You can set up modifiers and button sets in SteamInput, it's quite powerful - you could (for example) set a combo like LT+Start to swap to a keyboard-based set (and back again), or make your keyboard inputs require LT+RT as a modifier... Assuming I'm understanding what you're trying to do, this should solve your problem purely through Steam's interface.
this post was submitted on 19 May 2026
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So I'm guessing that if I launch a game through desktop mode, my binds will conflict unless I do something to prevent them from conflicting, like setting a modifier that needs to be triggered to use my binds?
Oh, I think I might have misunderstood what you were trying to do.
Are you using SteamInput for the desktop controller input? (In steam, go to Settings -> Controller -> scroll to the bottom to Non-Game Controller Layouts, and enable SteamInput for Desktop Layout)?
If you do this, and set your desktop input map up through Steam, it'll automatically switch between that layout and whatever game layout you have when you launch a game.
Are you using SteamInput for the desktop controller input? (In steam, go to Settings -> Controller -> scroll to the bottom to Non-Game Controller Layouts, and enable SteamInput for Desktop Layout)?
I believe so, but in my case it's Settings -> Controller -> Show Advanced Settings, then under Non-Game Controller Layouts I have the Desktop Layout.
I don't see an option to enable or disable Steam Input. This is the same path regardless of whether I open Steam's settings in Desktop Mode or in Gaming Mode.
Since it's supposed to switch when you launch a game, I assume that only applies to Steam games? Would I be able to have this trigger for non-Steam games if I added them to my Steam library?
If you're launching the game through Steam, it should work regardless of whether it's a steam game or not, yeah.
If clicking Edit beside Desktop Layout takes you to the control configuration panel, it's enabled - otherwise, you'd get a prompt to enable it instead.
I've installed my GOG games with Heroic, and Steam input/controller works by adding to and launching the games from Steam. Swapping between desktop mode and the specific game layouts happens automatically.