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TouchCursor VS Classic Shell

Compare TouchCursor VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

TouchCursor

TouchCursor - Cursor keys for touch typists

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
Classic Shell

Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
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Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Classic Shell should be more popular than TouchCursor. It has been mentioned 18 times since March 2021.

social mentions
10 vs 18
Note Taking popularity
12% vs 88%
alternatives listed
13 vs 99

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

TouchCursor
Classic Shell
Website martin-stone.github.io classicshell.net
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in
Note Taking Automation Windows Tools Mac Tools +1
OS & Utilities Note Taking LMS Bookmarks +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

TouchCursor 0 features
Classic Shell 5 features

No features have been listed yet.

  • Customizable Start Menu
    Classic Shell allows users to customize the Start Menu to a significant extent, including changing the style and appearance to resemble earlier versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7).
  • Performance Enhancements
    The software is lightweight and generally does not consume significant system resources, making it a performance-efficient alternative to the default Start Menu.
  • Enhanced Usability
    It brings back certain features and functionalities that are familiar and preferred by users, enhancing overall user experience, particularly for those transitioning from older Windows versions.
  • Frequent Updates
    Classic Shell is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows updates, providing a reliable solution over time.
  • Free of Cost
    Classic Shell is available for free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their Start Menu without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Official Support
    As Classic Shell is developed primarily by volunteers, official support may be limited compared to commercial software.
  • Complexity
    The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although updated frequently, there can be temporary compatibility issues with the latest Windows updates, requiring users to wait for the next release.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    Classic Shell aims to replicate older versions of Windows Start Menus, which might lack some of the modern features available in the default Windows Start Menu.
  • Discontinued Development
    Official development of Classic Shell was discontinued in December 2017. While community forks like Open-Shell continue the project, the lack of official development could be seen as a disadvantage.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

TouchCursor
Classic Shell

Overall verdict

  • TouchCursor is a solid, lightweight utility that lets you navigate and edit text without leaving the home row by turning keys like IJKL into arrow keys when a modifier (typically the spacebar) is held. It's free, open source, and highly configurable, making it a favorite among productivity-focused typists.

Why this product is good

  • Free and open source, with no cost or licensing hassles
  • Keeps your hands on the home row, reducing the need to reach for arrow keys or the mouse
  • Highly customizable key mappings and activation keys
  • Lightweight and runs quietly in the background with minimal resource usage
  • Improves typing efficiency and can help reduce hand strain over time

Recommended for

  • Touch typists who want to minimize hand movement
  • Programmers and writers who do a lot of text navigation and editing
  • Windows users looking for a free keyboard productivity tool
  • People with ergonomic concerns who want to avoid reaching for arrow keys
  • Power users who enjoy customizing their keyboard workflow

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Classic Shell is considered a good tool for those who want to enhance their Windows experience with more customization and a nod to classic Windows aesthetics. It's reliable, widely used, and addresses some of the usability concerns people have with newer Windows versions.

Why this product is good

  • Classic Shell is popular among users who prefer the familiar interface and user experience of older versions of Windows, particularly Windows 7 or even XP. It offers customization options for the Start Menu, Explorer, and other UI elements, allowing a more personalized and comfortable experience for those who are not fond of newer Windows UI changes.

Recommended for

    Classic Shell is recommended for users who miss the classic Windows Start menu and layout, those who find the new Windows designs less intuitive, and individuals who want more control over their interface customization. It's particularly suitable for people transitioning from older Windows versions to newer ones who wish to maintain a certain level of familiarity.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

TouchCursor 1 video + Add
Classic Shell 3 videos + Add

TouchCursor demo

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos

  • - Classic Shell Review | Make Windows 8 Like Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  • - Classic Shell 4.0.2 Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
TouchCursor
Classic Shell
12% 12%
Note Taking
88% 88%
100% 100%
Mac Tools
0% 0%
0% 0%
LMS
100% 100%
100% 100%
Automation
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using TouchCursor and Classic Shell. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

TouchCursor 10 mentions
Classic Shell 18 mentions
  • Problem with TouchCursor for PC
    Has anyone gotten TouchCursor's (TouchCursor - Cursor keys for touch typists (martin-stone.github.io) function to disable using certain programs? It just doesn't work at all for me whether I use the crosshair thing or just manually enter... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Has anyone here used UCIEA or variants?
    If you're on Windows, do have a look at TouchCursor and / or SpaceFN. They basically allow you to use the spacebar for anything you're doing with AltGr - so much more efficient. Source: over 3 years ago
  • German Qwerty Keyboard?
    Use TouchCursor. It will greatly boost your general productivity and you can access special characters like Umlaute by using the spacebar as a modifier. Source: over 3 years ago

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Alternatives to TouchCursor and Classic Shell

When comparing TouchCursor and Classic Shell, you can also consider the following products.

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