Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Unreal Engine VS Keyshot

Compare Unreal Engine VS Keyshot and see what are their differences

Unreal Engine logo Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine 4 is a suite of integrated tools for game developers to design and build games, simulations, and visualizations.

Keyshot logo Keyshot

KeyShot 3D rendering and animation software is the fastest, easiest way to create amazing, photographic visuals of your 3D models. Enter your search in the box aboveTryYour download of KeyShot is only moments away.
  • Unreal Engine Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-23
  • Keyshot Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-23

Unreal Engine features and specs

  • High-Quality Graphics
    Unreal Engine is known for its ability to produce stunning, high-quality graphics and realistic environments, making it a preferred choice for AAA game development and high-fidelity visual projects.
  • Blueprint Visual Scripting
    Unreal Engine offers a visual scripting system called Blueprints, which allows designers to create complex game logic without any programming knowledge, streamlining the development process.
  • Cross-Platform Support
    Unreal Engine provides robust support for multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, mobile devices, and VR/AR headsets, enabling developers to reach a wider audience with minimal hassle.
  • Large and Active Community
    The Unreal Engine community is large and active, offering extensive resources, tutorials, and forums which can be invaluable for troubleshooting and learning new techniques.
  • Regular Updates
    Epic Games frequently updates Unreal Engine, adding new features, improvements, and optimizations to keep developers equipped with the latest technology advancements.
  • Marketplace
    The Unreal Engine Marketplace offers a vast array of assets, ranging from 3D models to plugins, which can significantly speed up the development process by providing ready-to-use resources.

Possible disadvantages of Unreal Engine

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Due to its extensive features and capabilities, Unreal Engine can be challenging for beginners to master, requiring a significant investment of time and effort to learn.
  • High System Requirements
    Developing with Unreal Engine often requires a powerful computer with strong hardware specifications, which can be a barrier for developers with limited resources.
  • Large File Sizes
    Unreal Engine projects can result in large file sizes, which can be cumbersome to manage, particularly in terms of storage and transfer bandwidth.
  • Complexity for Simple Projects
    For smaller or simpler projects, the capabilities of Unreal Engine might be overkill, and using it can unnecessarily complicate development when compared to lighter engines.
  • Royalty Fees
    Unreal Engine imposes a royalty fee of 5% on gross revenue after the first $1 million USD per product per year, which can impact the profitability of commercial projects.
  • Less C++ Flexibility
    While Unreal Engine supports C++, the engine imposes certain constraints and abstractions that can limit the flexibility developers might need for highly customized or optimized code.

Keyshot features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    KeyShot offers an intuitive and streamlined interface that makes it easy for beginners and professionals alike to navigate and use effectively.
  • Real-time Rendering
    With real-time ray tracing and global illumination, KeyShot allows users to see their changes immediately, significantly speeding up the workflow.
  • High-Quality Output
    KeyShot produces photorealistic renderings with accurate lighting, materials, and textures, making it a top choice for producing high-quality visuals.
  • Wide Material Library
    The software comes with a vast library of materials and textures that can be easily applied and customized to achieve the desired look.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    KeyShot supports both Windows and macOS, making it accessible to a broader range of users.
  • Integration with 3D Modeling Software
    It offers seamless integration with popular 3D modeling software like SOLIDWORKS, Rhino, and SketchUp, which helps maintain a smooth workflow.

Possible disadvantages of Keyshot

  • High Cost
    KeyShot can be quite expensive, especially for smaller studios or individual users, with licensing fees that add up over time.
  • Limited Animation Features
    While KeyShot has some animation capabilities, they are not as extensive or advanced as those found in dedicated animation software.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be quite demanding on system resources, requiring a powerful computer to run efficiently, especially for complex scenes and renderings.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    Although easy to start with, mastering KeyShot's advanced features and getting the most out of the software can take time and effort.
  • Limited Post-Processing Tools
    KeyShot's post-processing capabilities are relatively basic compared to some other rendering software, necessitating additional editing in other programs.
  • No GPU Rendering
    As of the latest version, KeyShot primarily relies on CPU rendering, which might be slower compared to modern renderers that utilize GPUs for enhanced performance.

Analysis of Unreal Engine

Overall verdict

  • Unreal Engine is generally considered a top-tier game engine suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. Its high-quality rendering, extensive feature set, and flexibility make it a preferred choice for creating AAA games, architectural visualizations, and even film production.

Why this product is good

  • Unreal Engine is popular due to its powerful graphics capabilities, versatility, and comprehensive toolset. It provides real-time 3D creation tools, robust support for high-resolution graphics, and a plethora of resources and documentation for developers. It is also free to use up to a certain revenue threshold, making it accessible for indie developers and large studios alike. Additionally, its blueprint visual scripting system offers non-programmers an approachable way to prototype and develop gameplay elements.

Recommended for

    Unreal Engine is recommended for game developers who require cutting-edge graphics and performance, individuals interested in virtual production, architects looking for detailed visualizations, and anyone wanting to work on large-scale, high-fidelity projects.

Analysis of Keyshot

Overall verdict

  • Keyshot is considered a strong choice for professionals and hobbyists looking for reliable and efficient rendering software. Its combination of powerful features, user-friendliness, and high-quality results make it a popular tool in various industries including product design, engineering, and architecture.

Why this product is good

  • Keyshot is widely regarded as an excellent rendering software due to its ease of use, real-time rendering capabilities, and high-quality output. Its intuitive interface allows for quick setup and rendering without needing extensive prior knowledge of rendering techniques. Keyshot supports a wide range of file formats, making it versatile for different design and engineering needs.

Recommended for

    Keyshot is particularly recommended for designers, engineers, architects, and marketing professionals who need to create realistic visuals and presentations of 3D models. It is also suitable for those who prioritize speed and ease of use in the rendering process, as well as for educators and students who require a powerful yet accessible tool for learning and teaching purposes.

Unreal Engine videos

Why I switched over to Unreal Engine 4 From Unity 5

More videos:

  • Review - Unity vs Unreal Engine | Graphics, Workflow, Price, Level Design and More! (2017-2018)
  • Review - Game Development | Intro to Unreal Engine 4 | No Prior Programming Knowledge

Keyshot videos

KEYSHOT 9 - REVIEW / WALKTHROUGH

More videos:

  • Review - MAVERICK STUDIO -THE KEYSHOT KILLER?
  • Review - KEYSHOT 9 - NEW FEATURES!
  • Review - Keyshot 11 Released - New Features Review!
  • Review - What is keyshot used for

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Unreal Engine and Keyshot)
Game Development
82 82%
18% 18
3D
27 27%
73% 73
Game Engine
100 100%
0% 0
3D Modeling
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 Unreal Engine and Keyshot

Unreal Engine Reviews

Top 13 Picks for Maxon Cinema 4D Alternatives in 2024
Designed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine is a comprehensive 3D graphics engine initially developed for PC gaming. Since its inception in 1998, it supports a wide array of platforms, including mobile, console, and VR. It is known for its versatility and power in a broad spectrum of industries like film and television.
Source: aircada.com
Game Engines: A Comparative Analysis
Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine stands as a titan in the industry, renowned for its stunning graphics and realistic visual effects. It excels in AAA game development, with a powerful rendering engine and an intuitive visual scripting system called Blueprints. Unreal Engineโ€™s prowess lies in its ability to deliver top-notch graphics and cinematic experiences.
Source: medium.com
Best Unity alternatives for game development
Unreal Engine has become one of the most popular engines to date; it's one of the top-of-the-line gaming engines that produces high graphical fidelity and realism for many games. In fact, many mobile games (Injustice 2, Life is Strange) that look incredible are likely using the Unreal Engine. It's a number one choice that often goes head-to-head with Unity due to its great...
Best Game Engines for 2023 โ€“ Which Should You Use?
However, many game developers do report that Unreal Engine is better suited for larger projects and projects you intend to work on as a team. Additionally, as the program is heavy on the graphics end, many people will find it requires a more powerful computer compared to other engines like Unity. Beyond this, it is also noteworthy that while Unreal Engine can create 2D games...
The Best Gaming Engines You Should Consider for 2023
2022 saw the official launch of Unreal Engine 5, and itโ€™s already shaping up to be a game changer for game development. Most next-gen consoles, including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are already using it, and its powerful tools such as Lumen and Nanite (an engine that imports high-detailed photographic source material โ€“ taking advantage of its past acquisition of Quixel)...

Keyshot Reviews

10 Best V-Ray Alternative Software for Rendering
KeyShot is a powerful and intuitive 3D rendering software designed to create animations, interior graphics, and much more. It is the best software for creating professional-grade animated graphics. With its easy user interface, you can apply materials and lighting in a few seconds without hassle. Keyshot can be used by professionals, including architects and interior designers.
Source: foyr.com
15 Best Maya Alternatives
KeyShot is more or less a suite as it supports various exclusive products including KeyShot Animation, KeyShot Viewer, KeyShotXR, and KeyVR.
10 Best KeyShot Alternatives For Rendering 3D Models
Blender is the best KeyShot alternative for users who canโ€™t afford to purchase a paid program. It is great for novice designers or those creating simple 3D graphics/models. Blender is open-source software with a feature-rich interface, collection of visual effects, third-party plug-in support, dynamic playback and more. Most of all, I like that the interface is completely...
Source: fixthephoto.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Unreal Engine and Keyshot, you can also consider the following products

Unity - The multiplatform game creation tools for everyone.

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

Godot Engine - Feature-packed 2D and 3D open source game engine.

Cinema 4D - Cinema 4D is a 3D modeling, animation, motion graphics and rendering application.

Autodesk 3DS Max - 3ds Max is software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visualization. Create stunning game enrivonments, design visualizations, and virtual reality experiences.

GDevelop - GDevelop is an open-source game making software designed to be used by everyone.