[blackwasp]

For many users of their smartphone, or the default (or the stock) keyboard, is the only one that's ever used. But thanks to the abundant options offered, it is not necessary to use a default keyboard. Some keyboards make you type faster while some add to the visual appeal. Here are the top choices when it comes to keyboards. BHPians, which is your preferred keyboard ?

1. OEM - Sometimes, the only keyboard that you need is the default one in your phone. While many iOS users prefer the one that came from the factory, most of the Android users prefer to use some other keyboard.

2. Gboard - Designed by Google, this keyboard option supports multiple languages, emoji, swipe texting, voice typing as well as a handy translation function. The Voice typing feature is a popular option amongst many - activate this by just long pressing the mic button and Gboard will transcribe your voice to text. Also, on the days when Google has a doodle, the 'G' button will be animated.

3. SwiftKey - The Microsoft keyboard is claims to learn your writing style and includes an autocorrect that makes predictions based on the words / emojis that you frequently use. You can also change the themes as per your choice.

4. Fleksy - Fleksy allows multiple customizations like removing a number row, adding app shortcuts and mini apps and more. Fleksy claims to encrypt all information that's typed and now also comes with an AI assistant.

5. Swype - While no longer offered directly to consumers, the Swype keyboard was one of the first to offer a swipe-to-type feature. Founded in 2002, the firm was bought by Nuance Communications in 2011. The company now focuses on its business customers including in the medical and automotive fields.

6. Minimum (Minuum) - The Minuum keyboard compresses your entire keyboard into a single line. The app claims to free up space on your screen thanks to the low profile keyboard. You can also pull it up like a conventional keyboard when needed. You just tap in the general area of the letters and the keyboard turns it into words.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[raksrules]

I have been using Swiftkey from the time when Apple started allowing 3rd party keyboards. Its prediction is really good and auto correct too.

[Eddy]

I don't even know which one I am using on my Andriod. Must be the default then

[mukeshgoel]

I have been using Swiftkey since 1800 BC.

I got a paid version in 2011 when it was known as "Swiftkey X Keyboard". Bought it for my wife's mobile also in 2013. Now there is no paid version I guess.

This is one of the first apps that I install on any mobile I get. Absolutely love it.

Microsoft acquired Swiftkey in 2016.

[a4anurag]

Use the OEM keyboard for 99% of the typing.

For posts on Team-BHP, I use 'Grammarly' for checking any typo/error once again after I proofread before submitting.

[digitalnirvana]

I've used Swype in the olden days and then moved on to SwiftKey. Stuck with it ever since.

[kavensri]

Having used OEM, Swype and swiftkey (I had even brought the paid version!), I finally settle on Gboard. And there is no going back to any other keyboards since then. I like their local language integration and its accuracy.

[akash_v12]

For Android, It's GBoard for me. No other keyboard can offer the same level of experience as Gboard. Swipe-Type works flawlessly and identifies all the commonly used chat language. I've used Swiftkey too, but again, the typing experience comes nowhere close to Gboard.

But when using iOS, I love Apple's OEM keyboard. It's smooth and has a typing experience similar to Gboard.

[Amien]

Long time Sony user, I still use and prefer the Xperia keyboard which can be side-loaded on other phones. It still offers a good phonepad/T9 keyboard for portraint mode.

[EightSix]

Love the Apple OEM keyboard on iPhone/iPad, never felt like changing. Not as much for my Vivo OEM Keyboard. Replaced it with GBoard the day I got it. GBoard is perfect. Hate the fact that my typing might be monitored/saved and I’m letting Google control what I type, but it is accurate and serves its purpose exceptionally.

[GTO]

I absolutely hate / detest / despise typing on my smartphone. But when I have to, its GBoard for me. As much as possible, I try to use voice typing though.

Originally Posted by a4anurag

For posts on Team-BHP, I use 'Grammarly' for checking any typo/error once again after I proofread before submitting.

Thank you

[binand]

Voted Swiftkey. My purchase records show that I bought it for Rs. 50 (iirc, some play store promotional price) on 24 Nov 2012 - 8 years ago. Since then it is among the first few apps that I install on any new Android device I buy or use. Such is my dependence on it that I struggle to even enter my Google email on a brand new phone's first setup time. :-)

[vb-saan]

GBoard for me. Even the OEM iPhone keyboard is pretty good I am comfortable with the Google one. And having the same keyboard on multiple phones (including the Samsung work phone) make it much easier.

I see that Swiftkey is very popular with the kids. My daughter have it her on phone and she absolutely love it.

[Bass&Trouble]

I have used Gboard and swiftkey and they are no match for the Apple OEM keyboard for my swipe, Hinglish typing requirements. Gboard autocompletes to all kinds of rubbish terms for even standard english words.