bemenu vs GiMeSpace QuickMenu

bemenu is a dynamic menu library and client program inspired by dmenu. It provides the bemenu and bemenu-run clients, with build targets for curses, X11, and Wayland backends. Users can configure environment variables for options, backend selection, renderer paths, and rendering scale. The project documents default keyboard bindings and an optional Vim-style mode enabled with --binding vim. Wayland use depends on a compositor implementing the wlr-layer-shell protocol, typically a wlroots-based compositor. Clipboard pasting uses wl-paste and xclip at runtime, in that order. Building requires a C compiler, and scdoc is needed to generate the man page. The project also documents macOS build steps using Homebrew prerequisites and a build-osx.sh flow; its provided Nix expression installs only the curses backend. The client program and sources other than the library and bindings use GNU GPLv3 or later, while the library and bindings use GNU LGPLv3 or later. The project lists pinentry-bemenu as an integration. bemenu is free and open source, with no paid plans or usage limits stated.

GiMeSpace QuickMenu is a Windows task launcher and switcher that appears at the mouse cursor when you press an assigned mouse or keyboard key. Its upper section lists running tasks, with the most recently used first; its lower section holds programs, files, and shortcuts that you can reorder or remove. You can choose a hotkey, enable click activation, and adjust the number of icon columns. When the cursor is away from the screen edge, QuickMenu can place the previously used task under the cursor to help switch back. The maker says it is designed for Windows XP and later and does not restore the Windows Start menu. It identifies tasks by their icons rather than preview windows. Adding store apps and their icons can be difficult; the maker suggests creating a shortcut first and adding that. Version 2.1.1 comes in high- and low-resolution display versions, with Unicode support listed for the high-resolution version only. The product page lists a free program and a 30-day trial, with pricing from 23 AUD.