Comparisons & alternatives · macOS's own storage tools
Is the Storage Studio apps grid a replacement for Launchpad?
Short answer: It works as a fast app launcher, but its real job is showing every app on your Mac and external drive with where each one lives, so you can move, offload or uninstall. Moved apps still appear in Launchpad too.
It can be used like one, but it exists for a different reason. The All Apps grid shows every app on your Mac and on your external drive, each with a small badge saying where it lives — so it doubles as the place you decide what to move, offload or uninstall.
As a launcher it's quick: the search box is focused when it opens, Return opens the top match, arrow keys move around, and a global shortcut (⌃Space by default) can summon it from anywhere. Show in Dock keeps an icon in the Dock that reopens it.
Apps you move with Storage Studio still appear in Launchpad, Spotlight and the Dock as before, so you don't have to switch. See Apps.