Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SharpKeys VS Key Manager

Compare SharpKeys VS Key Manager and see what are their differences

SharpKeys logo SharpKeys

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

Key Manager logo Key Manager

ATNSOFT Key Manager, Key Remapper, Text Paster
  • SharpKeys Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-02
  • Key Manager Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-28

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.

Key Manager features and specs

  • Customization
    Allows users to remap keys, create custom combinations, and set up complex macros to enhance productivity.
  • User-friendly Interface
    Intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface makes it accessible for both beginners and advanced users.
  • Wide Range of Actions
    Supports a variety of actions including text insertion, web navigation, launching applications, and more.
  • Multi-language Support
    Offers support for multiple languages, making it useful for non-English speakers.
  • Clipboard History
    Features clipboard history, allowing users to access and use previously copied content.

Possible disadvantages of Key Manager

  • Price
    Some users may find the software pricey compared to free alternatives available in the market.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, the wide range of features may require some time to master.
  • Windows-only
    The software is only available for Windows, limiting its accessibility for users on other operating systems.
  • Resource Intensive
    Can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting system performance on less powerful computers.
  • Limited Trial
    The trial version has limited features, which might not provide a full understanding of the software's capabilities.

SharpKeys videos

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

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Map Keys with SharpKeys

Key Manager videos

SSL certificate management made easy with Key Manager Plus.

More videos:

  • Review - [Program Review] LoL Key Manager / Profiler (Installation & Use)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SharpKeys and Key Manager)
Automation
57 57%
43% 43
Windows Tools
54 54%
46% 46
Note Taking
63 63%
37% 37
Scripts
51 51%
49% 49

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SharpKeys and Key Manager

SharpKeys Reviews

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Key Manager Reviews

15 Best AutoHotkey Alternatives 2022
Therefore, Key Manager can save you the time you spend going between the keyboard and a mouse since it can help you set the mouse shortcuts and bind them to a key to get most actions done from a keyboard.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SharpKeys seems to be a lot more popular than Key Manager. While we know about 52 links to SharpKeys, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Key Manager. 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 (52)

  • Shortcut for rotating canvas by 15° 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 1 year 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 couldn’t, but that I tried and it worked. Long time since I last used Windows though. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Total Commander
    > Total commander isn’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 can’t do vertical taskbars. True. Easily fixed with Explorer Patcher, though. Which, ironically, is FOSS. > And... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year 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 / over 1 year ago
  • Setup Media Key shortcuts
    SharpKeys: available in the Microsoft Store. Or you can get it here: https://www.randyrants.com/category/sharpkeys/ or here: https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys. Source: almost 2 years ago
View more

Key Manager mentions (2)

  • Connect Windows 11 system-brightness OSD and shortcut keys to DDC/CI?
    Keyextender to remap any key easily. And keymanager to do more in-depth shortcuts and combos, specifically running a file or script from a key press. Also shortcuts can be app focused. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How do I add a macro to a key combination?
    ATNSoft keymanager allows you to make multiple key shortcuts easily, with different profiles and even application specific key commands (meaning the key combo will only work while a specific application you set it to e active window or running). It’s got lots of features and much easier than Auto Hot key. Only downside is that it costs $50 for a license. There is a 14 day trial though I believe. Source: over 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

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

X-Mouse Button Control - XMouse Button Control (XMBC) allows you to create application and window specific profiles.

SteerMouse - Advanced driver for USB and Bluetooth mouses.

Microsoft keyboard layout creator - Edit the windows keyboard layout.

Key Remapper - Intended for remapping keys, mouse buttons and mouse wheel actions, Key Remapper allows you to:

AutoHotkey - The ultimate automation scripting language for Windows.