Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SharpKeys VS Microsoft keyboard layout creator

Compare SharpKeys VS Microsoft keyboard layout creator 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...

Microsoft keyboard layout creator logo Microsoft keyboard layout creator

Edit the windows keyboard layout.
  • SharpKeys Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-02
  • Microsoft keyboard layout creator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-23

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.

Microsoft keyboard layout creator features and specs

  • Customizability
    Allows users to create custom keyboard layouts according to their specific needs, enabling a personalized typing experience.
  • User-friendly Interface
    Offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that simplifies the process of creating and editing keyboard layouts.
  • Support for Multiple Languages
    Provides the ability to create layouts for various languages, accommodating users who type in different scripts or languages.
  • Integration with Windows
    Seamlessly integrates with Windows operating systems, making it easy to switch and use custom layouts without additional software.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft keyboard layout creator

  • Limited Platform Support
    Primarily designed for Windows, which means users on other platforms do not benefit from its features.
  • Lack of Advanced Features
    May not offer the advanced features or flexibility that some power users require for complex keyboard configurations.
  • Outdated
    The software has not been updated recently, which may result in compatibility issues with the latest Windows versions or lack of support for newer technologies.
  • Learning Curve
    Although user-friendly, initially understanding how to use the software and create effective layouts can take some time for new users.

SharpKeys videos

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

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Map Keys with SharpKeys

Microsoft keyboard layout creator videos

[Windows] Change Keyboard Layout Keys on Windows 10 | Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SharpKeys and Microsoft keyboard layout creator)
Automation
65 65%
35% 35
Note Taking
46 46%
54% 54
Windows Tools
58 58%
42% 42
Scripts
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SharpKeys seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 52 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.

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
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Microsoft keyboard layout creator mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Microsoft keyboard layout creator yet. Tracking of Microsoft keyboard layout creator recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing SharpKeys and Microsoft keyboard layout creator, 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.

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

KbdEdit - Keyboard layout editor, mapper/remapper.

xmodmap - The xmodmap program is used to edit and display the keyboard modifier map and keymap table that are...

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