Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DirectFB VS KeyExtender

Compare DirectFB VS KeyExtender and see what are their differences

DirectFB logo DirectFB

DirectFB is a web-based platform that provides you with complete access to a software library that you can use for the acceleration of graphics, handling the input devices, and others for your Linux operating systems.

KeyExtender logo KeyExtender

KeyExtender is a keyboard remapping tool which not only allow you to customize keyboard keys, but...
  • DirectFB Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-25
  • KeyExtender Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-04-19

DirectFB features and specs

  • Performance
    DirectFB provides high-performance graphics operations on embedded systems by directly interfacing with the framebuffer, which can result in faster rendering compared to other graphics systems that use more layers of abstraction.
  • Resource Efficiency
    It is optimized for low resource usage, which makes it suitable for use on devices with limited processing power and memory, such as set-top boxes and other embedded systems.
  • Simplicity
    DirectFB offers a relatively straightforward API for 2D graphics operations, which can simplify the development process for applications that do not require the full complexity of OpenGL or similar libraries.
  • Support for Multiple Backends
    DirectFB supports various input and output backends, allowing for flexible integration with different types of hardware such as different graphics cards and input devices.

Possible disadvantages of DirectFB

  • Limited 3D Support
    While DirectFB is excellent for 2D operations, it lacks comprehensive support for 3D graphics compared to more modern graphics APIs like OpenGL or Vulkan, which might limit its use for applications requiring 3D rendering.
  • Obsolescence
    DirectFB has not seen significant updates or widespread adoption in recent years, which makes it less desirable for new projects compared to other graphics stacks that are actively developed and supported.
  • Platform Specificity
    It is designed primarily for Linux-based systems, which limits its portability to other operating systems, unlike more platform-agnostic graphics libraries.
  • Development Community
    The community and support around DirectFB are relatively small, which can make it more challenging to find help or resources when encountering issues during development.

KeyExtender features and specs

  • Customization
    KeyExtender allows users to customize their keyboard layout to better suit individual preferences, increasing productivity and comfort.
  • Functionality Expansion
    The software enables users to assign new functions to keys, effectively expanding the functionality of a standard keyboard.
  • Ease of Use
    KeyExtender has a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those with limited technical skills.
  • Productivity Enhancement
    By allowing users to create shortcuts and remap keys, KeyExtender can lead to faster task completion and improved workflow efficiency.

Possible disadvantages of KeyExtender

  • Compatibility Issues
    KeyExtender might not be compatible with all software applications or operating systems, leading to potential usability issues.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, some users may still face a learning curve in effectively utilizing all features.
  • Potential Software Conflicts
    There may be conflicts with other third-party software, especially those that use keyboard shortcuts or key mapping.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of KeyExtender might have limited features, requiring users to purchase the full version for complete functionality.

DirectFB videos

Odroid c1 directfb porting : booting time 14sec

KeyExtender videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DirectFB and KeyExtender)
OS & Utilities
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100
Window Manager
100 100%
0% 0
Automation
33 33%
67% 67

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing DirectFB and KeyExtender, you can also consider the following products

Mir - The purpose of Mir is to enable the development of user interfaces shells.

KbdEdit - Keyboard layout editor, mapper/remapper.

Y Window System - Y Window System is a platform that allows you to improve the speed, working, and efficiency of the application in your operating system and helps you to increase the responsiveness of applications similar to any locally based app.

Microsoft keyboard layout creator - Edit the windows keyboard layout.

Wayland - Wayland is intended as a simpler replacement for X, easier to develop and maintain.

xmodmap - The xmodmap program is used to edit and display the keyboard modifier map and keymap table that are...