Witch VS Stack WM

Compare Witch VS Stack WM and see what are their differences

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Stack WM

Better window manager for Windows

Landing page //
2021-09-22

Landing page //
2021-10-14

Witch

Website: manytricks.com
$ Details: -

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Stack WM

Website: losttech.software
$ Details

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Witch features and specs

Improved Window Management
Witch allows users to easily switch between open windows, not just applications, making multitasking more efficient.
Customizable Settings
Users can customize various settings, such as window switching behavior and appearance, to better suit their workflow and preferences.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Witch supports customizable keyboard shortcuts, providing quick access to window management functions without relying on the mouse.
Application-Specific Navigation
Users can navigate through different windows of the same application, which is particularly useful for applications with multiple open documents or instances.
Integration with macOS
Witch integrates well with macOS, enhancing the native window switching capabilities without requiring significant changes to the existing workflow.

Possible disadvantages of Witch

Price
Witch is a paid application, which may be a deterrent for users who are seeking free alternatives for window management.
Learning Curve
New users might need some time to fully understand and configure Witch to their liking, which can be a slight barrier to initial productivity.
Possible Redundancy
For users who are satisfied with the built-in macOS window management features, Witch might add unnecessary complexity without significant benefits.
Compatibility Issues
Updates to macOS may occasionally cause compatibility issues with Witch, requiring users to wait for updates from the developer.
Resource Usage
While not typically significant, Witch does consume system resources, which might be a concern for users on older or less powerful machines.

Stack WM features and specs

Resource Efficiency
Stack WM is designed to be lightweight and efficient, consuming minimal system resources, which can lead to better performance on older or less powerful hardware.
Customizability
The window manager offers significant customization options, allowing users to tailor the interface and functionality to their specific needs and preferences.
Tiling Features
It provides automatic tiling of windows, which can improve workflow and multitasking by making better use of screen real estate.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Offers a variety of configurable keyboard shortcuts to improve navigation speed and efficiency, reducing the reliance on a mouse.
Open-Source
Being open-source, it allows developers to view, modify, and contribute to the codebase, fostering a community of collaborative improvement.

Possible disadvantages of Stack WM

Steep Learning Curve
New users may find it difficult to learn and configure as it does not provide a standard desktop environment with typical graphical tools.
Limited Graphical Tools
Unlike more mainstream desktop environments, Stack WM does not come with many built-in graphical configuration tools, which may necessitate manual configuration file editing.
Compatibility
Some users might face compatibility issues with certain applications designed mainly for more popular environments, necessitating additional configuration or troubleshooting.
Niche User Base
Being a less widely used window manager, it has a smaller community, which can mean fewer resources and support options are available online.
Potential Stability Issues
As with many lightweight or less commonly used software solutions, users might encounter bugs or stability issues that have yet to be fully addressed.

Analysis of Witch

Overall verdict

Witch is generally considered a good tool for those who require more control over window management on macOS. It is reliable, integrates well with the macOS environment, and offers a level of customization that can cater to various workflow preferences.

Why this product is good

Witch by Many Tricks is a utility for macOS designed to enhance window management. Users appreciate its ability to switch between not only applications but also individual windows using simple keyboard shortcuts. This added functionality can significantly improve productivity, especially for power users who often work with multiple windows and need a more refined navigation tool than the standard macOS application switcher.

Recommended for

Mac users who multitask frequently and need efficient window management
Individuals looking for an alternative to the default macOS app switcher
Power users who prefer keyboard shortcuts for enhanced productivity

Witch videos

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The Witch - Movie Review

Stack WM videos

No Stack WM videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Witch and Stack WM)

Stack WM

Window Manager

61 61%

Window Manager

39% 39

Mac

100 100%

Mac

0% 0

OSX Tools

0 0%

OSX Tools

100% 100

Note Taking

100 100%

Note Taking

0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Witch and Stack WM. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Witch should be more popular than Stack WM. It has been mentiond 28 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.

Witch mentions (28)

Show HN: What if your menu bar was a keyboard-controlled command center?
I spotted the very underrated Bloom [1] in the screenshots and thought I should give it a shout in here. I've been using it, along with Witch [2] as an app switcher so that I can hide the Finder icon, for about 2 months and love it. [1] https://bloomapp.club [2] https://manytricks.com/witch/. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
macOS Tips and Tricks
- check out Witch (https://manytricks.com/witch/). - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
Loop: Open-Source macOS Window Manager
There's at least Witch and Contexts. https://manytricks.com/witch/ https://contexts.co/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
US sues Adobe for 'deceiving' subscriptions that are too hard to cancel
There are multiple 3rd party window switchers, Witch is a popular one, afair: https://manytricks.com/witch/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
App Switcher on MAC
I tried a lot, and https://manytricks.com/witch/ is what I stuck with for the ONLY decent alt tab experience I could find (it’s heavily customizable). I don’t understand this number thing, finding them like that takes the same reading action you could be doing while you press alt tab for each… and you’d be done, but instead I see so many apps offer that number route. It just seems like double work to me ;). Source: about 3 years ago

Stack WM mentions (5)

Show HN: A tiling window manager like i3wm written in C#
What is the license? I am author of Stack WM [1]. Also C#, but all the configuration and layouts are defined in WPF XAML and are generally static (e.g. Like PowerToys, but much more flexible due to WPF containers and data binding + you can make WPF-based widgets). Curious about the license for I am interested in having a common library for window manipulation. I am using VirtualDesktop [2] to handle Windows... - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
A terminal with UI like visual code
> I could envision a WM that allows you to group windows together into tabs There's one on Windows, that has the tabs feature: https://losttech.software/stack.html Disclaimer: I made it. - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
KDE: A Nice Tiling Environment and a Surprisingly DE
Disclaimer: I am the author. For Windows I made Stack WM: https://losttech.software/stack.html I works differently from i3: you _predefine_ screen zones (possibly overlapping), and then just move your windows between them with keyboard shortcuts or middle mouse button. IMHO, covers the problems you mentioned. You can have: - multiple windows in one zone with normal Z ordering - a taskbar for any zone or a group of... - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
Switching to the I3 Window Manager
I've made my own tiling WM for Windows (non-free): https://losttech.software/stack.html But it does not work like i3. You predefine the layouts (which can be dynamic). - Source: Hacker News / almost 5 years ago
Ask HN: What are some tools / libraries you built yourself?
A tiling window manager for Windows https://losttech.software/stack.html. - Source: Hacker News / about 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Witch and Stack WM, you can also consider the following products

Contexts - Switch between application windows effortlessly — with Fast Search, a better Command-Tab, a Sidebar or even a quick gesture. Free trial available.

GridMove - GridMove - A window management tool that can quickly arrange your windows into desktop grids.

Compiz - Project information. Maintainer: PS Project Management Team. Driver: Compiz Maintainers. Licence: GNU GPL v2, GNU LGPL v2. 1, MIT / X / Expat Licence.

Preme for Windows - Speeds up your window switching.

Hyperswitch - HyperSwitch provides a compelling alternative to HyperDock for keyboard junkies. What's New

WinDock - WinDock is a window manager ideal for large, or multi-monitor setups. Features:

Preme for Windows vs Witch

Preme for Windows vs Stack WM

Hyperswitch vs Witch