Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SharpKeys VS Key Remapper

Compare SharpKeys VS Key Remapper 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 Remapper logo Key Remapper

Intended for remapping keys, mouse buttons and mouse wheel actions, Key Remapper allows you to:
  • SharpKeys Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-02
  • Key Remapper Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-05-02

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 Remapper features and specs

  • Customization
    Key Remapper allows extensive customization of keyboard and mouse button functions, enabling users to tailor their input devices to meet specific needs.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software provides an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible to users of all technical levels.
  • Versatility
    It supports remapping not just for keyboards but also for mouse buttons and even joystick buttons, providing versatile functionality.
  • Profiles
    Users can create multiple profiles to switch between different key mappings easily, catering to different applications or tasks.
  • Lightweight
    Key Remapper is a lightweight application that consumes minimal system resources, ensuring smooth operation even on older hardware.

Possible disadvantages of Key Remapper

  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of Key Remapper comes with limitations on the number of mappings and other features, which may not suffice for all users.
  • Windows Only
    Key Remapper is only available for Windows systems, leaving users of other operating systems out.
  • Occasional Compatibility Issues
    There might be compatibility issues with certain software or hardware, requiring manual workarounds in some situations.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic functionality is easy to use, more complex remapping can have a steeper learning curve for new users.
  • Potential for Conflicts
    Incorrect or conflicting mappings can lead to unexpected behavior, necessitating a careful setup and testing process.

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

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

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Map Keys with SharpKeys

Key Remapper videos

Key Remapper - a first look

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SharpKeys and Key Remapper)
Automation
79 79%
21% 21
Note Taking
80 80%
20% 20
Windows Tools
76 76%
24% 24
Scripts
78 78%
22% 22

User comments

Share your experience with using SharpKeys and Key Remapper. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SharpKeys seems to be a lot more popular than Key Remapper. While we know about 53 links to SharpKeys, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Key Remapper. 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

Key Remapper mentions (3)

  • free tools to remap keys for games
    Keyremapper: There is also keyremapper (https://atnsoft.com/keyremapper/), which I've also used from time to time. Source: about 4 years ago
  • remap mouse right click to numbers?
    Well I did find this, https://atnsoft.com/keyremapper/. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Looking for help with connecting steering wheel for tank driving
    Ehh doubtful google whatever wheel you got followed by "drivers" but even if that doesn't exist there are third party tools you can potentially try like key remapper: https://atnsoft.com/keyremapper/. Source: over 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

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

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

ISBoxer - Play characters together. Powerlevel yourself. Multibox.

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

MiXplorer - MiXplorer is a mobile app that was designed to make it easy to organize and manage the files on your Android device.

Microsoft keyboard layout creator - Edit the windows keyboard layout.

HotkeyNet - HotkeyNet is free multiboxing software.