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X-Mouse Button Control VS Open Shell

Compare X-Mouse Button Control VS Open 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.

Open Shell logo Open Shell

Open Shell is a fork of the Classic Shell project for Windows that getting back the classic start...
  • X-Mouse Button Control Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-28
  • Open Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-07

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.

Open Shell features and specs

  • Customization
    Open Shell provides extensive customization options, allowing users to modify the Start menu to fit their preferences, from design to functionality.
  • Familiar Interface
    It offers a classic start menu which is familiar to users of older Windows versions, making it easier for them to navigate.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project, it allows for community contributions, making it more transparent and potentially more secure.
  • No Cost
    Open Shell is free to use, providing a cost-effective solution for users who want a different Start menu experience without paying for software.
  • Regular Updates
    The project is fairly well-maintained, receiving updates that add new features and fix potential issues, improving user experience over time.

Possible disadvantages of Open Shell

  • Compatibility Issues
    There could be compatibility problems with certain Windows updates or third-party applications, requiring troubleshooting and fixes.
  • Learning Curve
    While it offers many customization options, new users might find the settings and customization process overwhelming and confusing initially.
  • Community Support
    As an open-source project, it relies heavily on community support rather than professional customer service, which can be a drawback for users needing prompt assistance.
  • Resource Usage
    Though generally lightweight, Open Shell can consume additional system resources, which might be impactful on less powerful machines.

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 Open Shell

Overall verdict

  • Open Shell is considered a good tool for those who desire a more traditional Start Menu experience on modern Windows versions. It is reliable, versatile, and generally well-received by the community for resurrecting the familiar interface from previous Windows iterations.

Why this product is good

  • Open Shell (formerly known as Classic Shell) is appreciated for its ability to bring back the classic Start Menu functionality to Windows, particularly for users who prefer the interface design and usability of older versions of Windows. It provides a customizable menu, various skins, and additional enhancements for the Start Button, File Explorer, and Internet Explorer. The software is lightweight, free, and open source, allowing for a high degree of personalization and adaptability.

Recommended for

  • Users who prefer the classic Windows Start Menu.
  • Individuals who are not satisfied with the default Start Menu on newer Windows versions.
  • Users seeking a highly customizable and lightweight menu solution.
  • Technical users who appreciate open-source software and want to tweak their system appearance and functionality.
  • Anyone upgrading from older Windows versions who wants to maintain a consistent user interface experience.

X-Mouse Button Control videos

+ Add

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

Open Shell videos

+ Add

Classic Menu for Windows 10 with Open Shell

Category Popularity

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

X-Mouse Button Control

Open Shell

Note Taking
40 40%
Note Taking
60% 60
Automation
100 100%
Automation
0% 0
OS & Utilities
0 0%
OS & Utilities
100% 100
Windows Tools
100 100%
Windows Tools
0% 0

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing X-Mouse Button Control and Open 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.

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.

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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