When comparing dmenu vs Launchy, the Slant community recommends dmenu for most people. In the question“What are the best app launchers for UNIX-like systems?” dmenu is ranked 4th while Launchy is ranked 11th. The most important reason people chose dmenu is:
Programmed in smart way: less code is more usability and solid.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Highly usable in scripting, piping.
Programmed in smart way: less code is more usability and solid.
Pro .deb files available for Debian based distros
For those using Debian based distros Launchy is very easy to install as their website has 32 and 64bit .deb files available. For all other diistros Launchy will have to be compiled from source.
Pro Easily themed with many available on the web
Launchy can be easily themedby placing themes into the Launchy theme folder and then selecting that theme from within the apps settings. There are also many user created themes available which is great for those that want their launcher to match the rest of their OS's theme.
Cons
Con Small selection of plugins
The official plugin page on Launchy's homepage hosts just 11 plugins.
Con Abandoned
Launchy was last updated in 2010.