TypeAccent

Switching between multiple keyboard languages/languages on Windows is arguably easier now than it ever was. To do so, either click the language icon on the Language bar (bottom-right side of the screen, near the taskbar) or use the Alt+Shift keyboard shortcut to instantly flick between keyboard layouts. Easy, right?

As easy as it may be, the process becomes somewhat annoying when you have to go back and forth between multiple language layouts. Thankfully, there's an easier way.

Meet TypeAccent, a straightforward and very useful Windows application that helps you type foreign language accent characters.

The best part of this app is just how easy it is to use. What's more, it also works with all apps including obscure third-party apps.

Just download the installer, deploy the app, launch it, select any of the supported languages, and simply press the F2 key to alternate between accent characters. For example, if French is selected, pressing F2 will alternate between characters such as a, á, â.

Currently, the supported languages are Polish, French, Spanish, German, and Portuguese. Another great aspect is the fact that the app itself is not only very lightweight but also quite unobtrusive (it lives in the taskbar without ever getting in your way while you work).

The Toggle Accent Button is F2 by default, but please note that it can be changed to either the right CTRL or the left CTRL.

Taking everything into account, TypeAccent is definitely not what one might call an all-encompassing app. Sure, it could do with a few more supported languages, and sure, the GUI could have been a bit more modern.

However, at the end of the day, all that matters is that the app works flawlessly. While not an impressive product, it's a damn fine one when it comes to usefulness and effectiveness.