Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

rcmd VS Classic Shell

Compare rcmd VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

rcmd logo rcmd

rcmd makes app switching instantaneous!When you have a lot of apps open, finding and switching to them might feel too slow using Command-Tab or the Dock.Hold down the right side |โŒ˜ command| and press the first letter of the app name to focus it.

Classic Shell logo Classic Shell

Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.
  • rcmd Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-11-22

Put that right Command key to good use

Hold down โŒ˜ command and press the first letter of the app name to focus apps instantly.

When pressing the key while the app is already focused, you can choose to hide the app or cycle to the next app with the same first letter.

Assign custom keys for your favorite apps

Hold down โŒ˜ command + โŒฅ option and press any letter to assign that letter to the currently focused app.

When an app is in the static list:

  • the assigned key can launch the app when it isn't running
  • the Hide/Cycle setting can be adjusted on a per-app basis.
  • Classic Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30

rcmd

$ Details
paid $12.99 / One-off
Platforms
Mac OSX
Release Date
2021 November

Classic Shell

$ Details
Platforms
-
Release Date
-

rcmd features and specs

  • Instant app switching
  • Dynamic hotkeys based on app usage
  • Launch apps when not running

Classic Shell features and specs

  • Customizable Start Menu
    Classic Shell allows users to customize the Start Menu to a significant extent, including changing the style and appearance to resemble earlier versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7).
  • Performance Enhancements
    The software is lightweight and generally does not consume significant system resources, making it a performance-efficient alternative to the default Start Menu.
  • Enhanced Usability
    It brings back certain features and functionalities that are familiar and preferred by users, enhancing overall user experience, particularly for those transitioning from older Windows versions.
  • Frequent Updates
    Classic Shell is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows updates, providing a reliable solution over time.
  • Free of Cost
    Classic Shell is available for free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their Start Menu without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages of Classic Shell

  • Limited Official Support
    As Classic Shell is developed primarily by volunteers, official support may be limited compared to commercial software.
  • Complexity
    The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although updated frequently, there can be temporary compatibility issues with the latest Windows updates, requiring users to wait for the next release.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    Classic Shell aims to replicate older versions of Windows Start Menus, which might lack some of the modern features available in the default Windows Start Menu.
  • Discontinued Development
    Official development of Classic Shell was discontinued in December 2017. While community forks like Open-Shell continue the project, the lack of official development could be seen as a disadvantage.

Analysis of rcmd

Overall verdict

  • Overall, RCMD is positively reviewed by users who appreciate its simplicity and functionality. It is especially favored by those who work in environments where command line operations are common, and who seek to enhance their workflow.

Why this product is good

  • RCMD, provided by Lowtechguys.com, is generally considered good for users looking for a simple and efficient command line tool for reducing repetitive tasks and improving productivity. It offers a streamlined interface and valuable features for those who frequently manage multiple commands and scripts.

Recommended for

    RCMD is recommended for developers, system administrators, and tech enthusiasts who rely on command line tools and need an effective way to run and manage multiple commands efficiently.

Analysis of Classic Shell

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Classic Shell is considered a good tool for those who want to enhance their Windows experience with more customization and a nod to classic Windows aesthetics. It's reliable, widely used, and addresses some of the usability concerns people have with newer Windows versions.

Why this product is good

  • Classic Shell is popular among users who prefer the familiar interface and user experience of older versions of Windows, particularly Windows 7 or even XP. It offers customization options for the Start Menu, Explorer, and other UI elements, allowing a more personalized and comfortable experience for those who are not fond of newer Windows UI changes.

Recommended for

    Classic Shell is recommended for users who miss the classic Windows Start menu and layout, those who find the new Windows designs less intuitive, and individuals who want more control over their interface customization. It's particularly suitable for people transitioning from older Windows versions to newer ones who wish to maintain a certain level of familiarity.

rcmd videos

rcmd App Demo

Classic Shell videos

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos:

  • Review - Classic Shell Review | Make Windows 8 Like Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  • Review - Classic Shell 4.0.2 Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to rcmd and Classic Shell)
Mac
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100
Productivity
100 100%
0% 0
LMS
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using rcmd and Classic Shell. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare rcmd and Classic Shell

rcmd Reviews

  1. Easier and faster to navigate through apps

    Since I managed to get used with this app I can't imagine a day of work without it. Incredible powerful and easy to use / configure.

    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Increases your productivity
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    You need a little time to get used with it
  2. Stan
    ยท Founder at SaaSHub ยท
    A useful productivity tool

    rcmd is something that could potentially turbocharge your productivity. However! you will need to get used to using it.

    My only issue is that I forget about it ยฏ_(ใƒ„)_/ยฏ

    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Improves your productivity
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    It's super easy to forget that it exists

Classic Shell Reviews

We have no reviews of Classic Shell yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, rcmd should be more popular than Classic Shell. It has been mentiond 48 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

rcmd mentions (48)

  • Show HN: I built a grouped app switcher for macOS
    I downloaded. This looks like an interesting alternative to rcmd (https://lowtechguys.com/rcmd/). Will future updates cost? - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • Show HN: I built a tool to solve window management once and for all
    Funny, this sounds like a good idea, but I'm quite happy with the exact opposite: I use rcmd[1]. I hold down the right command key and press the first letter of the window name to switch to it. I can override this dynamic mapping by pressing right command + option + , so I have an IM client on I, for example. It means I never have to remember/guess how command+tab works (although I had fewer issues with... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Mac browser Arc being discontinued in favor of new Dia app
    Might not meet your needs but I had similar issues and found an app called rcmd, it lets me easily bind keybinds to my commonly used apps, and you can also easily toggle between multiple windows of the same app via the keyboard https://lowtechguys.com/rcmd/ - no affiliation, and probably other similar options are available. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • The Future Is Niri
    [rcmd - Switch apps instantly using the โŒ˜ Right Command key](https://lowtechguys.com/rcmd/). - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Moom 4, the next-generation window manager
    You may want to check out [rcmd](https://lowtechguys.com/rcmd/). - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
View more

Classic Shell mentions (18)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing rcmd and Classic Shell, you can also consider the following products

Contexts - Switch between application windows effortlessly โ€” with Fast Search, a better Command-Tab, a Sidebar or even a quick gesture. Free trial available.

Fences - Keep your desktop organized with Fences. This is a simple software program that allows you to sort the tabs on your desktop and create files that are easily recognizable to you.

Lunar.fyi - Control monitor brightness, adapt using the ambient light sensor, adjust volume, switch inputs and turn off displays without fiddling with clunky buttons.

Start Menu X - Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.

yabai - A tiling window manager for macOS based on binary space partitioning

Start Menu Reviver - Free Download! Recover and update your computer with Driver Reviver and Registry Reviver. Easily update software, unlock new functionality and remove hardware device errors and clean, repair and optimize your registry in a few simple mouse clicks!