Just this week we were talking about how to type faster on our smartphone, and we mentioned two keyboards specifically for Android: SwiftKey y FleksyWith the latter, the world record for writing on a smartphone was set. However, it was still lacking in features. Now Fleksy has been updated to version 4.2 to become one of the best. keyboards with colors for Android.
For me there are two keyboards that are better than all the others. SwiftKey It is the best swipe keyboard available, and the one I have installed on my smartphone. Fleksy It's the keyboard that set the world record for typing on a smartphone, so we can say it's also one of the best. I prefer SwiftKey because it has more features, but now Fleksy has been updated, and it could be a great rival to the former. Among the most notable features of this new version is the new Material Design-inspired redesign. It won't be as different as in others keyboards with animations, like the Google Keyboard, because Fleksy was already pretty minimalist.
In addition to this, the following have now been included: Keyboard Extensions. Specifically, six are arriving, although more could arrive in the future, which are: GIF Keyboard, Numeric Keypad, Editor, Launcher, Rainbow Pops, and Invisible Keyboard. If you want to know what each of them consists of, you'll have to download Fleksy, although some of them are quite obvious. In addition, new themes are arriving, nine in total, among which are Material Collection, which are a set of themes, New Age Collection, Gold, and ChameleonThe latter changes colors to suit each specific application.
Of course, we must bear in mind that the update to version 4.2 arrives for Fleksy Beta, so first you will have to register in the community, after register as keyboard testers, and finally download it from Google Play. Nowadays, access to betas is usually managed from Google Play > Beta Program, so it is advisable to check there if these links do not work.
Must-have competitors: Gboard, SwiftKey, and alternatives
Gboard It is one of the reference keyboards. It integrates real time translation (Google Translate), emoji and GIF search, voice dictation, gesture typing, clipboard, and simultaneous multilingual support. customizable themes And the live project, with frequent updates, makes it a must-have. It includes advanced features such as spacebar-swipe cursor control and a one-handed mode for large screens.
SwiftKey, backed by Microsoft, stands out for its smart autocorrect that learns your style (idioms, proper names, and emojis). It allows you to enable up to five languages ​​at once, and has Topics, GIF search and also integrates Copilot for text rewriting, assisted writing, and AI-powered image/sticker generation. It's a quality option if you're looking for powerful prediction and customization without losing speed.
AnySoftKeyboard It is one of the best options open source: supports external language packs, dictionaries, multitouch, voice input and swipe, plus support for TopicsIf you're looking for privacy and data control, this is a solid option.
Fleksy commitment modularity via Fleksyapps: add-ons for GIFs, stickers, shortcuts, and contextual actions (e.g., shortcuts based on what you type). Its theme chameleon It adapts the color to the open app and its precision keeps it as one of the fastest.
typewise proposes a design with hex keys larger and a system of gestures to delete, capitalize, or open emojis, with a classic mode if you prefer a conventional layout. It's designed to reduce typing errors.
Kika keyboard He is the king of the customization with over 3.000 themes, swipe typing, support for dozens of languages, and the option to use own images as background.
1C Large keyboard focuses on accessibility with XXL keys for those with vision difficulties or who need more precision when typing.
Ginger offers a system of highly customizable themes (color, background and transparency), useful shortcuts and even integrated gamesIts spell checker shines especially in English.
Grammarly keyboard is oriented to advanced grammar correction and style suggestions, ideal if you write in other languages ​​or need maximum precision in formal texts.
Minuum It boasts of being a small keyboard for big fingers, providing aggressive prediction and more customization options, clipboard, and emoji suggestions.
chroma it is extremely customizable and changes the color according to the app. It incorporates contextual prediction, grammar review and gesture writing.
open board, based on AOSP and open source, reduces the telemetry minimal, with autocorrect, emojis, and themes without Google add-ons.
simple keyboard It is light and no tracking, with a row of numbers, gestures, and configurable height; perfect for low-power devices.
Yandex Keyboard includes spell checker, swipe, translator, stickers, GIFs and voice commands, interesting if you are looking for services outside the Google ecosystem.
Which keyboard is more accurate according to science?
A study compared autocorrect, autocomplete y next word prediction simulating writing with human errors. The classification placed Gboard in the lead, followed by SwiftKey, the iOS keyboard, Yandex y Fleksy. Beyond the points, he highlighted Gboard's ability to detect errors and get corrections right, with SwiftKey being very strong at prediction and the iOS keyboard excelling at anticipating the next word.
How to activate, change, and master your keyboard on Android
To manage keyboards: Settings > System > Languages ​​and text input > On-screen keyboard. Activate the ones you want and alternate using the keyboard icon in the navigation bar. Many keyboards make it easy to sign up from their own app with startup wizards.
Universal Helpful Hints: Swipe the space bar To move the cursor, swipe from delete to delete multiple words, activates the number rowuse long press for symbols and consider the one hand mode if your screen is large.
If you are concerned about privacy, bet on open projects like AnySoftKeyboard or OpenBoard and avoid granting Unnecessary permissionsIf you prioritize productivity, Gboard and SwiftKey offer tools for IA, simultaneous multilingual and excellent predictionsFor radical customization, Kika or Chrooma are safe bets; for accessibility, 1C; for extreme proofreading accuracy, Grammarly.
If you're looking to type faster and with fewer errors, starting from a solid foundation (Gboard or SwiftKey), try the modularity Fleksy evaluates open options for privacy and add gestures/shortcuts that fit your flow. With the right combination of prediction, customization and good habits, your keyboard will be a decisive tool in messaging, email and mobile productivity.