Software Alternatives & Startups

KWin VS Window Maker

Compare KWin VS Window Maker and see what are their differences

KWin

KWin is a window manager for the X Window System, and is in the process of becoming a Wayland...

Rating
0 reviews
Window Maker

Window Maker is a free and open-source window manager for the X Window System

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Window Maker seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 1 time since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 1
Linux popularity
51% vs 49%
alternatives listed
104 vs 44

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

KW
KWin
WM
Window Maker
Website userbase.kde.org windowmaker.org
Pricing
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

KW
KWin 4 features
WM
Window Maker 5 features
  • Feature-Rich
    KWin offers a wide range of features and customization options, including advanced window management capabilities and desktop effects, which make it highly versatile for users.
  • Integration with KDE
    As the default window manager for the KDE Plasma desktop environment, KWin is tightly integrated, providing seamless performance and appearance consistency across KDE applications.
  • High Customizability
    Users can extensively customize KWin to suit their needs, including configuring keyboard shortcuts, window rules, and visual effects to enhance productivity and aesthetics.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, KWin is free to use and modify, with a community of contributors that helps to maintain and improve the software.

Possible disadvantages

  • Resource Intensive
    KWin can be resource-heavy, particularly when using extensive graphical effects, which may not be suitable for older or less powerful hardware.
  • Complex Configuration
    For users not familiar with KDE or Linux window managers, KWin’s numerous options and settings can be overwhelming and may require a learning curve to utilize effectively.
  • KDE Dependency
    While KWin can run independently, it primarily supports KDE and may not integrate as well with other desktop environments, limiting its use outside of KDE.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users report bugs and crashes with KWin, especially when using cutting-edge or experimental features, which could affect the stability of the desktop experience.
  • Lightweight
    Window Maker is known for its low resource consumption, making it ideal for older computers and systems with limited hardware capabilities.
  • Fast Performance
    Due to its minimalistic design, Window Maker offers fast performance and quick response times, enhancing the user experience.
  • Customizability
    Users have significant flexibility to customize the appearance and functionality of the desktop environment to suit their personal preferences.
  • GNUstep Integration
    It offers seamless integration with GNUstep, supporting a consistent environment for applications developed with this framework.
  • Stable and Mature
    As a long-standing project, Window Maker has a history of stability and has been thoroughly tested over many years, ensuring reliability.

Possible disadvantages

  • Steeper Learning Curve
    New users may find it challenging to configure and operate due to its unique interface and design paradigms compared to more conventional desktop environments.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to modern desktop environments, Window Maker may lack some advanced features and conveniences, which could be a downside for users expecting them.
  • Less Active Development
    Window Maker does not receive updates as frequently as some other environments, which may affect the availability of new features and bug fixes.
  • Compatibility
    While it integrates well with GNUstep, compatibility issues may arise with applications not designed with this framework in mind.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

KW
KWin 2 videos + Add
WM
Window Maker 1 video + Add

Review Sih KWIN | KLX Gordon Yang Menggoyahkan Iman

More videos

  • - KWIN App Review for iPhone, iPod, iPad

Testor Window Maker

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
KW
KWin
WM
Window Maker
51% 51%
49% 49%
100% 100%
0% 0%
53% 53%
47% 47%
0% 0%
Qt
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using KWin and Window Maker. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

KW
KWin 0 mentions
WM
Window Maker 1 mention

Tracking KWin since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to KWin and Window Maker

When comparing KWin and Window Maker, you can also consider the following products.

  • Dexpot

    If you don't have Dexpot yet, the new update makes it a must-have tool for Windows, adding a ton of features to your desktop that you never knew you wanted.

    Compare Dexpot to KWin or Window Maker:

  • IceWM

    icewm home page . Bug Tracking. If you have a patch, a bug report or a feature request to submit, please do so at the icewm project page at SourceForge.

    Compare IceWM to KWin or Window Maker:

  • Fluxbox

    Fluxbox is a window manager for X that was based on the Blackbox 0.61.1 code.

    Compare Fluxbox to KWin or Window Maker:

  • VirtuaWin

    VirtuaWin is a virtual desktop manager for the Windows operating system (Win9x/ME/NT/Win2K/XP/Win2003/Vista/Win7/Win10). A virtual desktop manager lets you organize applications over several virtual desktops (also called 'workspaces').

    Compare VirtuaWin to KWin or Window Maker:

  • Openbox

    Openbox is a highly configurable, next generation window manager with extensive standards support.

    Compare Openbox to KWin or Window Maker:

  • i3

    A dynamic tiling window manager designed for X11, inspired by wmii, and written in C.

    Compare i3 to KWin or Window Maker: