app launcher

I’m on the hunt to find a new Mac app launcher to replace my favorite but aging launcher, Quicksilver. Quicksilver hasn’t been under active development for some time and each Mac OS X release and update is one step towards Quicksilver’s demise.

After upgrading to Mac OS X 10.6.3, QS stopped launching at startup. Even after manually starting QS, it just didn’t act right. This problem might be fixable, but it’s also a good time to see what other app launchers are out there. But I am baffled that with all the MacHeist deals and MacUpdate bundles I’ve bought in the past, there isn’t an app launcher among them?!

I found this review which is a good start. I was told about Butler which seems to do a lot but has its own menu interface. I love the simplicity and speed of Quicksilver’s Control-Space key combo to kick things off. And of course, free is good.

Sorry, I still think Mac OS X’s Spotlight is too slow. I’m trying out Namely right now and customized the key stroke activation to mimic Quicksilver. We’ll see how this app launcher performs.

Anyone have recommendations for a Mac app launcher?