Open Shell vs FastKeys

Struggling to choose between Open Shell and FastKeys? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Open Shell is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like start-menu, explorer-replacement, windows-shell.

It boasts features such as Classic start menu interface, Advanced configuration options, Support for themes and skins, Fully customizable menus and shortcuts, Plugin architecture for extensions, Multi-monitor support, Search box with advanced filtering, Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys and pros including Lightweight and fast, Highly customizable, More options than Windows 10 start menu, Familiar interface for Windows 7 users, Completely free and open source.

On the other hand, FastKeys is a Os & Utilities product tagged with keyboard, shortcuts, automation, productivity.

Its standout features include Create custom keyboard shortcuts, Launch applications and files, Automate repetitive tasks, Integrates with Windows and most applications, Supports macros and scripts, Context-sensitive shortcuts, Hotkey conflicts detection, Portable version available, and it shines with pros like Increases productivity, Reduces repetitive strain injuries, Highly customizable, Easy to use interface, Lightweight and fast, Free version available.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Open Shell

Open Shell

Open Shell is a free and open-source start menu replacement for Windows that provides advanced configuration options and customization. It aims to restore the classic start menu for users who prefer the Windows XP or Windows 7 interface.

Categories:
start-menu explorer-replacement windows-shell

Open Shell Features

  1. Classic start menu interface
  2. Advanced configuration options
  3. Support for themes and skins
  4. Fully customizable menus and shortcuts
  5. Plugin architecture for extensions
  6. Multi-monitor support
  7. Search box with advanced filtering
  8. Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Lightweight and fast

Highly customizable

More options than Windows 10 start menu

Familiar interface for Windows 7 users

Completely free and open source

Cons

Less intuitive for new Windows users

Requires some time to configure

Occasional bugs or crashes

Limited native integration with Windows 10 features


FastKeys

FastKeys

FastKeys is a keyboard shortcut utility for Windows that allows you to create custom keyboard shortcuts to automate tasks and launch applications. It helps increase productivity by reducing repetitive mouse actions.

Categories:
keyboard shortcuts automation productivity

FastKeys Features

  1. Create custom keyboard shortcuts
  2. Launch applications and files
  3. Automate repetitive tasks
  4. Integrates with Windows and most applications
  5. Supports macros and scripts
  6. Context-sensitive shortcuts
  7. Hotkey conflicts detection
  8. Portable version available

Pricing

  • Free
  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Increases productivity

Reduces repetitive strain injuries

Highly customizable

Easy to use interface

Lightweight and fast

Free version available

Cons

Can conflict with some programs

Steep learning curve

Pro version is expensive

Lacks cloud sync feature