10 Best Keyboard Apps for Android Smartphones

Every touchscreen smartphone comes with a convenient built-in keyboard. However, there are times when additional keyboard apps are necessary due to certain limitations.

For example, you may be accustomed to typing on a QWERTY keyboard, but your smartphone uses a 3x4 or non-QWERTY layout. If you're not satisfied with your device's default keyboard, you should definitely try these third-party keyboard apps.

1. Gboard - The Google Keyboard

For those using Google Pixel phones, Gboard is the default keyboard app. However, for users of Android devices from other brands, Gboard can be downloaded and installed from the Google Play Store.

At first glance, Gboard may appear to be just a basic keyboard app, as its design is simple and familiar, making it easy to use.

But behind its straightforward appearance, Gboard offers a wealth of impressive features, including support for various languages and layouts, easy customization of keyboard size and theme, and accurate text predictions.

Additionally, Gboard includes an accurate glide typing feature, allowing you to type with one hand. Uniquely, it also supports a variety of input methods, including even Morse code.

If you're feeling lazy to type, Gboard also offers voice typing, which instantly converts your speech into words and sentences.

As a loyal Gboard user myself, I must admit that it is one of the most comfortable keyboards to type on. I rarely make typos, and the size of each key feels just right without the need for customization.

However, there is one area where Gboard could improve: its voice typing feature. When using this feature, it requires a slower speaking pace. When speaking at a normal, slightly faster pace, I’ve experienced a few instances where Gboard incorrectly transcribed my words.

Things I like about Gboard:

• The interface is simple yet packed with functional features
• It allows you to dictate text messages using voice
• Supports various input methods, including Morse code
• The size of each key feels just right

Things to note in Gboard:

• For the voice typing feature, you should speak at a moderate pace so that the system can accurately capture each word.

2. Microsoft SwiftKey

I am one of those people who have experienced the excellence of Microsoft SwiftKey. This app supports over 700 languages.

As one of the top keyboard apps, SwiftKey naturally offers all the essential features, such as size and theme customization, emoji, sticker, and GIF search, auto-correction, and predictive typing. You can also use it one-handed and take advantage of glide typing to speed up your typing.

One of my favorite unique features is the clipboard, which is connected to the cloud. For instance, if you copy text on your smartphone, it’s saved to the clipboard, and you can sync it with your PC or laptop, allowing you to paste it directly onto those devices.

Even cooler, SwiftKey is integrated with AI that analyzes your typing habits, automatically suggesting words you frequently use. How awesome is that? It helps you save time while typing!

Things I like about Microsoft SwiftKey:

• Supports over 700 languages, with up to 5 input languages simultaneously
• Offers a cloud-connected clipboard feature
• Integrated with AI to analyze the user’s typing habits

Things to keep in mind about Microsoft SwiftKey:

• Some users have reported bugs when downloading certain languages

3. Fleksy

Fleksy is an Android keyboard app with a unique feature set, offering a new way to type sentences using gestures. For instance, swiping left deletes the previous word, while swiping right adds a space.

You can also press and hold the space bar to access the "select all" option or control the cursor. This feature allows you to precisely place the cursor where needed in a paragraph for editing.

Additionally, Fleksy includes mini-apps that can be accessed directly without needing to install additional apps. These include access to a meme database, games to test your accuracy and spelling, and even the ability to visit YouTube without opening the app.

Since Fleksy doesn't require you to log in, none of your typed words are sent to the server, ensuring that user privacy is fully protected.

However, I did encounter one issue while using it: when switching to landscape mode, the Fleksy keyboard layout didn't display all the feature keys. Only the main keypad was available in landscape mode, which diminished its practicality.

Things I like about Fleksy:

• Typing is done by using gestures
• Offers a variety of mini-apps
• Doesn’t require users to log in

Things to keep in mind about Fleksy:

• The keyboard layout in landscape mode isn’t as complete as in portrait mode

4. Yandex Keyboard

Did you know that keyboard apps can potentially collect all the data you type, including passwords, contacts, credit card information, and other sensitive data? While you might not be aware of it, almost all keyboard apps have the capability to do so.

The good news is that Yandex Keyboard prioritizes privacy. They offer an option to not store any user data, so you don’t have to worry about the app recording or saving your personal information.

Additionally, Yandex Keyboard includes a feature to block offensive words, helping you type more carefully and thoughtfully.

Overall, Yandex Keyboard offers standard features like word prediction, auto-correction, theme options, and the ability to use personal photos as keyboard themes. While it may not have any standout additional features, you can still adjust the keyboard size and customize its appearance to fit your preferences.

Things I like about Yandex Keyboard:

• Provides an option to opt out of collecting typed data
• Includes a feature to block offensive words
• Still offers customization options for keyboard comfort and appearance

Things to keep in mind about Yandex Keyboard:

• Most of its sticker collection is in Russian

5. Ginger Keyboard

I don’t think Ginger Keyboard should be considered just a typical keyboard app. It doubles as a writing assistant. Unlike other apps that only correct individual words, Ginger Keyboard can check and correct entire sentences.

Ginger Keyboard also offers a paraphrasing feature, providing various alternative ways to express the same idea.

The Smart Bar feature allows users to write notes, send emails, and even chat without leaving the keyboard interface. To make things even more fun, you can play the Snake game on the keyboard.

When I tried it myself, I found Ginger Keyboard quite comfortable for typing. However, on my phone, the emoji search feature didn’t work at all. Additionally, the word prediction feature took a very long time to appear.

It seems that Ginger Software Inc., the developer, needs to update the app more regularly and fix these bugs.

Things I like about Ginger Keyboard:

• It works as a writing assistant
• Can paraphrase written sentences
• Offers a few unique games that can be played directly on the keyboard

Things to keep in mind about Ginger Keyboard:

• The emoji search feature doesn’t work
• The word prediction feature also doesn’t function properly

6. Multiling O Keyboard

As you might expect from its name, Multiling O Keyboard is focused on language. It supports over 200 languages, which is far more than most other keyboard apps on this list, and it also includes regional languages.

This means the keyboard can suggest the next word and provide autocorrections based on the regional language you select. It’s ideal for teachers, lecturers, or students studying regional languages.

Additionally, for languages that don’t use the Latin alphabet, such as Korean, the keyboard offers six special layouts to display Hangeul, Cheonjiin, and other scripts.

However, for some reason, the layout of each key on the keyboard feels squeezed to fit the overall size of the keyboard. As a result, the default key size is small, though advanced settings allow you to adjust this.

The app’s interface design can feel somewhat complicated. While the keyboard offers extensive customization options for greater comfort, these settings may seem complex and less user-friendly for new users.

Things I like about Multiling O Keyboard:

• The app size is quite small for a keyboard with so many features
• Supports many languages, including regional/local languages
• Offers six custom layouts for displaying characters like Hangeul, Cheonjiin, and others

Things to keep in mind about Multiling O Keyboard:

• The settings can be quite complex and not beginner-friendly

7. GO Keyboard

Among all the keyboard apps I’ve tried, GO Keyboard stands out for having the most theme options. It’s perfect for those who prioritize visual appeal over functionality.

The customization options in this app are quite extensive. You can adjust the height of the keys and even the width of the space bar. GO Keyboard supports up to 60 languages and includes a built-in dictionary feature that shows word meanings in various supported languages.

Other unique features include keyboard personalization with your own photos, a variety of font styles, and a wide selection of emojis. Additionally, the app allows you to create emoji avatars that represent your personal appearance.

Things I like about GO Keyboard:

• Extensive theme customization options
• A vast collection of fonts and emojis
• Unique avatar emoji feature
• Detailed keyboard settings to enhance typing comfort
• Includes a built-in dictionary for various languages

Things to keep in mind about GO Keyboard:

• Although the keyboard is comfortable, the app has many pop-up ads that can be quite annoying

8. Fonts Keyboard

If you enjoy experimenting with different fonts while typing, this app is a great choice. Fonts Keyboard offers a variety of unique and attractive font styles.

There is a wide selection of fonts to choose from, including several colorful options. In addition, the keyboard also features emoticons, kaomoji, and even ASCII art, which can be used instantly while typing.

The visual appearance of the keyboard is customizable as well. With many themes available for free, you can personalize your keyboard to make it more visually appealing.

Things I like about Fonts Keyboard:

• Offers a variety of fun fonts, emoticons, kaomoji, and even ASCII art
• Free to use
• Supports theme customization for a more attractive keyboard appearance
• Supports input in multiple languages

Things to keep in mind about Fonts Keyboard:

• Lacks advanced settings to enhance typing functionality and comfort

9. Typewise

Typewise is one of the most unique keyboard apps I've ever tried. While it provides a traditional QWERTY layout like most keyboards, it also offers a special layout that you won't find on other apps.

Typewise's unique design is aimed at making typing faster and more efficient. The keys are larger, closer together, and shaped hexagonally, forming a honeycomb-like structure.

Since most of us are already used to the QWERTY layout, it takes some time to adjust to this new design. However, this isn't a problem because Typewise offers an interactive tutorial when you first use the app, explaining how to navigate the keyboard.

To help users further adapt, Typewise also includes a typing game that can be played at any time. Additionally, the app features AI-powered word completion, autocorrect, and offline functionality.

Things I like about Typewise:

• Offers a unique hexagonal keyboard layout, but also provides a QWERTY option
• Includes an interactive tutorial to help users learn how to use the keyboard
• Comes with a typing game to support the adaptation process
• Equipped with standard features like AI-based word completion and autocorrect
• Can be used offline

Things to keep in mind about Typewise:

• It takes time to get used to Typewise’s unique keyboard layout

10. Simple Keyboard

If you're looking for a standard keyboard app that focuses purely on typing without any extra features, Simple Keyboard might be the perfect choice. With a size of less than 1 MB, you can probably guess what this keyboard looks like: it's incredibly minimalist! But that doesn't mean it lacks advantages.

The app still supports input in multiple languages. You can adjust the keyboard size, choose a basic theme, and customize which keys to display. There are also additional settings to improve typing comfort.

However, don't expect an emoji collection, GIFs, or advanced features, as the app's primary focus is to provide a simple, efficient keyboard for typing text.

Things I like about Simple Keyboard:

• A lightweight keyboard focused solely on text typing
• Extremely small in size—less than 1 MB
• Still supports input in multiple languages
• Offers customization settings for keyboard size, features, and basic themes

Things to keep in mind about Simple Keyboard:

• Doesn’t provide any emoji, GIFs, or other visual features

Well, those are some of the best Android keyboard apps recommended by Carisinyal. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect keyboard app, allowing you to type comfortably on your Android device.