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Extra Keys vs Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Extra Keys icon
Extra Keys
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard icon
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard

Extra Keys vs Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Extra Keys Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
Sugggest Score
Category Os & Utilities Accessibility
Pricing Open Source

Product Overview

Extra Keys
Extra Keys

Description: Extra Keys is a free on-screen virtual keyboard software for Windows. It provides an additional customizable keyboard overlay allowing you to map custom shortcuts, macros, text snippets, emojis, and more for quick access while typing.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard

Description: The Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard is an assistive onscreen keyboard that allows users to enter text by 'typing' using a mouse, trackball, or other pointing device instead of a physical keyboard.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Extra Keys
Extra Keys Features
  • On-screen virtual keyboard overlay
  • Fully customizable layouts and keys
  • Macro support
  • Text snippets
  • Emoji picker
  • Multiple keyboard profiles
  • Touchscreen support
  • Windows Hello support
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard Features
  • On-screen QWERTY keyboard layout
  • Customizable keyboard size
  • Supports text prediction and word suggestions
  • Allows mouse, touch, and keyboard input
  • Works across Windows operating systems

Pros & Cons Analysis

Extra Keys
Extra Keys
Pros
  • Very customizable
  • Lots of shortcut options
  • Touchscreen friendly
  • Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
  • Limited to Windows OS
  • Can conflict with some games
  • No mobile app
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
Pros
  • Enables text input without a physical keyboard
  • Useful accessibility tool for mobility-impaired users
  • Customizable to user needs
  • Built into Windows for easy access
  • Free and included with Windows
Cons
  • Not as fast/efficient as physical keyboard
  • Limited keyboard layout/language options
  • May not work well with all programs
  • Requires mouse or other pointing device
  • Lacks advanced features of third-party on-screen keyboards

Pricing Comparison

Extra Keys
Extra Keys
  • Open Source
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard
  • Not listed

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