Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

TunnelBear VS SharpKeys

Compare TunnelBear VS SharpKeys and see what are their differences

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TunnelBear logo TunnelBear

Really simple VPN to browse the web privately & anonymously.

SharpKeys logo SharpKeys

SharpKeys is a utility that manages a Registry key that allows Windows to remap one key to any...
  • TunnelBear Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17
  • SharpKeys Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-02

TunnelBear features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    TunnelBear offers a simple and visually appealing interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible even for users who are not tech-savvy.
  • Strong Security Features
    The VPN provides robust encryption with AES-256, ensuring user data is well-protected from potential threats and unauthorized access.
  • No-Logs Policy
    TunnelBear operates with a strict no-logs policy, meaning user activity is not recorded or stored, enhancing privacy.
  • Free Plan Available
    A free plan is available with 500 MB of data per month, which allows users to test the service before committing to a paid plan.
  • Multiple Device Support
    The service allows for multiple simultaneous connections, letting users secure several devices under one account.
  • Vigilant Mode
    The Vigilant Mode feature acts as a kill switch, which cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, maintaining privacy.

Possible disadvantages of TunnelBear

  • Limited Server Locations
    TunnelBear has fewer server locations compared to some of its competitors, which may affect connection speeds and access to geographically restricted content.
  • Data Cap on Free Plan
    The free plan caps data at 500 MB per month, which may not be sufficient for users who require extensive use of a VPN.
  • No Linux Support
    TunnelBear does not offer a dedicated app for Linux users, limiting its accessibility for those on this operating system.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While TunnelBear is great for basic use, it lacks some of the advanced features offered by other VPN providers, such as split tunneling and more customizable settings.
  • Inconsistent Speeds
    Some users report that connection speeds can be inconsistent, especially when connecting to servers that are geographically distant.

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.

Analysis of TunnelBear

Overall verdict

  • TunnelBear is a solid choice for casual users seeking a simple, trustworthy VPN solution. Its focus on ease of use and privacy makes it a good option for those prioritizing simplicity over advanced features.

Why this product is good

  • TunnelBear is regarded as a user-friendly VPN service that offers a straightforward interface, reliable encryption, and a strong commitment to privacy. It is particularly praised for its approachable design and whimsical bear-themed aesthetic, making it appealing for users who are new to VPNs. The service provides essential privacy features and has a no-logging policy, which ensures users' online activities remain private.

Recommended for

  • People new to VPNs who want an easy-to-use interface.
  • Users interested in secure and private internet browsing.
  • Individuals who appreciate a visually engaging application.

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.

TunnelBear videos

TunnelBear VPN Review - Which Tier is It?

More videos:

  • Review - TunnelBear VPN FULL In-Depth Review! Is It BEARable?
  • Review - TunnelBear Review - In Depth (2020 Updated) - Does It Work With Netflix And Torrenting?

SharpKeys videos

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

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Map Keys with SharpKeys

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to TunnelBear and SharpKeys)
VPN
100 100%
0% 0
Automation
0 0%
100% 100
Cloud VPN
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

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

TunnelBear Reviews

The Best Top 10 VPNs for Spotify 2025
TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN solution for Spotify users, offering fast and secure connections to its vast network of servers. With a free trial option, TunnelBear is perfect for users who want to test its services before committing.
Best Top 20 OpenVPN Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
TunnelBear VPN is an excellent VPN service that provides various features at a reasonable and affordable price.
Best 5 Psiphon Alternatives in 2023
TunnelBear should be your go-to option if youโ€™ve never used a VPN in your life or have been absolutely horrified by the complicated menus in the other services. TunnelBear offers a simple and clean interface that connects you to the fastest server with the click of a button. It also happens to be one of the cheaper options. The VPN grants you 500 MB of free data per month,...
Top 10 Best VPN Software For Windows/MAC โ€“ [2023 Edition]
Tunnelbear is another best VPN Software for Windows & MAC. It is available for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android platforms. Additionally, they provide 500 MB of free data transfer per month. Its premium version is available for a cost of 6.99 $ USD dollars per month.
Source: safetricks.org
10 Best Hamachi Alternatives for Virtual LAN Gaming
You can use TunnelBear VPN to keep your IP address private from websites, hackers, and advertisers. TunnelBear VPN shields your personal information from prying third parties and hackers on public WiFi, ISPs, and other local networks. Your connection is secured with bear-grade (thatโ€™s strong) AES 256-bit encryption.
Source: techviral.net

SharpKeys Reviews

We have no reviews of SharpKeys yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SharpKeys seems to be a lot more popular than TunnelBear. While we know about 54 links to SharpKeys, we've tracked only 2 mentions of TunnelBear. 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.

TunnelBear mentions (2)

  • BBC iPlayer - In Conversation - 2. Ken Loach in Conversation with Cillian Murphy
    I used to use a VPN to watch Sherlock so I wouldn't get spoiled on the plot. (I'm in the US.) Granted, this was a while ago, the company I used to use was tunnelbear.com. I have been itching to use it to watch Peaky Blinders, but I haven't. Source: over 4 years ago
  • (JP/DMM) Top 3 VPN-services to use
    #0 - TunnelBear - https://tunnelbear.com/ (or similar, with data limits and lots of other limits in free versions). Source: over 4 years ago

SharpKeys mentions (54)

  • Keychron announces first open-source firmware for gaming mice
    Just remap it! If you're on Windows, SharpKeys will do that for you. https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • 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 / 3 months 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
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What are some alternatives?

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

Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield is a software application developed by AnchorFree, Inc.

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

ProtonVPN - ProtonVPN is a security focused FREE VPN service, developed by CERN and MIT scientists. Use the web anonymously, unblock websites & encrypt your connection.

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

OpenVPN - OpenVPN - The Open Source VPN

Microsoft keyboard layout creator - Edit the windows keyboard layout.