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Sikuli VS Keyboard Maestro

Compare Sikuli VS Keyboard Maestro and see what are their differences

Sikuli logo Sikuli

Sikuli Script

Keyboard Maestro logo Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro is the leading software for macOS automation. It will increase business productivity by using macros(or short cuts) with simple keystrokes. Keyboard Maestro WikiThis wiki aims to help new users get started, and then provide .
  • Sikuli Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29
  • Keyboard Maestro Landing page
    Landing page //
    2025-05-29

Sikuli features and specs

  • Visual Automation
    Sikuli allows users to automate tasks by using screenshots of graphical user interfaces. This makes it highly intuitive and accessible, particularly for users who may not be adept at traditional coding.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Sikuli is designed to be compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for various development environments.
  • Simple Scripting
    The scripting interface is based on Python, which is known for its readability and simplicity. This encourages quick learning and easy implementation of automated tasks.
  • Integration with Other Tools
    Sikuli can easily integrate with other automation and testing tools, enhancing its utility in more complex workflows and making it a robust choice for comprehensive automation needs.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source tool, Sikuli is free to use, and it benefits from community contributions, which can lead to continuous improvements and a supportive user base.

Possible disadvantages of Sikuli

  • Fragility
    Automations based on screen content are inherently fragile. Any change in the user interface, even minor ones like a pixel shift or a color change, can break the automation script.
  • Performance
    Sikuli scripts can be slower compared to other automation tools because they rely on image recognition, which is generally more resource-intensive than direct API calls.
  • Complex Workflows
    For highly complex workflows, managing a large number of screenshots and ensuring their accuracy can become cumbersome and error-prone.
  • Limited Community Support
    Despite being open source, Sikuli does not have as large or active a community as some other automation tools, which can make it more difficult to find solutions to specific issues.
  • Debugging
    Debugging Sikuli scripts can be challenging due to its reliance on visual elements. Identifying why an image recognition step failed often requires a manual review of the UI state.

Keyboard Maestro features and specs

  • Versatile Automation
    Keyboard Maestro allows users to automate a wide range of tasks on macOS, from simple text expansion to complex workflows involving multiple applications.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The app provides a visually intuitive interface that makes it easier for users to create and manage their macros without needing extensive programming skills.
  • Robust Feature Set
    It includes a powerful set of features like clipboard history, named clipboards, customizable palettes, and more, which extend beyond typical automation tools.
  • Active Support and Community
    Keyboard Maestro has an active user community and responsive support team, providing users with resources for troubleshooting and advanced usage tips.
  • Regular Updates
    The developers regularly update the application, adding new features and ensuring compatibility with the latest versions of macOS.

Possible disadvantages of Keyboard Maestro

  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, Keyboard Maestro can still have a steep learning curve for new users unfamiliar with automation concepts.
  • Mac-Only
    Keyboard Maestro is only available for macOS, so users who work across multiple platforms cannot use it on Windows or Linux systems.
  • Price
    While the powerful features justify its cost for many users, Keyboard Maestro is a paid application, which may be a deterrent for some potential users who are looking for free alternatives.
  • Resource Intensive
    Some users report that Keyboard Maestro can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting system performance, especially if running complex or numerous macros.
  • Occasional Bugs
    As with any software, users might encounter occasional bugs or issues, although the support team usually addresses them promptly.

Analysis of Sikuli

Overall verdict

  • Sikuli is considered good for its unique capability to automate tasks using screenshots. It can be a powerful addition to the toolkit of testers and developers who need to automate visual interactions that are otherwise hard to manage with standard automation tools.

Why this product is good

  • Sikuli is a visual automation tool that uses image recognition to automate interactions with GUI elements. It is particularly useful when traditional automation scripts and tools are insufficient, such as when dealing with legacy applications, non-standard interfaces, or applications that do not expose APIs or DOM elements.

Recommended for

  • Testers working with applications that have complex or non-standard GUIs.
  • Developers automating tasks in environments with limited API access.
  • Users needing to automate repetitive tasks involving screen elements.
  • Individuals or teams working with legacy systems where modern automation frameworks fall short.

Analysis of Keyboard Maestro

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Keyboard Maestro is generally regarded as a good tool for those who need robust automation solutions on macOS. It is well-supported and regularly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems and applications.

Why this product is good

  • Keyboard Maestro is considered a powerful macro program for macOS that allows users to automate repetitive tasks and customize their workflows. It is favored for its extensive functionality, ease of use once set up, and integration capabilities with other applications. Users often highlight its ability to save time and improve productivity, especially for complex automation needs.

Recommended for

  • Users who frequently perform repetitive tasks and want to streamline their workflow.
  • Power users and professionals who work with multiple applications and need extensive automation solutions.
  • Individuals who enjoy customizing their workspace and improving efficiency through personalized hotkeys and macros.

Sikuli videos

How to Use Sikuli for Test Automation (Image Comparison) || Sysco LABS Tutorials

More videos:

  • Review - Sikuli script for automating a Coda/Firefox workflow
  • Tutorial - SikuliX Tutorial #3 - Conditional Automation

Keyboard Maestro videos

Keyboard Maestro Review

More videos:

  • Review - Keyboard Maestro Review | Automation Software Worth for $36?
  • Review - 5 Types of Macros I Use in Keyboard Maestro

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Sikuli and Keyboard Maestro)
Automation
51 51%
49% 49
Windows Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Mac
0 0%
100% 100
Scripts
55 55%
45% 45

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Sikuli and Keyboard Maestro

Sikuli Reviews

Top 15 Best TinyTask Alternatives in 2022
You have a user-friendly Sikuli-Scripter that can work easily with a selenium web driver and is useful for automating flash objects. Sikuli’s basic API makes writing incredibly simple and can automate Flash games and Adobe players. For your automated Windows process, greatest engagement with the image, attractive visual match, testing tools, and many more, there are numerous...
Top 20 Best Automation Testing Tools in 2019 (Comprehensive List)
Sikuli is based on image recognition and has the capability of automating anything that we see on the screen. Currently, it supports desktop apps only which run on Windows, Mac or Unix/Linux. This tool is good at reproducing bugs quickly and its users have reported it to be very useful as compared to other tools when you are going to automate an application that is not...
Top 20 Best Automation Testing Tools in 2018 (Comprehensive List)
Sikuli is based on image recognition and has the capability of automating anything that we see on the screen. Currently, it supports desktop apps only which run on Windows, Mac or Unix/Linux. This tool is good at reproducing bugs quickly and its users have reported it to be very useful as compared to other tools when you are going to automate an application that is not...

Keyboard Maestro Reviews

What's a good alternative to Textexpander for Mac?
2Keyboard MaestroView ProductJayDeveloper · Written 2yr agoI use this before I subscribe TextExpander🙏 helpful 0CommentsShareCarlo Zottmann 🇪🇺🙏 helpful 0Comments (1)a year agoPatrick LoonstraDesigner at patrickloonstra.nl🙏 helpful 0Comments (0)a year ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Sikuli and Keyboard Maestro, you can also consider the following products

AutoHotkey - The ultimate automation scripting language for Windows.

Pulover’s Macro Creator - Pulover’s Macro Creator is a Free Automation Tool and Script Generator.

AutoIt - Other Articles You May Like AutoIt Script Editor AutoIt Downloads AutoIt Scripting Language

Microsoft Power Automate - Microsoft Power Automate is an automation platform that integrates DPA, RPA, and process mining. It lets you automate your organization at scale using low-code and AI.

UI.Vision - Modern open-source task and test automation tool and Selenium IDE.

AutoKey - A Python 3 port of AutoKey, the desktop automation utility for Linux and X11.