If you’re always on the go and not down to lug around a TKL keyboard, you’re probably typing on an Android, and probably with Swyft.
In today’s world, all we do is type and that’s where Swype was revolutionary. It allowed one swift motion of the finger to type full sentences. This never before seen app made a huge impact on the mobile typing world.
Unfortunately, Swype has been discontinued, as confirmed by Nuance. Even though the Android typing app was so great, competition killed it off. With improvements from GBoard (Google’s own keyboard) and a plethora of other Android keyboard apps coming to the market, it’s not too surprising that Nuance decided to shut down Swype, a free keyboard.
With that said, let’s look at the top swipe Android keyboard alternatives of 2018 (that I’ve personally tested):
Google Keyboard: Gboard
Gboard is Google’s very own Android keyboard. It’s not surprising that the tech giant has managed to be at the top of this list. Imagine all that data they’re getting on us.
Let’s look at why this android app stands out from the rest:
• Swipe to composure features (draw emojis and symbols right away)
• Built-in search option (recipes, directions, etc.)
• Super accurate dictation function
• Cutting edge predictive spelling
Google has continuously been innovating the android keyboard – something we sometimes use more than PCs. With the addition of emoji suggestions and an excellent search option, it’s no wonder that GBoard has dominated most Android phones.
With constant updates, I do not think that this keyboard will ever lower in popularity or functionality relative to the other competitors out there. They can easily copy any innovative function and add it to their keyboard in an instant.
In addition, it’s general typing and swipe function is very accurate and I rarely make mistakes.
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Fleksy Keyboard
Powered by Slant, Fleksy uses gestures to leave more room for larger keys and therefore easier typing. Fleksy boasts its superior prediction engine and allows you to look at what you’re about to type before you even type it. Furthermore, it’s appearance and design are modern and top notch. After using this keyboard for more than a week, it’s gesture system is very accurate and overall it has quite a few customization options.
The only thing that I dislike is that the general typing can be sometimes inaccurate, which is likely something you have to get used to. For someone who only uses swiping when typing, I would highly recommend trying out Fleksly
Pros:
• Supports many themes and custom options
• Emoji support
• Great predictive technology
Con:
• Free version is limited
• Few languages supported
SwiftKey Keyboard
SwiftKey has been around for awhile and has always made some pretty innovated updates. I’ve used the SwiftKey keyboard for quite some time and have to say its one of my favorites.
With great language support, cloud sync options, and an overall great typing experience, it’s easy to see why this app has remained at the top for so long.
Both the community and programmers care about UI and convenience. With its cloud technology, it will save your typing slang and words so that you can use it while crossing over to different devices, quite handy.
What’s great about this app is that it supposedly continuously increases in capabilities over time. As it gathers more data from the cloud, SM platforms, and other sources of text, it gets to know how you type and what kind of slangs or words you like to use more. As you can see, not only is this very convenient for those who like to type in slang but it also makes it harder to leave the platform once it understands your habits. It helps you be less formal and be more like yourself. Of course, other keyboards have similar predictive functionality as well, so keep that in mind.
Like the other keyboards, SwiftKey auto-suggests at the top of the keyboard for you. In addition, it has the ability to add other languages in the same autocorrect engine. When it comes to UI and design, the SwiftKey is no different than the other ones on this list. They all have great designs and UI.
Pros:
• Supports multiple languages
• Constantly improves to your word choices
• Gesture typing
• Most features are free
Cons:
• Uses more memory
•If you make a typo it may save that typo
So, Which One is Best?
After using all three of the above keyboards for at least a week or more, I have to give it to GBoard as my all time favorite.
GBoard has similar features as all Android keyboards I’ve tested and goes above and beyond in terms of functionality. Most of all, I felt like I made the least amount of typing errors when using GBoard. That being said, I can see why some might prefer Fleksy or SwypeKey due to their unique features.
And of course, if you’ve already been using one of the listed keyboard apps for quite some time, you may have built strong muscle memory, making it a little more difficult to type with other keyboard apps.
For now, I think I’ll stick to my GBoard as I don’t think Google will skimp on any future features or innovations any time soon.
Have any questions? Leave a comment below!
