Gboard comes pre-installed on almost every Android phone And, to be honest, it usually more than meets the needs of most people: it's fast, stable, integrates with Google services, and receives new features regularly. But if you do a lot of texting on your phone, or if you're concerned about privacy, speed Or maybe you just fancy a change of scenery, there's a whole world of alternative keyboards that might suit you much better.
Today The smartphone keyboard is central to much of what we doMessaging, sending emails, filling out forms, writing on social media… and while phones with physical keyboards aren't making a full comeback, we have no choice but to pamper our digital keyboards. Let's review, calmly and in detail, the best alternatives to Gboard (including several FOSS and lightweight options) for both Android and iPhone, explaining what each one offers, what its shortcomings are, what type of user it's best suited for, and how Change the keyboard on your Samsung Galaxy.
Important warning: privacy and data collected by keyboards
Before you rush to install keyboards like there's no tomorrow, it's worth keeping in mind that Many of these apps can collect data about how you write.What words you use, what emojis you usually use, what language you speak, etc. That doesn't automatically mean they're unsafe, but it does mean you should carefully read the privacy policy and terms of service.
In many cases This data is used to improve prediction and self-correction algorithms.or to sync your personal dictionary across multiple devices. However, some keyboards may also share information with third parties, for example, for advertising or analytics. Therefore, if you're concerned about privacy, you'll be particularly interested in FOSS (open source) options and those that promise to process everything locally, without uploading anything to the cloud.
One last note: Avoid giving "full access" to keyboards on iOS if you don't fully trust them.This permission greatly expands what the app can do with what you type. On Android, although the permissions model is different, it's also a good idea to review what each keyboard requests and be wary of apps that ask for permissions they don't need.
SwiftKey: Microsoft's classic alternative with AI
SwiftKey has been Gboard's direct rival for years. And for many, it's even superior, especially in prediction and autocorrect. It's currently owned by Microsoft, which provides significant support and allows it to integrate small extras with the company's ecosystem.
One of its greatest strengths is its Intelligent autocorrect that learns from your writingIt not only memorizes unusual words or proper nouns you frequently use, but also complete phrases and context, to better anticipate what you're going to type. Furthermore, it allows you to link it to other services (such as some online accounts) to further refine your personalized dictionary.
In terms of languages, SwiftKey is amazing: It supports over 300 languages ​​and allows for parallel multilingual writing.without having to keep switching keyboards every few minutes. If you alternate between Spanish and English, for example, it will recognize both at the same time and suggest words based on what you're typing.
It doesn't fall short in terms of customization either: It includes a long queue of themes, adjustable sizes, and the ability to customize the layout. Customize it to your liking. You can adjust the keyboard height, the size of each key, and even the layout. And all this with swipe typing, emojis, GIFs, and modern features on par with the best.
As a curiosity, on Android SwiftKey even lets you create reminders or tasks in Microsoft To Do directly from the keyboardwithout needing to open the app. If you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem, that's an extra bonus to consider.
Gboard: why it's so good and why you might want to switch
Even if you're looking for alternatives, It makes sense to understand what makes Gboard so strongGoogle's keyboard was first launched on iPhone and arrived on Android a few months later, and since then it has only grown in features: instant translator, incognito mode, integrated search, creation of custom stickers and GIFs, etc.
In everyday use, Gboard shines for several reasons: Highly polished swipe typing, voice dictation, clipboard with history, and support for hundreds of languages with simultaneous multilingual writing. In fact, it can autocorrect and suggest in multiple languages ​​at once without you having to manually change the layout.
It also includes very practical details, such as the optional number row, gestures to move the cursor or delete multiple words, the shortcuts for symbols and the Emoji and GIF suggestions integrated into the top bar. All of this makes it, for most, an almost indispensable keyboard.
However, there are drawbacks: It relies heavily on the Google cloudTherefore, it's not the ideal option if you prioritize privacy above all else. Furthermore, while it's quite configurable, some users seek even more personalization or radically different designs, and that's where the other alternatives come in.
Therefore, even though Gboard is one of the kings of the sector, "There is life beyond" and it's worth exploring options if you're not completely convinced by its aesthetics, its offline functionality, or its data policy.
Fleksy: keyboard shortcuts and mini-applications
Fleksy is one of the oldest and, at the same time, most peculiar alternative keyboards. Their main focus is on speed and modularity through extensions, what they call Fleksyapps: small mini-apps integrated into the keyboard itself.
Thanks to these extensions you can, for example, Search and send GIFs, add sticker packs, integrate services like Yelp or Spotify and access contextual actions based on what you're typing, without leaving the text box. In other words, it turns the keyboard into a kind of quick control center.
Visually, Fleksy offers a good assortment of themes, many of them minimalist in style, and a chameleon mode that adapts the keyboard colors to the app you're using, very much in line with what made Chrooma popular.
Not everything is perfect: It does not have a sliding deed.This can be a deal breaker if you're used to dragging your finger to type. Furthermore, its prediction and predictive text aren't on par with SwiftKey or Gboard, although they're adequate for normal use.
Even with those details, if you especially value Quick access to multimedia content, shortcuts, and extra features integrated into the keyboardFleksy becomes a very powerful and entertaining alternative to the Google keyboard.
Chrooma Keyboard: the "chameleon" that adapts to each app
Chrooma won a place in the hearts of many users for something very simple but very eye-catching: The keyboard automatically changes color depending on the application you are using.using the main color of the interface as a reference. The result is a keyboard that always looks integrated with the app.
Beyond aesthetics, Chrooma offers a proficient prediction engine in multiple languages, swipe typing, GIF search, and an automatic night mode that darkens the keyboard when night falls or when you activate the system's dark mode.
In terms of customization, it's one of those that takes that aspect seriously: You can adjust sizes, layout, key style, and choose from different themes, both solid and gradient, in addition to the famous chameleon mode.
If you're looking for a keyboard that It doesn't disrupt the visual harmony of your apps, and at the same time, it has modern features.Chrooma is a very interesting alternative to Gboard, especially for those who value design.
That said, although it is quite comprehensive, It doesn't offer as many integrations or extras as Gboard or SwiftKeyTherefore, it is more geared towards those who prioritize aesthetics and personalization over the "gadgets" inside the keyboard.
Minuum Keyboard: giant keys and compact mode
Minuum is a keyboard clearly designed for those who They have problems with small keys or small screensTheir proposal is based on offering very generously sized keys and a compact mode that reduces the keyboard to a single line to free up screen space when you need it.
With Minuum you can toggle between a "normal" keyboard mode and an ultra-compact one The keys are compressed, making it ideal for seeing more content while typing. In return, the system relies heavily on its intelligent autocorrect to interpret what you want to write even if you don't type the letters perfectly.
It also has Floating mode, shortcuts to delete, activate voice dictation, or manage the clipboardas well as interesting statistics about your typing speed. The number of supported languages ​​is more limited than on other keyboards, but it includes Spanish and English.
If it bothers you that The keyboard takes up half the screen and you feel like you're typing almost blindly.Minuum might be just what you're looking for, especially if you prioritize ergonomics and key visibility.
1C Large Keyboard: XXL keys for those with poor eyesight
At the opposite end of the spectrum from keyboards designed for advanced users is the 1C Large Keyboard. Here, the priority is crystal clear: huge keys so there's no way to miss when pressing themdesigned for people with vision problems or who simply struggle with tiny keys.
Visually, it's not exactly a pretty keyboard: The layout does not follow the traditional QWERTY pattern 100%. And the keys are much taller than they are wide, taking up a large part of the screen. But that's precisely the point: it's practically impossible not to see what you're pressing.
By focusing so much on that specific audience, It doesn't offer much in the way of customization or modern extras.It's a functional, understated, and highly specialized keyboard. For seniors, people with limited vision, or those who simply want something simple and easy to read, it can be the perfect tool.
AnySoftKeyboard: FOSS, privacy, and personalization
Their terms and conditions emphasize that They do not share your usage data with third parties and they take security very seriously. For those looking to minimize data leaks, it's a very attractive alternative to giants like Google or Microsoft.
In terms of features, AnySoftKeyboard offers a high degree of customization, top-row shortcut creation, gesture typing, and a decent prediction engineIn addition, it supports external language packs and dictionaries for automatic word completion, including names of your contacts.
It also has multitouch, voice input, customizable themes, and the ability to adjust many aspects of the design.It's true that its overall polish may fall short of Gboard or SwiftKey, but in return you get free software and much greater control over what the keyboard does with your data.
FlorisBoard: open source with great potential
FlorisBoard is another code name if you want a modern FOSS keyboard with room for growthIt's a relatively young project, but it already offers features that many commercial apps take a long time to incorporate.
Among its strengths, one stands out: clipboard with integrated history, allowing you to retrieve previously copied texts, and a writing system that works both letter by letter and through strokes, adapting to different styles of use.
One major drawback today, The Spanish dictionary is not yet that refined like that of its more traditional competitors. This can result in less accurate suggestions and corrections, especially if you write very quickly or use a lot of colloquial expressions.
Being open source, its distribution method is somewhat different: It may be in testing on Google PlayIt's accessible upon request and also typically offers downloadable APK files from its website or alternative repositories. It's a good choice if you want a free keyboard with a promising future, although you might have to overlook some of its shortcomings.
Typewise: Hexagonal design and a focus on privacy
Typewise is one of the most groundbreaking design proposals. Instead of the classic rectangular layout, It uses hexagonal keys that resemble a honeycomb., with the aim of increasing the effective size of each key and reducing keystroke errors by up to 80% according to its creators.
This arrangement is designed to to write comfortably with two thumbsIt features two spacebars in the center for easy access. Furthermore, it heavily emphasizes gestures: swiping up capitalizes a letter, swiping left quickly deletes text, and swiping right restores deleted text—all without additional buttons.
In the privacy section, Typewise boasts that It can work completely offline and does not need an internet connection for suggestions and autocorrect.They also emphasize that they do not require "Full Access" on iOS, which limits what they can do with your data.
Its autocorrect engine is based on a neural network trained to learn your slang, dialect, and writing stylereducing the erroneous keystrokes that are so annoying on other keyboards. However, the learning curve for the hexagonal design is real: it takes some getting used to at first, but many users eventually gain speed.
The app can be downloaded for free from both Google Play and the App Store, with a freemium model that offers basic features at no cost and advanced extras through subscription or one-time paymentIt's ideal for those who want something radically different and value having all the processing done on the device.
Kika Keyboard: the king of visual customization
If your priority is to have a keyboard "tuned" to the limit, Kika Keyboard is an option to seriously consider. It boasts over 3.000 available themeswith styles of all kinds, from minimalist to super ornate.
Beyond the topics, the most striking thing is that You can use any image you have on your mobile as the keyboard background.This allows you to create fully customized designs. It also supports over 60 languages, swipe typing, and GIF search and sending.
It's not as focused on privacy or advanced productivity features, but For those who want a very eye-catching and colorful keyboardIt is one of the most powerful alternatives to Gboard in that specific area.
Ginger Keyboard: eye-catching themes and deep customization
Ginger is a somewhat lesser-known keyboard, but interesting for those who enjoy tinkering with the visual appearance of the keyboard in detailTheir theme collection includes some rather elaborate options, although there are also flatter and more understated designs.
Its strength lies in customization: You can adjust the color, background, and transparency of the keysand even save your own settings as a new theme. It also includes predictive text, shortcuts to frequently used functions, and various options to customize its behavior.
While it doesn't have the media push of SwiftKey or Gboard, It combines a correct prediction system with a very flexible aesthetic layer.Ideal if you want something different without sacrificing basic modern features.
Grammarly Keyboard: perfect typing, especially in other languages
Grammarly Keyboard is designed primarily for those who They write in English or other languages ​​and need a higher level of proofreadingIt relies on the well-known Grammarly platform, which specializes in grammar and style, and brings some of that power to the mobile keyboard.
In addition to correcting spelling mistakes, suggests synonyms, more formal alternatives, or expressions more appropriate to the contextThis makes it a very useful tool for writing serious emails, documents, or professional texts directly from your smartphone.
Their philosophy is less focused on emojis, GIFs, and visual customization, and more on to ensure that what you write is impeccableIf your absolute priority is to avoid mistakes when writing in another language, it can be a perfect complement, even if you only use it in certain situations.
What about other FOSS and lightweight options?
If you've tried keyboards like Simple Keyboard, Heliboard, FlorisBoard, or even SwiftKey and they've disappointed you because of their Poor multilingual spelling or lack of advanced featuresYou're not alone. It's a tricky balance: the lighter and more privacy-conscious they are, the more limitations there tend to be on AI and prediction.
In the FOSS area, AnySoftKeyboard and FlorisBoard are among the most serious alternatives.While they don't yet reach the refinement of Gboard or SwiftKey in automatic multilingual typing and aggressive autocorrect, if your priority is maximum privacy and free software, you'll have to accept that small sacrifice in convenience.
For those looking for something light and unpretentious, Ultra-minimalist keyboards like Simple Keyboard can work well If you primarily write in one language and don't rely heavily on predictive text, the key is to adjust expectations: in FOSS and "lightweight" writing, it's difficult to compete head-to-head with the AI-powered cloud giants.
In the end, The best alternative to Gboard depends a lot on what you value most.Total privacy, extreme visual customization, distinctive hexagonal typing, large keys, ultra-precise corrections, or integration with third-party services. Ideally, you should try several for a few days and stick with the one that best suits your actual phone usage.
With this wide range of options, it's clear that Google's keyboard is very good, but it's not the only answer: There are alternative keyboards capable of outperforming Gboard in specific areas such as privacy, customization, ergonomics, or advanced spell checking.So it's worth spending some time experimenting until you find the one that truly makes your writing life easier.
