A quick hello and a long conversation need different controls. If chat is the awkward part of playing WoW Forever with a controller, start with the kind of message you want to send.
One player asking about controller chat wanted to keep chatting and doing light roleplay. Another wanted a simple way to greet an unexpected group without seeming rude. Those are useful reasons to look beyond combat bindings.
I checked the developer documentation and release listings below on 26 October 2026. I haven't tested these addons in-game. Their listed Forever 1.60.1 versions aren't a promise about your controller or the launch client.
Start with the keyboard you already have
If reaching a keyboard works for you, there's no need to add another tool just for chat. If it doesn't, decide whether you mainly need short replies or a way to write freely. You don't need a new controller purchase to make that decision.
For a quick reply
ControllerForever's author documents a Quick Chat grid. Pick a phrase with the D-pad and send it with A. LB/RB changes between Say, Party, Raid and Yell. You can edit the tiles or use its on-screen keyboard for a one-off message. It requires Gamepad UI alpha.
A useful phrase to prepare is: "Hi! I'm on controller, so replies might be slow." Make it your own, and check which channel is selected before sending.
The 3.9.37 release listing is dated 23 October and marked for Forever 1.60.1. That's a compatibility label from the publisher, not a test result from me.
For typing a longer message
Easy Controller - Forever documents two on-screen keyboards: a daisywheel and a split keyboard. Its chat-channel row includes Party and whispers, so choosing a channel doesn't depend on getting a dictation app to recognise a slash command.
It also has editable quick phrases. The author says LB/RB selects their channel and A sends. Its keyboard and quick phrases aren't available in combat. This is a broader addon with optional modules, not just a chat keyboard.
The 1.19.2 release listing is dated 21 October and marked for Forever 1.60.1. Treat these as alternatives to investigate, not a recommendation to install both together.
Voice typing needs a separate check
ControllerForever lists a Voice to Text binding, but its author describes a shortcut for a separate voice-typing app. You still need that app on your computer and a controller mapping for its shortcut. The label doesn't mean the addon itself transcribes your voice.
Before choosing a dictation tool, check its microphone permissions, where audio is processed and whether it submits messages automatically. Prefer a workflow where you can read and correct the draft, check the channel, then deliberately send. I haven't verified a voice-tool setup or its compliance with Blizzard's rules here.
Check chat before the group starts
Practise composing a message, cancelling it and returning to movement somewhere safe. Check how your chosen setup behaves when combat begins. Keep another workable way to communicate until you're comfortable with it.
For the native layout and targeting options, see the controller settings checklist. Chat controls won't fix a targeting setup you haven't practised yet.