KeyboardLink

A computer's keyboard can be useful in a couple more ways than typing away or gaming. One of its biggest advantages is the ability to employ the use of shortcuts, or hotkeys. Windows comes with hotkeys of its own, but some users wish to have more control over that aspect. KeyboardLink is an intuitive solution for anyone customizing and deploying key shortcuts.

KeyboardLink needs to be activated in order for the keys to take effect. After the installation is over, the app will activate and sit quietly in the system tray area. Right-click it to disable it or access the UI.

Neatly arranged sections guide the user through all available hotkeys. You can simplify media player controls, deploy apps like Notepad, Calculator, browsers, and launch office-related processes such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PP presentations, and emails. Several system settings can be assigned hotkeys as well. Settings like volume levels, emptying the recycle bin screensaver launcher, or a way to quickly disable the utility.

Each entry has its own combo menu with dozens of keys to combine. At a first sight, one might believe that the number of possible hotkeys is very limited, as most entries have a single character to define, a single button. However, the Custom tab takes care of that aspect by allowing users to link applications or processes of their choosing and add a shortcut to activate launch them.

Despite its vintage looks, KyboardLink can be of help to individuals who are interested in speeding up some process but keeping things simple. The app provides enough shortcuts to keep a casual user happy, but its overall potential can be a letdown for those who are looking to apply buttons for every action.