Most modern smartphones can't do without text input. Their touchscreen design provides a flat sensitive surface that you can use to switch between multiple keyboards. From texting to entering search phrases on your browser, your default keyboard is the go-between channel in communicating with services and apps.
You need to choose one that doesn't frustrate you with typographical errors or slow input. If your keyboard is already doing that, here are the top five alternatives to replace it with.
Gboard
Gboard’s keys are large by default. The layout is ideal if you don't want to accidentally press buttons or strain your eyes to see them. It offers stickers, GIFs, one-hand mode, and more interesting features. Voice typing is another perk when you don't feel like using your hands.
The keyboard also integrates with many Google services. For example, you can translate texts to other languages right away. It's a useful feature when you're texting with foreigners. Customization is also fun as there are numerous themes to choose from. You can also use an image from your gallery as the background.
Microsoft SwiftKey
SwiftKey has an edge over Gboard in the speed and predictive aspects. The keyboard is faster and can guess the next two words you'll type next. Gboard stops at one word. I like the sleek default black theme and the recently introduced AI-powered features.
With Copilot, you can ask AI anything and get responses in seconds. You can also search the web without opening your browser app. If you need ideas for writing an email, blog post, or other content types, you can feed your ideas into the keyboard and it'll compose a sample.
Yandex
Yandex is the best Gboard alternative in terms of layout. It uses much of the settings from Google's keyboard, so you're not forced to learn a new interface. One-handed and floating keyboard modes are missing, and customization is limited.
But if you want a keyboard that gives you basic input features, use Yandex. There are user concerns about the keyboard being a Russian product. It's true that you'll need a Yandex ID to sync your settings. However, the company is reputable and hasn't experienced any data breaches in the past few years.
OpenBoard
OpenBoard suits privacy-focused individuals better. It doesn't have the rich features you'll find on Swiftkey and Gboard, which is good if you don't need the distractions.
Voice typing, however, is still available and is powered by Google. You can even force the keyboard into incognito mode. It'll stop learning what you type so that your suggestions are more neutral.
Ginger Keyboard
If you’re often expressive and would like a keyboard that reflects that, use Ginger. It houses numerous emojis, stickers, and GIFs. Particularly, there's an emoji tab where you'll find them clustered into different artistic creations. There’s a giant bee, clover, and lightning, among others.
Admittedly, the default appearance looks ancient. But you can change it to more modern themes in the settings menu. The menu also houses uncommon keyboard features, like finding word synonyms and creating unique themes from scratch, as well as a spelling book and phrase of the day tab.
Experience seamless productivity one key at a time
The keyboards we mentioned here are free to download from the Google Play Store. Try them and see which one suits your preferences best. Also, don't be afraid to explore their customization options. Play around with themes, layouts, and shortcuts to personalize your typing experience.
It takes time to adjust to a new keyboard. So, don't disregard them immediately if your experience is slow at first. Instead, give yourself time to familiarize yourself with them.
