Once a staunch advocate for Google Gboard, I found myself re-evaluating my loyalty after experiencing a decline in typing accuracy and cumbersome clipboard management. My journey through various keyboard alternatives over the past few months has led me to discover options that surpass Gboard in functionality and user experience.
Microsoft SwiftKey
The stable build gets the basics right
Initially, my experience with Microsoft SwiftKey was through its stable, non-beta version. This keyboard impressed me with its swiping capabilities, predictive text, and robust multi-language support. The clipboard management and cross-device syncing were particularly beneficial for someone like me, who types extensively each day. However, I found the voice input feature to be lacking, with slow speech-to-text recognition and modest accuracy, which ultimately made me shy away from using it as my default keyboard.
Despite its shortcomings, particularly the absence of a secondary language I frequently used with Gboard, I relied on SwiftKey for several weeks before finally transitioning to the beta version. In hindsight, I wish I had made the switch sooner, as the stable version still offers solid performance for those who prioritize swipe typing and multilingual capabilities.
Microsoft SwiftKey Beta
It fixes my complaints with smarter voice and multilingual swipe
Upon installing SwiftKey Beta, I was astounded by the improvements in AI-powered voice typing. The difference was remarkable; the beta version processed words and phrases with impressive speed, rivaling Gboard’s voice dictation. The upgraded AI model significantly reduced errors, enhancing the overall typing experience. While it still lacks support for niche secondary languages, the beta offers a broader selection for download, allowing for seamless autocorrect and text predictions across multiple languages.
One of the standout features is the glide typing, which works effortlessly across different languages without the need to manually switch layouts. This is a significant advantage over Gboard, which limits multilingual typing to just a few languages based on layout mode. However, I did notice that SwiftKey Beta lacks options for font and text size scaling, a feature that Gboard handles with ease. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it is a quality-of-life enhancement I hope to see in future updates.
FUTO Keyboard
Uncompromised privacy with your data secure on your device
If there’s a worthy contender to SwiftKey, it would be FUTO Keyboard. This lightweight, minimalist open-source keyboard prioritizes privacy, allowing core functions to operate offline without requiring an account, even for voice dictation. All typing patterns and personal data remain securely on the device, appealing to users wary of data logging by larger corporations.
FUTO excels in customization, enabling users to import and export dictionaries and select which language model operates locally. Its text prediction improves with regular use, and I found the glide typing experience to be smooth, enhanced by intuitive micro-gestures. However, FUTO’s limited language catalog and somewhat clumsy clipboard management prevented it from becoming my daily driver, despite its strong privacy stance.
Samsung Keyboard
Deep Galaxy integration is phenomenal
Having previously avoided Samsung Keyboard, I have recently embraced it as my primary option on my Galaxy Tab. The integration with One UI is seamless, offering features like native S Pen handwriting support. Samsung has made significant strides in refining its text prediction engine, addressing one of my main grievances that initially drove me to Gboard.
While there are still some rough edges, particularly with voice input, Samsung is continuously improving through newer AI models. The deep visual customization options available through the Good Lock suite’s Keys Café allow for a level of personalization that third-party keyboards cannot match. For Galaxy users, the universal system clipboard is a robust feature that enhances productivity.
Gboard (is still great)
Its dictation is hard to beat
Despite my shift away from Gboard, it remains a competent keyboard. Its voice typing capabilities are exceptional, and the predictive engine holds its ground against competitors. The built-in Google Translate integration and the fun Emoji Kitchen feature are still compelling reasons for many to stick with Gboard.
However, Gboard increasingly feels like a data pipeline rather than a dedicated utility. Users have limited options to opt out of data harvesting, and the absence of a true offline mode is a drawback. Customization options have stagnated, and the clipboard management lacks the flexibility needed for power users. As a result, Gboard is becoming less appealing for those who require a more tailored typing experience.
I don’t have plans to replace Microsoft SwiftKey Beta
At this moment, I am committed to using Microsoft SwiftKey Beta. It meets nearly all my requirements, offering fluid swipe mechanics, efficient multi-language input, and a productive clipboard. While I wish for more granular font scaling options, the overall package is compelling enough to keep me satisfied. With the ease of switching keyboards on Android, I remain open to exploring new contenders or enhancements that may arise in the future.
