Profile
Save your media browsing mappings as a separate profile in ControllerKeys to quickly switch modes.
Adjust Mouse Sensitivity
For TV viewing distance, increase joystick sensitivity so you can move across the large screen quickly.
On-Screen Keyboard for Search
ControllerKeys includes an on-screen keyboard that you can trigger with a button press. This lets you search YouTube or type URLs without reaching for a physical keyboard.
Troubleshooting
Mouse Too Slow/Fast
Adjust the joystick sensitivity in ControllerKeys settings. For TV use, you'll typically want higher sensitivity than desktop use.
Hard to Click Small Targets
Use the DualSense touchpad for precise clicking, or hold a modifier button (RT) for slower, more precise mouse movement.
Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working
Make sure the browser window is focused (click on it first). Some sites may have different shortcuts in fullscreen mode.
Ready for Couch Computing?
Transform your game controller into the ultimate living room remote. Browse YouTube, control Netflix, and navigate your Mac without leaving the couch.