If there is something we like about Android, those are the options customization from our smartphone. The Android keyboards They are, indeed, one of the most interesting ways to personalize the device according to our tastes and needs, but also to improve the write speed, reduce errors and gain comfort in everyday life.
It's not just about being able to put iPhone emojis on Android, because we can go much further and completely change it by adding interesting features: gesture writingAdvanced AI-based prediction, grammar checkers, large keyboards for people with visual impairments, ultra-lightweight options for low-powered phones, or even apps that turn your phone into a Bluetooth keyboard for computer.
However, the key is to go directly to the best keyboards for androidAnd we've gathered them all, combining our experience with what the top-ranking apps on Google have to offer in this category. Here you'll find both classics like Gboard and SwiftKey, as well as powerful alternatives you might not have heard of.
What to consider before choosing a keyboard on Android
Before entering the list, it is worth reviewing some basic criteria that make the difference between an ordinary keyboard and a truly good one:
- Prediction and autocorrection engineThe more powerful the keyboard, the fewer keys you'll have to press and the fewer mistakes you'll make. Some keyboards learn from your apps, emails, or social media (if you give them permission) to refine their typing even further.
- Handwriting by gestures and freehandDragging your finger instead of typing the letters one by one allows you to type faster; some even recognize handwriting on the screen.
- Simultaneous multilingual supportThis is essential if you frequently switch between multiple languages; the best keyboards allow you to type in two or more languages at the same time without changing settings.
- Privacy and open sourceKeyboards like AnySoftKeyboard or OpenBoard prioritize privacy and avoid sending data to external servers.
- visual customization: themes, colors, backgrounds with your own photos, key sizes, row heights, floating keyboard, one-handed mode, etc.
- Extra features: integration with search engines, translators, GIFs, stickers, advanced clipboard, quick access, or AI tools that help you write better.
- Performance and consumption: For simple mobile phones, a lightweight, fast keyboard without unnecessary features is desirable.
With that clear, Let's go over One by one, the most recommended keyboards, including all the outstanding features mentioned in the best competitor guides, but explained and extended in an original and more detailed way.
Swiftkey
It's one of the oldest keyboards in the Android ecosystem, and for that reason, it took over from the well-known Swype. To this day, it remains one of the... major role models and one of the few capable of directly challenging Gboard in popularity and features.
You have hundreds of topics To customize its appearance, it's free and allows for complete key rearrangement. Furthermore, it gives us the option to configure key size and adjust many other parameters that are unavailable on most Android keyboards.
SwiftKey's greatest strength is its intelligent prediction and self-correction engineMicrosoft's own keyboard. It learns from your typing style and can suggest words and complete phrases, even those you use less frequently but that are part of your personal style. You can further improve its accuracy by linking some of your accounts (for example, email or social media) so the keyboard learns from what you type in other services.
Among its key features inherited from the best keyboards on the market, the following stand out:
- Gesture writing with a fluid and precise system.
- Support simultaneous multilingual, to write in multiple languages without changing settings.
- Integrated clipboard and shortcuts for frequently used phrases.
- Wide catalog of customizable themes, with the possibility of creating your own aesthetic.
- Emojis, stickers, and GIFs integrated with contextual search.
If you're looking for a Gboard alternative that prioritizes pure writing experience And with autocorrect above other extras, SwiftKey is one of the best options.
Gboard (Google Keyboard)
If you like what 'Android Stock', Gboard You're going to like it because, indeed, it's Google's own keyboard and it's the one that comes standard on many mobile phones, especially those with a clean version of Android.
Over time, Gboard has added features until it has become, for many, the more complete keyboard which you can use on Android. Among its most notable features is the ability to It can perform writing through gestures or freehand, AI-based word or phrase prediction, and support for multiple languages simultaneously.without having to manually change the keyboard language.
It has Google Assistant and Google Search integrated, so we can do direct searches from the keyboard itselfshare results, directions, or information in a chat, or include emojis in our conversations through a very fast search engine. It also incorporates a powerful search and sending system. GIFs and stickersas well as the possibility of creating your own custom stickers.
It gives us more options, such as quick access to all emojis, and customization options like setting a photo or image as the keyboard background. It also allows you to activate a floating keyboardideal for large screens or one-handed typing, and offers tools such as a advanced clipboardPrecise text editing with arrows, highly accurate voice dictation, and instant real-time translation leveraging Google Translate.
To further enhance the user experience, you can activate the control gestures on the keyboard, for example to move the cursor by sliding over the space bar or delete entire words with a drag gesture.
Fleksy
If customization doesn't matter so much to you, but you want write fast On your Android phone, without a doubt this is the keyboard for you among the best available for Android. In fact, Fleksy is the only keyboard with a Guinness World Record holder for typing speedAnd that's one of the reasons why many people are betting on this app.
After its change of ownership, Fleksy resumed support to continue improving the app through updates that add new features. Despite its impressive track record and high performance, it is completely free of charge.
Its most comprehensive features include:
- Un private keyboard that prioritizes the confidentiality of your data.
- Gesture writing and quick access to delete, autocorrect, or insert punctuation marks.
- Support multi language with the ability to quickly switch between several installed languages.
- Wide customization options with themes, sizes, and keyboard layouts.
Fleksy also bets on modularity through its Fleksyapps, small modules integrated into the keyboard with which you can add extra functions, such as searching and sending GIFs, integration with services like Yelp or Spotify, sticker packs, or contextual actions that appear depending on what you are typing.
Of course, it doesn't lack key features like quick access to a dedicated emoji keyboard and other symbols. It's one of the most highly recommended options if you prioritize pure speed and an advanced gesture system.
Minuum
Minuum isn't free; in fact, it's not cheap. It costs almost €3,50, but it ranks among the best Android keyboards thanks to its unique approach. According to its creators, it's a Small keyboard for people with large fingersdesigned to occupy the least possible space on the screen.
It's one of the smallest keyboards you'll find, which helps with viewing content on the screen, but can also make it difficult to use at first. However, due to its unique design and size, it offers a highly advanced predictive writing system...much more than its small size might suggest. This predictive engine will help us write easily and, above all, quickly, constantly anticipating the word or phrase we want to type.
Its appearance may remind you of some classic keyboards, but Minuum includes even more settings. design customizationas well as an integrated clipboard, automatic emoji suggestions, and multi-language support. It's an ideal option for anyone who wants maximize screen spaceFor example, when playing games, watching videos, or using your mobile phone in multitasking mode.
chroma
Do you like RGB keyboards of PC Gamers? Well, this keyboard for Android tries to imitate that design with automatic color changes and parameters that, for example, Razer's Chroma keyboards have on computers. The key to this keyboard lies in the originality of its design and the option to configure automated behaviors for the key colors.
Chrooma is one of the most customizable which you can download. It allows you to modify virtually any component of the keyboard: background colors, key colors, borders, height, fonts, layout, and even activate a chameleon mode that makes the keyboard look like a different character. It changes color depending on the app you're usingThis creates a very striking aesthetic integration with the rest of the interface.
Beyond the visual aspect, the app doesn't forget the prediction and self-correctionIt integrates an AI-based engine that offers contextual prediction, basic grammar checking, and gesture typing with autocorrect. Although it's free, most of its visual effects and some advanced settings will require in-app purchases.
For those who prioritize extreme customization Without sacrificing good performance as an everyday keyboard, it is a highly recommended option.
GO Keyboard
An app that had its moment of glory when it was considered one of the most complete keyboards in its category. Its main feature is the customization of the same, including wallpapers, accompanied by a wide catalog of emojis already implemented, without needing to resort to an external app.
It includes theme packs A wide variety of styles are available, from minimalist to eye-catching, and the keyboard size and height can be adjusted for a better fit. It also integrates features commonly found on larger keyboards:
- Writing Instruments sliding your finger about the letters.
- Translation to more than 60 languages.
- Customizable dictionaries to improve prediction.
- Support for stickers, GIFs, and emojis with quick access.
Of course, it doesn't forget the basic typing functions, but its focus is clearly on those looking for a keyboard with many visual and content resources for chats and social networks.
Fancykey
It's a keyboard that was already available on iOS, but which soon after arrived on Android. Like its predecessor, this keyboard has a fairly extensive catalog of emojis and wallpapers, as well as a sliding entry method to type faster.
But the most striking thing about the app is that integrates various effects on the keystrokeThese can be customized to the user's liking. It's possible to change the keystroke sound, the animation, and even the visual style of the buttons to create a keyboard completely different from the norm.
Its strengths include:
- Hundreds of themes and keyboard styles ready to apply.
- Possibility to create your own theme from scratch, choosing colors, backgrounds and even fonts.
- Suggestions for words and emojis based on context.
- Support for sliding typing and keyboard height customization.
It's a keyboard clearly aimed at those who enjoy experimenting. animated and very colorful keyboards, with a wide range of aesthetic customization.
iKeyboard
This keyboard not only brings together emojis, something that at this point in the collection sounds repetitive, but also predicts emojis which can be used according to the message written in the conversation, something very useful for those who constantly use symbols in chats and social networks.
It also includes other multimedia content, which could only be the GIFs and stickersIt offers a wide variety of options to choose from without needing to install additional apps. It also integrates color themes, customizable backgrounds, and different visual styles to give each conversation a distinct feel.
It's an interesting alternative if you're looking for a keyboard focused on quick reactions through emojis and GIFs, without giving up basic writing functions.
Ginger Keyboard
Aside from all the multimedia content it may possess, Ginger has a more functional purpose. Its predictive text is quite robust, capable of predicting in almost any situation, in addition to a well-developed Swype mode. although its name in this app is Stream, with which we can write by sliding our finger.
What truly sets it apart is its focus on the proofreading and improvement of textsIt includes a spelling and grammar checker capable of detecting common errors and offering suggestions for rewriting or improving entire sentences, which is very useful when writing formal messages, emails, or longer texts from your mobile phone.
On the other hand, it includes a translator for several languageswith special attention to translation from Spanish to English, and vice versa, which greatly simplifies communication in bilingual conversations or when we need to understand messages in another language.
Grammarly keyboard
This keyboard is indeed completely focused on the writing in foreign languages, especially in English. It works as a standalone keyboard, although it has a quick access button to switch immediately to the regular keyboard.
Its main function is as advanced spell checker for writing in EnglishIt doesn't function as a translator, since the user will have to write it themselves, although it does have its own predictive text suggestions. It analyzes what you write in real time and offers spelling, grammar, and style corrections, as well as more precise or formal vocabulary alternatives depending on the context.
It's powered by one of the leading grammar platforms on the web, allowing it to offer far superior quality to the typical spell checker built into other keyboards. It's especially recommended if you type emails, documents or professional messages in Englishbecause it helps to sound more natural and correct.
AnySoftKeyboard
It is an open source keyboardwhich can be modified by any user and audited to verify what data it handles. This makes it a very interesting option for those who prioritize the privacy and prefer to avoid keyboards with heavy cloud integrations.
As main functions, apart from the basic ones in a keyboard of this type, it offers a night mode and a power-saving mode when the smartphone's battery is low, better managing the app's resources. It also features adaptive themes that change depending on the time of day.
In addition, it has a dictionary of abbreviations and an editor that users can access to add words, personal abbreviations, common expressions, or technical terms, so that the prediction is tailored to your actual vocabulary.
AnySoftKeyboard allows you to install external language packsas well as additional dictionaries for auto-completion. It also completes your contacts' names and has a predictive text system sufficient for daily use, with multitouch support, voice input, swipe-to-type functionality, and support for visual themes.
Gbox - Toolkit
1C Large keyboard
Keyboard Designer: Create custom keyboards
Serverless Bluetooth Keyboard
Other Android keyboard options worth knowing about
In addition to the main keyboards already mentioned, there are other highly valued alternatives on Google Play that appear in the best specialized guides. Some focus on extreme simplicity, others on open source or unusual key layouts.
open board
For open source enthusiasts there is open boarda completely free keyboard backed by a project open source, which despite being based on the keyboard code included in AOSP, it lacks Google's proprietary features.
Its creators emphasize that it is a secure keyboard It doesn't send diagnostic data or private information to external servers. Despite its simplicity, it features autocorrect, customizable themes, and built-in emojis, as well as very lightweight performance, ideal for modest devices.
TypeWise
TypeWise takes a very different approach. It's a keyboard with a unusual hexagonal key format larger size. In theory, this design greatly reduces typing errors and improves accuracy, since each key has more surface area.
The keyboard also includes a powerful system of gesturesSwipe to delete, capitalize, undo, or show numbers and emojis, reducing the need to search for specific keys. It also includes autocorrect that learns from your typing style and promises to drastically reduce errors. For those who don't like the hexagonal layout, it offers a more conventional mode with a classic keyboard look.
simple keyboard
His name says it all: Simple Keyboard is a simple, uncomplicated keyboard.Perfect for those who just want to write quickly and efficiently, without unnecessary additions or advertising.
It's an extremely lightweight keyboard (less than 1 MB on many devices), making it ideal for little powerful mobiles or for users who prioritize fluidity above all else. Even so, it includes very well-implemented basic features: a fixed number row, gesture support, customizable basic themes, and adjustable height to adapt the keyboard to each user's hand.
Why it's worth installing an alternative keyboard on Android
Installing a keyboard on Android is essential, as without it we couldn't type in messaging apps or search the internet, among many other functions. Therefore, it's worth taking a little time to choose the best possible keyboard depending on how we use our mobile phone.
All Android devices come with a pre-installed keyboardAnd depending on the brand of your phone, it will have different features. Brands like Samsung, LG, Huawei or Xiaomi They have their own custom keyboard, and other devices, like the Google Pixel, use Gboard, Google's keyboard.
In any case, and as we have already seen, you have total freedom to Use any keyboard you want on your Android device.Changing your keyboard is just a matter of a few taps in the settings, and the impact on your daily experience can be huge: more speed, fewer errors, better control over your privacy, or greater visual comfort if you choose large keys.
By the end of this guide, you'll have a wide range of options: from SwiftKey and Gboard as all-round solutions, to alternatives focused on privacy, extreme customization, perfect English typing, or accessibility with oversized keys. Assessing your exact needs (speed, accuracy, aesthetics, lightness, or security) will help you choose the right one. Android keyboard that best suits your mobile phone usage style and make the most of every word you write.