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.

Feature	Open Shell	FastKeys
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

Open Shell

Description: 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.

FastKeys

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

Open Shell Features

• 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

FastKeys Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

Open Shell

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

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

Pricing Comparison

Open Shell

• Free
• Open Source

FastKeys

• Free
• One-time Purchase