10 Best Keyboard Apps for Android Smartphones

Every touchscreen smartphone comes with a default keyboard that's designed to be user-friendly. However, sometimes you might encounter issues or preferences that the standard keyboard doesn't address.

For instance, imagine you're comfortable with the familiar QWERTY layout, but your smartphone defaults to a different style, like the 3x4 keypad. Or maybe you're looking for features that your phone's built-in keyboard doesn't offer. If you find yourself in these situations, exploring third-party keyboard apps can be a game-changer.

Here, we've compiled a list of the top 10 keyboard applications for Android smartphones. These alternatives promise to enhance your typing experience, whether you're seeking a more comfortable layout, additional functionalities, or just a touch of personal style.

1. Gboard - The Google Keyboard

Google Pixel phone users might already be familiar with Gboard as it's the default keyboard on these devices. But if you're using an Android phone from another brand, you're not left out. Gboard is readily available for download on the Google Play Store.

At first glance, Gboard might seem like a regular keyboard app with its clean and simple design. This simplicity is intentional, making it easy for anyone to use. But don't let its unassuming appearance fool you. Gboard is packed with impressive features. It supports various languages and keyboard layouts, offers customizable keyboard sizes and themes, and provides accurate text prediction for efficient typing.

One of its standout features is the glide typing function, which allows for quick, one-handed typing. Regular Google users will appreciate the integrated Google search button, enabling web searches directly from the keyboard.

Gboard even provides you unique functionalities that set it apart from other keyboard apps. It includes a feature for scheduling message delivery and creating custom stickers in messaging apps. And for those interested in alternative input methods, Gboard surprisingly supports Morse code.

As a personal testament, I've been a loyal Gboard user and can vouch for its comfort and efficiency. Typos are rare, and the keypads feel just right in size, usually eliminating the need for customization.

2. Microsoft SwiftKey Keyboard

SwiftKey, developed by Microsoft, is another keyboard app I've personally found to be incredibly powerful. It's a multilingual maestro that supports over 700 languages.

SwiftKey isn't just about basic typing needs; it excels in them. It allows for easy customization of size and theme, and is equipped with a wide range of emojis, stickers, and GIFs. Its autocorrect and predictive typing features are top-notch, helping you type with greater accuracy and speed.

The app is also user-friendly for one-handed typing and includes glide typing to further speed up your typing. But what really sets SwiftKey apart is its cloud-connected clipboard feature. This means anything you copy on your smartphone can be accessed and pasted on your PC or laptop – a seamless connection between your devices that's incredibly handy.

Adding to its cool factor, SwiftKey now includes Copilot, an AI Chat feature powered by Bing, enhancing your typing experience with intelligent responses. SwiftKey is available for free on the Google Play Store.

3. GO Keyboard

In my journey through various keyboard apps, GO Keyboard stands out for its vast array of theme options. This app is a dream come true for those who prioritize visual flair over everything else.

But it's not just about looks. GO Keyboard offers deep customization options. You can adjust the height of the letter keys and even the width of the space bar to suit your typing style.

Catering to a global audience, it supports around 60 languages and comes with a built-in dictionary. This feature is particularly helpful as it can show you the meanings of words in any of the supported languages.

What really gives GO Keyboard its unique charm are features like the ability to personalize the keyboard with your own photos, the use of different fonts for a distinct typing experience, and a strong emphasis on emojis for those who love to express themselves more visually. It is available for free on the Google Play Store.

4. Fleksy

Fleksy is a unique player in the Android keyboard app arena, introducing an innovative way of typing using gestures. Its approach to sentence construction is refreshingly different. For example, a simple swipe to the left deletes the previous word, while a swipe to the right adds a space.

But that's not all. Holding down the space bar opens up options for text selection and precise cursor control. This is especially handy when you need to edit a specific part of your text, allowing you to place the cursor exactly where you need it.

Fleksy goes beyond traditional typing with its mini-apps, which are accessible right from the keyboard. These include a meme database, a typing game to test your accuracy, and a vast collection of GIFs and stickers, all without needing any additional installations.

One of Fleksy's standout features is its commitment to user privacy. Since it doesn't require you to log in, your typed words stay on your device, ensuring complete privacy.

My personal experience with Fleksy was mostly positive, though I found that I needed to adjust the keyboard size for a more comfortable typing experience, unlike Gboard, where the default size was already a good fit. You can download Fleksy for free on the Google Play Store.

5. Chrooma Keyboard

Chrooma Keyboard is not your ordinary keyboard app. It harnesses the power of AI to deliver more accurate contextual predictions. A standout feature is its neural action row, which smartly suggests emojis, numbers, and punctuation based on what you're typing.

But Chrooma isn't just about smarter typing. If you feel emojis fall short in expressing your feelings, there's an option to search and send GIFs right from the keyboard. The app shines in personalization, offering a variety of keyboard themes, font styles, emoji designs, and adjustable keyboard sizes to suit your personal taste.

One of the most visually appealing features of Chrooma is its adaptive keyboard themes. These themes change colors to match the app you're using, creating a cohesive and visually pleasing experience.

Beyond aesthetics, Chrooma is a powerhouse of productivity. It includes a dedicated GIF search, automatic emoji suggestions, and even adjusts the navigation bar color to match the app you're using, for a seamless look and feel.

The app also boasts efficient gesture controls, allowing you to quickly delete words, move the cursor, or select text with simple swipes. Another big plus is its support for typing in multiple languages simultaneously. This feature is a lifesaver for someone like me, who often struggles with autocorrect errors when switching languages in other apps.

Chrooma has thoughtfully included a one-handed mode and a split layout, ideal for larger screens or foldable devices. And for those who prefer swipe typing (glide typing), Chrooma has got this feature too.

In a nutshell, if you're looking for an Android keyboard that can adapt to your style and surroundings, Chrooma Keyboard is a brilliant choice. It's available for download on the Google Play Store.

6. Grammarly Keyboard

Struggle with writing in English? The Grammarly Keyboard app is here to be your digital writing assistant. Known for its ability to enhance productivity, Grammarly is adept at correcting spelling and grammar mistakes in your English writing.

But Grammarly's capabilities go beyond just fixing errors. It helps you choose the right words based on context and nudges you towards proper punctuation use. What's particularly interesting is Grammarly's compatibility with other keyboard apps like Gboard and SwiftKey. This means you can enjoy the best of both worlds without needing to switch between different keyboards.

Using Grammarly feels like having a friendly grammar coach right at your fingertips. It provides short, clear, and easily understandable explanations for every correction it suggests. With regular use, it's entirely possible to significantly improve your English grammar skills.

Ready to elevate your English writing? Give Grammarly a try. You can download it now and start experiencing its benefits.

7. Multiling O Keyboard + Emoji

If you're someone who juggles multiple languages or is interested in regional dialects, Multiling O Keyboard + Emoji is a gem waiting to be discovered. True to its name, this app supports an impressive array of over 200 languages, far outstripping most other keyboard apps on this list.

But what truly sets it apart is its support for local languages like Acehnese, Javanese, and Sundanese. Whether you're a teacher, lecturer, or a student specializing in regional languages, this app is a valuable tool. It intelligently suggests the next words and autocorrects based on the specific local language you're using.

Multiling O Keyboard + Emoji goes a step further with non-Latin languages. For example, if you're learning Korean, the app provides six special layouts to accommodate Hangeul, Cheonjiin, and other scripts. This feature makes it an excellent resource for anyone keen on diving into foreign languages.

Ready to broaden your linguistic horizons? You can download Multiling O Keyboard + Emoji from the Google Play Store and start exploring its vast language capabilities.

8. Smart Keyboard Pro

For those looking to elevate their typing experience on Android, Smart Keyboard Pro is a solid choice. It's a testament to the idea that great things can come in small packages. Despite its modest size, this app packs a punch with support for multiple languages and a plethora of customization options.

Smart Keyboard Pro is all about personalization. You can tweak everything to fit your preferences – from keyboard layouts and sound effects to predictive text and emoji selections. This level of customization ensures you can tailor the keyboard to feel just right for you.

Among its standout features are the T9 and compact layouts available for most languages, a variety of both built-in and downloadable themes, custom text shortcuts for quick typing, voice input capabilities, and effortless language switching.

Another noteworthy aspect is its responsive predictive text feature, which works wonders even with physical keyboards. Additionally, the customizable emoji board adds a fun element to your typing. The app's smart dictionary is also impressive, learning from your typing habits over time to offer even more accurate word predictions.

However, it's important to note that Smart Keyboard Pro is a paid app. It's available for purchase on the Google Play Store for US$2,49, a small price for a significant upgrade to your typing experience.

9. Big Font Keyboard

In the sea of feature-packed keyboard apps, finding one that caters specifically to the needs of the elderly or those with vision impairments can be a challenge. Big Font Keyboard is an app that stands out for its user-friendly design with large fonts.

True to its name, Big Font Keyboard is crafted to make typing easier for those who struggle with small text. It's a godsend for the elderly and individuals with vision problems, allowing users to easily enlarge both the font size and the keyboard itself for better visibility and ease of use.

One trade-off with Big Font Keyboard is its lack of advanced features like word prediction and auto-correction. However, when it comes to sheer user convenience for those requiring larger text, it's unrivaled. It's the go-to keyboard for anyone who values simplicity and readability over complex features.

If Big Font Keyboard sounds like what you've been searching for, good news – it's available for free. You can download it directly from the Google Play Store.

10. Ginger Keyboard

Ginger Keyboard goes beyond the conventional realm of keyboard apps, transforming itself into a full-fledged writing assistant. This isn't just about correcting individual words; Ginger Keyboard steps it up by checking and refining entire sentences.

What sets Ginger Keyboard apart is its paraphrasing capability. It presents various ways to rephrase your sentences, giving you multiple options to express the same idea differently.

A standout feature is the smart bar, which offers exceptional convenience. You can jot down notes, compose emails, or engage in chats, all without ever leaving the keyboard interface. And for a touch of fun, Ginger Keyboard includes a nostalgic twist – you can play the classic Snake game right on the keyboard!

Intrigued? You can download Ginger Keyboard for free and start exploring its versatile features.

In conclusion, these are some of the top Android keyboard apps we at Carisinyal recommend. We hope this guide helps you in finding the perfect keyboard app for a comfortable and efficient typing experience on your Android device.