FastKeys

Active

Overview

FastKeys is a Windows automation tool that provides text expansion, customizable start menus, keyboard shortcuts, mouse gestures, macro recording, and clipboard management. It supports automation scripts via AutoHotkey and includes over 500 pre-configured commands. Designed for users seeking to automate repetitive tasks, it runs locally with low memory usage and works in any Windows application.

Key Features

Text Expander - Expands abbreviations into full text with auto-complete that learns from usage and real-time typing correction.
Custom Start Menu - Configurable menu triggered by touching screen edge to launch programs, files, or websites.
Keyboard Shortcuts - Assign shortcuts to run applications, open sites, or execute AutoHotkey scripts.
Mouse Gestures - Automate actions via mouse movements while keeping hand on mouse.
Macro Recorder - Records keystrokes and mouse actions to replay repetitive tasks.
Clipboard Manager - Tracks clipboard history for quick access to copied items.
AutoHotkey Scripts - Built-in support for scripting advanced automations.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Standard	$9.99 one-time	Full features including text expander, shortcuts, gestures, macro recorder, clipboard manager, and 500+ commands.
Enterprise	Custom (multiple licenses)	Standard features plus corporate policy manager, silent install, shared settings library, and admin controls.

Platforms & Requirements

Runs on Windows (compatible with Windows 7 and later). Extremely lightweight with minimal memory usage. No support for macOS, Linux, or mobile platforms; portable version available.

Integrations & Ecosystem

AutoHotkey scripting
Microsoft Office submenus
Clipboard history access
Any Windows application
Pre-configured command library (500+ snippets)
Macro import/export

Alternatives

App	Difference
AutoHotkey	Free open-source scripting tool with more advanced customization but steeper learning curve and no built-in UI tools like menus or gestures.
TextExpander	Focuses primarily on text expansion with cross-platform support but lacks gesture, macro, and start menu features.
PhraseExpress	Similar text expander and macro tool with team sharing but higher pricing and no mouse gestures.
StrokeIt	Specializes in mouse gestures only, lacking text expansion and shortcut features.

Reputation

FastKeys is praised for its lightweight design, ease of use, and comprehensive automation features in a single app, with positive reviews on sites like Slashdot and SourceForge highlighting quick setup and low resource use. Users appreciate the local processing, no cloud dependency, and responsive support for paid users. Some note limitations in advanced scripting compared to pure tools like AutoHotkey and lack of cross-platform support.

Sources (7)