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X-Mouse Button Control VS Classic Shell

Compare X-Mouse Button Control VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

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X-Mouse Button Control logo X-Mouse Button Control

XMouse Button Control (XMBC) allows you to create application and window specific profiles.

Classic Shell logo 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.
  • X-Mouse Button Control Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-28
  • Classic Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30

X-Mouse Button Control features and specs

  • Customizability
    X-Mouse Button Control allows users to customize the function of each mouse button, including extensive remapping options and the creation of different profiles for different applications.
  • User Interface
    It features an intuitive user interface that makes navigating and configuring settings quite straightforward, even for those who may not be very tech-savvy.
  • Cost
    The software is free to use, making it an accessible option for anyone seeking to enhance their mouse capabilities without spending money.
  • Macro Support
    It supports the creation of complex macros, allowing users to automate various tasks and boost productivity.
  • Profile Switching
    X-Mouse Button Control allows automatic profile switching based on the active application, providing convenience and efficiency.

Possible disadvantages of X-Mouse Button Control

  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, the software can still be overwhelming for beginners due to its wide range of features and customization options.
  • Compatibility
    There may be compatibility issues with certain hardware or software configurations, which can limit its effectiveness for some users.
  • System Resources
    Using X-Mouse Button Control can add to the load on system resources, potentially affecting the performance of other applications on less powerful computers.
  • Updates
    The software is not updated frequently, which means new bugs or compatibility issues with newer versions of operating systems or software may persist for some time.
  • Limited Support
    There is limited customer support available, relying predominantly on community forums and user-generated content for troubleshooting and assistance.

Classic Shell features and specs

  • 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 of Classic Shell

  • 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 of X-Mouse Button Control

Overall verdict

  • X-Mouse Button Control is generally considered to be a good software application for customizing mouse buttons. It is popular among users who need more control over their mice, especially in gaming or digital design contexts.

Why this product is good

  • The software provides an extensive range of customization options, allowing users to assign various functions or macros to different buttons. It's particularly appreciated for its flexibility, ease of use, and robust features. The tool supports application-specific profiles, which means you can create different button configurations for each program you use, enhancing productivity and convenience.

Recommended for

  • Gamers who require additional functions from their mouse for complex games.
  • Digital designers and video editors who need quick access to different tools and controls.
  • Power users who regularly use multiple applications and need customized control schemes for efficiency.

Analysis of Classic Shell

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.

X-Mouse Button Control videos

+ Add

How to program extra mouse buttons for pubg | X-Mouse Button Control Tutorial

Classic Shell videos

+ Add

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos:

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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to X-Mouse Button Control and Classic Shell)

X-Mouse Button Control

Classic Shell

Note Taking
35 35%
Note Taking
65% 65
Automation
100 100%
Automation
0% 0
LMS
0 0%
LMS
100% 100
Windows Tools
100 100%
Windows Tools
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Classic Shell seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 18 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.

X-Mouse Button Control mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of X-Mouse Button Control yet. Tracking of X-Mouse Button Control recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Classic Shell mentions (18)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing X-Mouse Button Control and Classic Shell, you can also consider the following products

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

Fences - Keep your desktop organized with Fences. This is a simple software program that allows you to sort the tabs on your desktop and create files that are easily recognizable to you.

SteerMouse - Advanced driver for USB and Bluetooth mouses.

Open Shell - Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...

Microsoft keyboard layout creator - Edit the windows keyboard layout.

Start Menu X - Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.

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