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SharpKeys VS ActiveWords

Compare SharpKeys VS ActiveWords and see what are their differences

SuperOps
Modern PSA and RMM Software for MSP's and IT Teams featured
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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

SharpKeys logo SharpKeys

SharpKeys is a utility that manages a Registry key that allows Windows to remap one key to any...

ActiveWords logo ActiveWords

Auto correct on steroids
  • SharpKeys Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-02
  • ActiveWords Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-06-25

SharpKeys features and specs

  • Open Source
    SharpKeys is available on GitHub, which means it is open source. This allows users to inspect the code, contribute to development, or customize it for their needs.
  • Free of Cost
    SharpKeys is entirely free to use, making it accessible to anyone without the need for a commercial license.
  • Simple User Interface
    The interface is straightforward and easy to use, which makes the process of remapping keys simple even for non-technical users.
  • Registry-Based Remapping
    SharpKeys makes changes directly to the Windows registry, ensuring that the remapped keys work across all applications without the need for additional software running in the background.
  • Minimal Resource Usage
    Because SharpKeys modifies the registry rather than running a constant background process, it uses minimal system resources.
  • Portability
    Once the registry changes are made, SharpKeys does not need to remain installed on the system, making it a lightweight, one-time-use tool.

Possible disadvantages of SharpKeys

  • Windows Only
    SharpKeys is designed to work exclusively on Windows operating systems, which limits its usability for users on macOS, Linux, or other platforms.
  • Limited to Registry
    The tool operates by modifying the Windows registry, so it cannot handle complex remapping scenarios that need real-time processing, such as conditional key mappings.
  • No Advanced Features
    SharpKeys lacks advanced features found in more sophisticated key remapping software, such as macro recording, multi-key remapping, or application-specific profiles.
  • Requires Admin Rights
    Since changes are made to the Windows registry, administrative privileges are required, which might be restrictive in some organizational environments.
  • Potential for Errors
    Incorrect registry changes could potentially lead to system instability or errors, especially for users who are not familiar with the Windows registry.
  • Reboot Required
    For registry changes to take effect, a system reboot is necessary, which can be inconvenient for users needing immediate results.

ActiveWords features and specs

  • Efficiency
    ActiveWords increases productivity by allowing users to automate repetitive tasks and replace full words, phrases, or commands with short, easy-to-type abbreviations.
  • Customization
    The software is highly customizable, enabling users to set up personalized shortcuts and triggers that suit their specific workflows and preferences.
  • Integration
    ActiveWords integrates well with a variety of applications and tools, allowing users to streamline interactions across different platforms.
  • Ease of Use
    With a user-friendly interface, ActiveWords is accessible to both beginners and advanced users, making it easy to set up and manage shortcuts.

Possible disadvantages of ActiveWords

  • Learning Curve
    While the software is designed to be user-friendly, there is still a learning curve involved in setting up and memorizing shortcuts, particularly for new users.
  • Resource Consumption
    Running ActiveWords continuously in the background might consume system resources, which could be an issue on less powerful machines.
  • Cost
    As a paid software, it might not be ideal for users looking for free alternatives or those who have limited software budgets.
  • Limited Platform Support
    ActiveWords primarily supports Windows operating systems, which may be a limitation for users who need cross-platform compatibility.

Analysis of SharpKeys

Overall verdict

  • SharpKeys is generally considered a good tool for users who need an easy and effective way to remap keys on Windows. It has a straightforward interface and does not require advanced technical skills to use, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It is also open-source and has a supportive community on GitHub, which contributes to its reliability and improvement over time.

Why this product is good

  • SharpKeys is a utility that allows users to remap keys on their Windows keyboards. It modifies the Windows Registry to achieve this, which is particularly useful for users who want to change the function of a specific key, disable a key, or swap keys to better match their personal typing preferences or overcome keyboard limitations.

Recommended for

    SharpKeys is recommended for Windows users who need to customize their keyboard layout, such as programmers, writers, or anyone who frequently uses specific key combinations. It is also suitable for users who want to disable keys that are accidentally pressed often, such as Caps Lock or Insert, as well as those who want to swap keys for ergonomic reasons or due to a damaged key on their keyboard.

SharpKeys videos

+ Add

[Windows] Changing Modifier Keys Using SharpKeys | Reassigning Modifier Keys & SharpKeys Tutorial

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Map Keys with SharpKeys

ActiveWords videos

+ Add

ActiveWords

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SharpKeys and ActiveWords)

SharpKeys

ActiveWords

Automation
100 100%
Automation
0% 0
Grammar Checker
0 0%
Grammar Checker
100% 100
Note Taking
100 100%
Note Taking
0% 0
UI
0 0%
UI
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SharpKeys seems to be a lot more popular than ActiveWords. While we know about 53 links to SharpKeys, we've tracked only 1 mention of ActiveWords. 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.

SharpKeys mentions (53)

  • I Hate (Most) Keyboard 'Fn' Keys
    You can remap the keys so that "Special: Power" key button does nothing.. Or even to the original function (on my keyboard it would mean Volume Down would be F12 instead). One Windows software to do that: https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys / https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/xpffcg7m673d4f?hl=en-US On Linux, heck it's Linux, for sure it's doable. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Shortcut for rotating canvas by 15ยฐ left or right without a mouse
    I don't like using my mouse while drawing and I couldn't find how to do this anywhere, but luckily when I was about to give up I achieved it! So, for this you'll need a program called SharpKeys. You can download it here: https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys/. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Caps Lock Behaviour Disabled in Gnome
    Sharpkeys can swap keys, the readme says as much: > Things that SharpKeys will do: > ... > Allow you to swap two keys with each other - e.g. You can swap Left Windows with Left Control and vice versa I do have a vague recollection of Sharpkeys previously saying that it couldnโ€™t, but that I tried and it worked. Long time since I last used Windows though. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Total Commander
    > Total commander isnโ€™t FOSS. I'm aware of that. There are lots of FOSS equivalents, though. Including, I believe, on Windows. Wikipedia lists 23 of which I think -- haven't checked -- the majority are FOSS. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_manager#Orthodox_file_managers > Ironically windows 11 canโ€™t do vertical taskbars. True. Easily fixed with Explorer Patcher, though. Which, ironically, is FOSS. > And... - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Learn AutoHotKey by stealing my scripts
    Remapping Capslock to Control: Windows: https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys Ubuntu Linux (don't know about other Linuxes): /usr/share/X11/xkb/symbols/pc 
        key  { [ Caps_Lock  ] };
    . - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
View more

ActiveWords mentions (1)

  • What are your apps ,tools, Chrome extensions, programmes, general habits and other productivity applications that help you work faster and be more productive in your day-to-day job to cut down time and improve your efficiency to work
    Https://activewords.com/ (for PC) a couple of key presses and I'm in the document, folder, app that I need. It's incredible when you get where you need to be without even thinking about it. Source: almost 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SharpKeys and ActiveWords, you can also consider the following products

Karabiner - Karabiner, previously called KeyRemap4MacBook, is a very powerful keyboard remapper for Mac OS X.

Zeplin - Collaboration app for UI designers & frontend developers

Key Manager - ATNSOFT Key Manager, Key Remapper, Text Paster

Mightytext - Send & Receive SMS Text Messages from your computer. Sync'd with your Android #

Microsoft keyboard layout creator - Edit the windows keyboard layout.

Abstract - A secure, version-controlled hub for your design files

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