What is Vibe Coding?
Vibe coding is a relaxed approach to software development where you guide AI assistants to write code for you, rather than typing everything manually. Instead of hunching over a keyboard, you can lean back on the couch, use a game controller to navigate, and speak your instructions using voice input.
The term gained popularity as AI coding assistants like Claude Code, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and others became powerful enough to handle complex coding tasks with natural language instructions.
The Core Idea
You describe what you want in plain English, the AI writes the code, and you use simple inputs (controller buttons, voice) to accept, reject, or refine the suggestions. It's coding without the repetitive strain of typing.
Why Use a Controller for Coding?
Ergonomic Comfort
Code from your couch, recliner, or any comfortable position. No more desk-bound posture problems.
Focused Interactions
A controller has fewer inputs than a keyboard, which forces a simpler, more intentional workflow.
Quick Actions
Map common actions (accept suggestion, run tests, commit) to single button presses.
Use What You Have
Repurpose that spare Xbox or PlayStation controller sitting in your drawer.
Recommended Hardware
Controllers
Any modern game controller works. Here are the best options for Mac:
| Controller | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S | Excellent ergonomics, reliable Bluetooth, wide compatibility | Most users |
| PS5 DualSense | Built-in touchpad for mouse control, microphone, premium feel | Users who want touchpad mouse |
| Xbox One (Bluetooth) | Budget-friendly if you already own one | Budget-conscious |
DualSense Touchpad Advantage
The PS5 DualSense controller has a large touchpad that can be used as a mouse trackpad. This is incredibly useful for vibe coding - you can point and click without needing a separate mouse nearby.
Voice Input Hardware
For voice transcription, you can use:
- Your Mac's built-in microphone - Works fine for quiet environments
- AirPods / Bluetooth headset - Good for noise isolation
- DualSense controller microphone - Convenient if using USB connection
- Dedicated USB microphone - Best quality for noisy environments
Recommended Software
AI Coding Assistants
Choose one or more AI coding tools based on your workflow:
Claude Code
Terminal-based AI coding assistant from Anthropic. Excellent for complex tasks and whole-project understanding.
Cursor
AI-powered code editor with inline suggestions. Great visual interface for code review.
GitHub Copilot
Inline code completion that integrates with VS Code and other editors.
Aider
Terminal-based pair programming with AI. Works with multiple AI providers.
Other options include: Windsurf, Roo Code, Cline, Codex CLI, Gemini CLI, and more. The vibe coding approach works with any AI assistant that can understand natural language instructions.
Voice Transcription
For converting speech to text, we recommend:
VoiceInk
Open-source, privacy-focused voice transcription for Mac. Uses Whisper AI locally - no cloud required.
macOS Dictation
Built into macOS. Enable in System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation. Works system-wide.
Whisper.cpp
For developers who want to set up their own local transcription pipeline.
Superwhisper
Premium local transcription app with customizable triggers and modes.
Controller Mapping
You need software to translate controller inputs into keyboard shortcuts and mouse movements:
ControllerKeys
The missing piece that ties everything together. Map any controller button to keyboard shortcuts, use joysticks for mouse/scroll, and trigger voice transcription with a single button.
Step-by-Step Setup
Install ControllerKeys
Download and install ControllerKeys. Grant Accessibility permissions when prompted. This allows the app to simulate keyboard and mouse input.
Set Up Voice Input
Install VoiceInk or enable macOS Dictation. Note the keyboard shortcut that triggers voice input (e.g., double-tap Fn key for macOS Dictation, or a custom hotkey for VoiceInk).
Configure Button Mappings
Open ControllerKeys and set up your button mappings. Here's a suggested starting configuration:
Recommended Button Mappings
| Button | Suggested Mapping | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| A | Return/Enter | Accept suggestions, confirm actions |
| B | Escape | Cancel, dismiss, go back |
| X | Tab | Accept inline completions (Copilot, Cursor) |
| Y | Voice input trigger | Start dictation |
| D-pad | Arrow keys | Navigate code, menus, suggestions |
| LB | Command (hold) | Modifier for shortcuts |
| RB | Option (hold) | Modifier for shortcuts |
| Left Stick | Mouse movement | Point and click when needed |
| Right Stick | Scroll | Scroll through code and output |
| L-Stick Click | Left Click | Select, click buttons |
| R-Stick Click | Right Click | Context menus |
Chord Mappings for Power Users
Chord mappings let you trigger complex shortcuts by pressing multiple buttons. Some useful examples:
- LB + A = Cmd+S (Save)
- LB + B = Cmd+Z (Undo)
- LB + X = Cmd+Shift+P (Command palette in VS Code/Cursor)
- LB + Y = Cmd+K (AI chat in Cursor)
- RB + A = Cmd+Enter (Submit in Claude Code)
- LB + RB + A = Cmd+Shift+Enter (Run all in terminal)
Example Workflows
Claude Code Workflow
- Launch Terminal and start Claude Code
- Press Y to trigger voice input
- Speak: "Create a Python function that fetches weather data from an API"
- Use Right Stick to scroll through Claude's response
- Press A to confirm or continue
- Use D-pad to navigate if needed
Cursor Workflow
- Open your project in Cursor
- Use Left Stick to position cursor in code
- Press LB + Y to open AI chat
- Press Y to dictate your request
- Press X (Tab) to accept inline suggestions
- Press LB + A to save
Code Review Workflow
- Use Right Stick to scroll through diff
- Press Y to voice comment: "This looks good, but add error handling"
- Use D-pad to navigate between changes
- Press A to approve changes
Tips for Effective Vibe Coding
Be Specific
Give clear, detailed instructions to the AI. "Add a blue submit button" is better than "make it look nice."
Review Carefully
Always review AI-generated code before accepting. Use scroll to read through everything.
Iterate Quickly
Don't try to get everything perfect in one prompt. Make small requests and refine.
Learn Shortcuts
Spend time setting up chord mappings for your most common actions. It pays off quickly.
Start Simple
Don't try to map every possible shortcut at once. Start with basic navigation and acceptance, then add more mappings as you identify friction points in your workflow.
Get Started
Ready to try vibe coding? Here's everything you need:
ControllerKeys
The essential tool for vibe coding on Mac. Map your controller to keyboard shortcuts, control the mouse with joysticks, and use the DualSense touchpad for precise pointing.