Keypirinha vs MaxLauncher
Keypirinha
keypirinha.comMaxLauncher
maxlauncher.sourceforge.ioSide by side
| Figure | Keypirinha | MaxLauncher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Start Menu Customization Software | 7.8 (#13) | 8.1 (#7) |
| Architecture | Keypirinha uses a plugin-oriented architecture with a C++ core and Python 3 plugins. | The maker says the application runs on 32-bit and 64-bit versions. |
| Integrations | Official examples include Apps, TaskSwitcher, Winamp, ControlPanel, PuTTY, Calc, GoogleTranslate and URL packages. | The product can launch programs, folders, or commands; the maker pages do not list third-party service integrations. |
| Launch targets | It finds and launches applications, files, bookmarks, URLs, PuTTY, WinSCP and FileZilla sessions, and registry keys. | Buttons can launch programs, folders, or commands in two or three keystrokes. |
| Support | The project provides a support chat room, issue reporting guidance and direct contact through the @polyvertex account. | Support is offered through SourceForge bug reports, feature requests, support requests, and discussion forums. |
Plans
In their own words
Keypirinha
Keypirinha is a free keyboard-oriented launcher for Windows. It can find and open applications, files, bookmarks, URLs, registry keys, and sessions for PuTTY, WinSCP, and FileZilla; it can also search configured websites and online dictionaries. Built-in utilities handle translation, mathematical evaluation, base conversion, environment-variable lookup, URL processing, hashing, and generation of UUIDs, passwords, or bytes. Its plugin design combines a C++ core with Python 3 plugins, and an embedded interpreter with exposed modules allows extensions. Users can adjust colors, fonts, visible interface elements, and their positions. Configuration is managed in readable files, with separate machine-specific and user-specific settings. Keypirinha is distributed as an archive rather than an installer, with full, 64-bit-only, and 32-bit-only packages. Portable Mode keeps required files in one folder for moving the application on a USB device. The project describes it as a niche option for advanced users, noting that its minimal interface and learning curve can be demanding.
MaxLauncher
MaxLauncher is a free, open-source tabbed launcher for Windows that opens programs, folders, or commands with two or three keystrokes. Each .mld data file can hold up to ten tabs, with 30 configurable buttons on each, for a maximum of 300 buttons. A favorites bar adds ten configurable buttons assigned to F1–F10. Separate XML-format text files can keep shortcut groups, such as work and home, apart. The launcher supports drag and drop, configurable activation hotkeys, custom themes, multi-launch, multiple instances, and basic multi-monitor use. Users can install it with an executable or choose a portable ZIP version, which the maker says can run from a USB stick or external hard drive. Portable settings can be made read-only to prevent changes to selected launcher data and cache files. The listed requirements are Windows Vista or newer, or Windows XP with Microsoft .NET 3.5 or higher; it runs on 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The downloads page lists version 1.31.0.0, dated October 29, 2021, as the latest release shown.