VKB-SIM

I have an NXT Gladiator and an Omni combo running under Linux/Steam Proton (Elite Dangerous on GE-Proton10-27). The joysticks are configured as HID/dinput devices and they do work as intended, all axis and buttons are accessible in the game. The keyboard emulation mode in VKBDevCfg is set to Classic.

When I configure one of the buttons to act as a keyboard press and I use it within the game/Proton prefix all the axis and buttons will instantly become unresponsive, except the buttons that are configured as keyboard keys. Which lets me think that wine/Proton or the game has an issue to reconnect/reassign the Gladiators as a joystick device.

Unfortunately we don't have enough knowledge or experience on this specific use, so we can't provide any suggestion. To make sure the programming is fine I suggest to test the setting on the Test panel of VKBDevCfg and checking the Keyboard box - it the button activates the desired keyboard key it means everything is fine with the joystick.

That's OK. It was worth a shot I guess One question though, I see there is a serial number field in the USB HID Controller part of the config tool. What exactly is that for? Can I create a specific vendor/device ID for the keyboard emulation? I went through the manual but did not find anything specific about it.

Serial number is for when you use two identical controllers.
You get the ability to differentiate them.
Some games also , but these are likely rare exceptions.