Quick Search Box or Quicksilver? | The Apple Blog
Now today, we have access to a community-supported version of Quicksilver that runs smoothly on OS X 10.6, as well as the Google-backed Quick Search Box which also works well enough. So which is the better choice for daily use?
Whether you’re a current user of Google’s Quick Search Box, a past user of Quicksilver or new to both, I’d highly recommend taking a look at the latest build of Quicksilver. It’s been a happy homecoming for me, and I’m confident that the great functionality, speed, and extensibility that the app offers will make it of great use to you, too.
I switched from Quicksilver to Quick Search Box several months ago and am quite happy. I can do the basic things that I want: adjust iTunes (not system) volume, rate songs, search my address book, etc. The one thing I can’t do is add items to Things. I also can’t make calls using Google Voice to people in my address book. I might try out the Google Voice plugin in Quicksilver and see if it’s worth switching back. Oh geez, and now there’s another one: Alfred! Is anybody else playing ping-pong between these apps?
If you’re not using a launcher yet, just pick one and go for it—you’ll never look back. Don’t believe the naysayers, these apps are way more powerful than Spotlight.
When Quicksilver started to break on Snow Leopard (or was it Leopard?) I switched to QSB and found it to be a reasonable replacement, although it was slightly slower. I had to download some plugins in order access things that I used all the time with Quicksilver (e.g., email and bookmarks). I definitely missed things like the ‘comma trick’ as I email multiple people with Quicksilver all the time. I am also very partial to the bezel look of Quicksilver. When Quicksilver was fixed, I switched back and haven’t had a problem since.
When Alfred came out I downloaded it and gave it a try. At that time it was definitely not at Quicksilver’s level but it did have promise. Haven’t tried it since I went back to Quicksilver.