Alternative layouts. The Best Alternative Keyboards for iPhone and iPad Working in Combat Conditions
In everyday life, for most iPhone or iPad users, when communicating virtually, the Russian and English keyboards, which are standard by default for Russian-speaking users, are sufficient. With the release of iOS 8, software developers were able to create their own keyboard options for the iPhone or iPad, which could then be used to enter any data in all kinds of applications. Be that as it may, the hitherto inconspicuous but important virtual keyboard of iOS has attracted attention. Therefore, if you are interested in setting up the keyboard of an Apple device, disabling Emoji, activating a keyboard in another language, or even adding an alternative keyboard, this instruction is for you.
How to Set Up a Keyboard on iPhone or iPad
Removing a keyboardIdeally, for comfortable work with your smartphone or tablet, the list of active keyboards should not be overloaded with unnecessary, unused or extremely rarely used keyboards. This saves time switching between them when entering any data.
In iOS 8, the previously dormant Emoji keyboard, which provides access to a huge selection of emoji and other various images, has been included in the general list of supported default keyboards. The inclusion of “Emoji” in the list of active keyboards by default caused a mixed reaction among users: some were pleasantly surprised to find this on their device, while others rushed to go into the settings in the hope of finding the treasured button that sends “Emoji” back to an inactive state .
To edit the list, including disabling the Emoji keyboard, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Here, by clicking on the “Change” button, you can remove any keyboard that is no longer relevant or get rid of the extra emoticons offered by “Emoji”.
Adding a Keyboard
iOS has a wide variety of keyboards that support text input in many languages, including Asian and right-to-left languages. To activate one of these keyboards, you need to go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards and tap on the “New Keyboards” button. In the proposed list, find the language you are interested in and tap on its name, after which the keyboard that supports the language you specified will be added to the general list of active ones.
Other settings
In the “Keyboards” section, iPhone or iPad owners can find a lot of interesting things. For example, here you can expand the list of abbreviations by adding words you frequently use to speed up your text entry. For example, if you add the phrase “and so on” to the list and assign the abbreviation “etc” to it, then when you enter “etc” the abbreviation will be automatically replaced with the full phrase.
Here you can also disable auto-writing, auto-correction, predictive text input, which offers options for ending words and phrases, split keyboard, spelling, and a shortcut key that inserts a period with a space if you quickly tap the “Space” key twice.
How to Add an Alternative Keyboard on iPhone or iPad
As already mentioned, iOS 8 gave developers the opportunity to create alternative keyboards for the iPhone or iPad, and developers did not fail to take advantage of it. Already now in App Store There are applications designed to supplement the list of existing keyboards on an Apple device with new, sometimes entirely original, alternative solutions.
Want to improve your typing speed? Then pay attention to Fleksy, Swype, Minuum, TouchPal and other alternative keyboards, a brief overview of which can be found here -. Or maybe you want to diversify your communication with animated pictures and short videos - free application to help you.
However, simply downloading the program from the App Store will not be enough; you need to connect an alternative keyboard in the settings of your device.
First, you need to visit the App Store and download the alternative keyboard you are interested in onto your device. Next we go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > New Keyboards where we look for the name of your newly installed program and tap on it, after which the alternative keyboard will be activated. To check, open, for example, iMessage and, using the globe-shaped button, switch keyboards until the one that was installed appears.
If you have not found an answer to your question or something has not worked out for you, and there is no suitable solution in the comments below, ask a question through our
Apple iMac computers come with the company's wireless Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, which meet the needs of most users. However, there will always be those who are looking for something more. Especially for them, we have prepared a review of alternative keyboards for Mac.
Apple's options
Despite the steady growth in popularity of Mac computers, it is more difficult to find accessories and peripherals for them than for the ubiquitous Windows PCs. Including the keyboard. If necessary, you can connect almost any keyboard from a Windows computer to your Mac, however, due to differences in the layout, many familiar keyboard shortcuts will not work (this problem can be partially eliminated by customizing the layout to suit you). But it is much more practical and convenient to use a keyboard that is certified for Mac.
Apple is currently transitioning from the time-tested classic keyboard mechanism to the new butterfly technology. Old version The keyboard was designed for the first aluminum unibody MacBook, which was introduced in 2008. At the same time, on desktop computers Apple users could use a wired or wireless Apple keyboard, which were designed with laptop computers. As a result of unification, the owner Apple computers I didn't experience any inconvenience when switching from iMac or Mac mini to MacBook and back. The typing sensations were the same.
The butterfly keyboard was first used in the MacBook 12'' laptop, introduced in 2015. It didn’t fit the usual keyboard, so Apple developed an updated version with an increased key area and a travel depth of 14 mm versus 17 mm in the classic version. At the same time, the thickness of the keyboard has decreased by 40%. When using it, the pressure is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the keys, which in theory should improve accuracy and increase typing speed (to be fair, we note that not all users were enthusiastic about the abandonment of the usual mechanism with a greater depth of travel).
Then the updated Magic Keyboard 2 wireless keyboard was introduced, which also uses a butterfly mechanism.
In 2016, the updated MacBook Pro was released. Compared to the Pro series of previous years, these laptops have become significantly thinner, as a result of which they also received a keyboard with a butterfly mechanism, but this is the second generation, in which a number of characteristics have been improved. After their presentation, rumors appeared online that the company would introduce a wireless keyboard with a touch area Touch Bar and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor (not yet confirmed).
At the time of writing, users who prefer Apple branded peripherals are limited in their choice of three models.
Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (MB110RS)
The model is quite old (on the market since 2008), but is fully compatible with latest version macOS looks good in appearance with modern computer models from Apple.
It's made of anodized aluminum and features function keys for quick access to common commands on your Mac, like adjusting screen brightness, adjusting volume, and launching Mission Control and Launchpad.
However, the main advantage of the model is the full-size digital block, which is especially important when working with large volumes of numerical data.
Connection to a computer is made using a USB cable. At the side ends there are 2 USB hub sockets, which allow you to conveniently connect a mouse, storage devices or digital equipment to the computer directly through the keyboard.
Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184RU/B
The standard wireless keyboard for Apple computers without a number pad, taking up 24% less desktop space. This keeps all the function keys for quick access to common operations on your Mac.
The device body is made of anodized aluminum in the same style as Apple technology.
The keyboard has a range of 10 m, so if necessary, you can remove it from the table and put it on your knees, continuing to work in the way that is most convenient for you.
The island-shaped flat keys have a clear click and a noticeable stroke, so typing even large text will not cause difficulties.
Power is supplied by two AA batteries. Due to its small thickness and weight, this model is suitable for use with an iPad as a portable input device.
Price - about 120 USD equivalent.
Apple Magic Keyboard (MLA22RU/A)
Updated Apple wireless keyboard introduced in 2015. Occupies 15% less space on the desktop than the Wireless Keyboard and is equipped with a first-generation butterfly mechanism (like the MacBook 12’’), which makes the keyboard profile even lower.
The keyboard is equipped with a full set of additional buttons for performing frequent actions in operating system macOS.
The body is made of anodized aluminum, the buttons are made of slightly matte polycarbonate.
One of the main features of the Apple Magic Keyboard is the presence of a built-in battery, the capacity of which is enough for 4 weeks of operation under average load. Then the charge can be restored by connecting the keyboard to the computer using the Lighning-USB cable, which is familiar to everyone iPhone owners, iPad or iPod.
The device weighs only 231 g and will be a good portable solution for iPad owners who often work with text on the tablet.
Price - about 150 USD equivalent (in the USA - 99 USD).
Matias Wireless Aluminum
This accessory successfully filled the gap that exists in the Apple keyboard lineup. The company's portfolio includes a wired keyboard with a numeric keypad and two compact wireless keyboards without a numeric keypad. But what about users who want to take advantage of a full-size keyboard with a separate numeric area, but are tired of wires?
Matias came to their aid by releasing the Wireless Aluminum keyboard. This model is specifically designed to work on Mac. This can be seen not only in the preservation of the familiar layout, but also in the use of a single design language with Apple products, thanks to which the keyboard looks organically next to the Mac.
However, Matias designers went further than Apple and, in addition to the usual silver-white version, presented versions of the keyboard in the color of the iPhone, including dark gray and gold (both with black keys), as well as pink with white keys.
The layout of function keys for managing common operations on a Mac is fully consistent with that on Apple branded keyboards. In addition to Mac, support for iOS, Windows and Android is announced. Matias Wireless Aluminum can be paired with up to four devices at the same time, instantly switching between them using dedicated buttons above the number pad.
An additional advantage of the model is a built-in 1,600 mAh battery, which is on average 7-8 times more than others wireless keyboards. Charging from 0 to 100% takes 5 hours, after which you can count on a whole year of use (with several hours of daily use).
Unfortunately, it is difficult to find Matias Wireless Aluminum for sale in the CIS.
Price - 99 USD in the USA.
Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard (T9T-00017)
Compact Bluetooth keyboard from the Redmond giant. The model is positioned as a universal input tool that can be connected to Windows computers, Android devices, iPad, as well as Mac computers.
However, first of all, the device is optimized for working with operating systems of the Windows family, as evidenced by a number of additional functional buttons above the number row.
But compatibility with Mac is also implemented, which the manufacturer did not forget to mention on the box.
The slightly curved shape provides improved ergonomics for long-term typing, and the thickness of less than 2 cm, light weight and dimensions allow the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard to be used as a tablet keyboard.
Power is supplied by two AAA batteries. According to the manufacturer, time battery life with an average load it is 40 weeks.
Price - about 60 USD equivalent.
Logitech K810 Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard
Classic wireless keyboard for Apple computers, iPad, as well as for PCs and Android devices. Made of practical plastic.
The model has a stylish design and stands out among other wireless keyboards for Mac by having a backlight, which makes it especially attractive for working in the dark or in low-light conditions.
The brightness level can be adjusted.
It is possible to connect to three different devices, between which you can switch with one touch.
Charging is carried out using a standard USB - micro USB cable. From 0 to 100% the keyboard charges in about 3 hours. The operating time of a fully charged battery is 10-14 days in medium load mode (discharge time depends on the backlight brightness level).
Price - about 110 USD equivalent.
Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard (920-008043)
A stylish keyboard with a full-size numeric keypad, which allows you to simultaneously connect to three devices (all popular platforms are supported, including macOS).
In addition to the frequently used Logitech feature - switching between different devices with one touch - this model is distinguished by silent input, as well as the presence of a special rubber stand for mobile devices. It easily fits a smartphone and tablet, including an iPad Pro with a 12-inch screen. This ensures the most comfortable tilt angle, and the desktop remains uncluttered with wires and devices.
Noise-free typing is achieved through the use of Logitech's proprietary PerfectStroke™ key system. Large, rounded keys combine with a familiar Mac layout for instant responsiveness and an impressive user experience.
Power is supplied by two AAA batteries (according to the manufacturer, with one change of batteries the keyboard will work for up to 2 years).
Price - about 80 USD equivalent.
Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480
Wireless desktop keyboard for computer, tablet and smartphone. Layouts for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows and Chrome OS are supported (keys with different functions on different platforms are marked with a line).
Like other Logitech models that support multiple devices, the ability to instantly switch is implemented. For this, a special Easy-Switch disk is used.
The top row of functional buttons completely replicates those found on branded keyboards for Apple computers and, when paired with a Mac, allows you to adjust the backlight brightness, volume, and also control the playback of multimedia files with one touch.
The keys have a slightly rounded concave shape, which ensures high typing accuracy and speed. When switching to the Logitech K480 from a standard Apple keyboard, you can get used to the shape of the keys and the pressing mechanism in a couple of hours.
The built-in stand with rubber cradle securely holds your smartphone and tablet at a comfortable angle so you can read text while typing and editing. On our website you can buy an iPhone inexpensively.
To make using the keyboard on Mac as convenient as possible, you can download an application from the developer’s website that will allow you to customize the keyboard to suit your needs.
In addition to the gray version with light green inserts, a white version of the keyboard with light gray elements is available.
Power is supplied by two AAA batteries (working time from one shift is about two years).
Price - about 40 USD equivalent.
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760
An innovative keyboard with a built-in battery, the user does not have to worry about recharging it at all, since the charge is replenished using solar batteries. To do this, it is enough to keep the device in a room with normal room lighting for about six hours. After this, the keyboard can work in complete darkness for up to two weeks.
Like other Logitech keyboards optimized for use with Mac computers, the Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 supports up to three simultaneous connections. Switching between them is carried out in one click.
When connected to Mac computers, the top row of function keys allows you to perform the same operations as standard Apple keyboards, including adjusting screen brightness, volume, Launch Pad, and Mission Control.
For correct operation required software, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Price - about 70 USD equivalent.
Xiaomi Yuemi Mechanical White
A mechanical keyboard from a well-known Chinese company, which is known in the CIS countries as a manufacturer of affordable and high-quality electronics.
The keyboard is made of H32 aluminum and has a six-tier design. Thanks to the anodic oxidation procedure and additional sandblasting, the device has received additional resistance to external damage and corrosion.
The keycaps are made of quality ABS plastic and are designed in the style of old computer keyboards. But in fact, this is a modern device that can compete with the products of venerable peripheral manufacturers. TTC RED switches provide a duty cycle of 50 million clicks. At the same time, the keys are located as tightly as possible, which minimizes the possibility of debris and dust getting between them. The built-in 32-bit STMicroelectronics microprocessor provides instant processing of keystrokes, which will be a pleasant bonus for gamers and those who type using the ten-finger touch typing method.
Connection to a computer is carried out using a white USB - micro USB cable.
Yuemi Mechanical White keys have a soft LED backlight that can be adjusted in six levels.
Special feet on the bottom provide a 6-degree lift, which reduces hand fatigue during long-term work with text.
Price - about 80 USD equivalent. The model can be purchased in the CIS.
Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac
Premium mechanical keyboard optimized for Mac. Features Blue MX switches with gold plated contacts for precise actuation and noticeable feedback.
The built-in USB hub allows you to connect up to two external devices to your computer. The extended cable ensures easy connection and allows the keyboard to be conveniently positioned on the desktop.
A special Sleep function is designed to instantly put your Mac into sleep mode during breaks in work.
Das Keyboard for Mac is equipped with dedicated keys for quickly adjusting volume, muting sound, controlling media playback, and controlling screen brightness.
The Option and Command keys familiar to Mac users are also in place. Reading up to 5 simultaneous clicks is supported, which makes Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac an excellent choice for gamers or people who are proficient in touch typing.
Price - 133 USD on the manufacturer's website.
Lofree
Wireless mechanical keyboard with retro design. Outwardly, it resembles a typewriter from the 19th century (this effect arises due to the use of round keys, which significantly rise above the base). However, the keyboard does not lose its futuristic aura.
The manufacturer positions the Lofree keyboard as a mechanical input tool that is suitable not so much for gamers as for designers, writers and journalists. That is, ordinary users who are forced to work with large amounts of text.
Unlike most mechanical keyboards, Lofree comes with the familiar Magic Keyboard layout that all Mac users are familiar with. Moreover, the top row of keys is auxiliary and allows you to adjust the brightness, volume and control the playback of multimedia files - exactly as when using Apple branded keyboards.
Lofree's specifications are impressive:
- Possibility of operation in wired or purebred mode
- Compatible with Mac, iOS, Windows and Android
- simultaneous connection to three different devices with the ability to instantly switch between them
- built-in backlighting of buttons with the ability to adjust in three levels
- up to 100 hours of battery life
- charging the built-in battery via micro USB cable
- several color options
- reliable mechanical switches
The only drawback of the model is its unavailability in the CIS countries. The device can be purchased in the USA by pre-ordering it on the crowdfunding site Indiegogo. Unlike many other crowdfunding projects, the inventors of the keyboard managed not only to raise the required amount, but also to set up production. Reviews from the owners are entirely positive. We hope that the keyboard will be available for sale here in the foreseeable future.
Price - about 80 USD in the USA.
It added a new set of new tools for developers and, of course, received support for alternative keyboards from third-party developers. We will introduce you to a selection of seven available solutions in this material.
The basis of all keyboards was the technology that was once demonstrated on. With its help, accelerated predictive typing of texts is possible, in which, thanks to the dictionary database, the system will automatically select words and even entire phrases.
The iOS keyboard remained practically the only element that has not received any fundamental changes since launch. So:
7 Best Alternative Keyboards for iOS 8
SwiftKey
It has existed on the Android mobile platform for quite some time and has already proven itself to be the best. automatically remembers frequently used words and phrases, and also actively uses the built-in dictionary.
Flexy
Considered the fastest keyboard in the world. This was proven by a 16-year-old from Brazil who was able to type a complex sentence in a record 18.19 seconds.
The achievement was possible thanks to unique technology Flexy. The main requirement when typing is to press the keys exactly as many times as there are letters in the word. Moreover, you can press all five letters incorrectly, but the word will still be printed as intended. The keyboard allows you to miss letters. The number of letters typed and the area in which the user tapped is taken into account. Next comes the dictionary search.
KuaiBoard
The non-standard keyboard has three accelerated text input techniques on board:
— TextBoard- creates templates (pieces of letters, signatures, messages, addresses) and automatically applies them when typing. The most interesting thing is that these can be either simple phrases or entire paragraphs.
— MeBoard- imports all contact information from the address book, up to place of residence and work Email, for conveniently filling out forms and eliminating routine actions.
— LocationBoard- in one tap you can send current geolocation data to friends and acquaintances.
Minuum
How much space does the stock keyboard take up on the iPhone or iPad display? More than a third, and sometimes even half of the screen. Alternative keyboard developers Minuum decided to save space and squeezed it in a vertical position. Instead of a whole scattering of keys, Minuum boasts a small strip with a minimum of buttons containing three letters of the alphabet (for example, the first column with the letters Q, A and Z now makes up one button). The speed of typing increases significantly.
Swipe
The main feature of the keyboard is the ability to enter text without lifting your finger from the display. Just click on the first letter of the word and swipe through the remaining letters. Next, the application will automatically select what you want, as if predicting the words that the user wants to write. You will only have to raise your finger when writing a new word. The culprit is a unique technology in which a software analyzer tracks the trajectory of the finger. A nice addition will be the presence of a variety of keyboard themes.
TextExpander
The program uses templates for fast typing. Any combination of numbers and letters can hide entire paragraphs of text. There is nothing new or extraordinary here.
TouchPal
Another alternative keyboard for iOS 8, offering several input methods:
— TouchPal Curve- analogue of the Swype keyboard (enter words without lifting your finger)
— Wave- based on predictive typing with selection of word endings and even prediction of the next word.
Apple's iOS 8 operating system contains much more innovation than the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus gadgets. Significantly expanded developer capabilities allow smartphones to be used in new ways, giving the impression that these models are significantly better than the iPhone 5S. However, it is worth noting that if you install iOS 8 on a previous generation gadget, it will not be much inferior to the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.
iOS 8 has introduced a huge number of new features such as widgets, export panels, Metal technology, Health Kit and much more. In addition, the new Apple operating system has a predictive text input function, QuickType technology, and most importantly, ability to use alternative keyboards from third party developers.
We offer a selection of the best alternative keyboards for iOS 8, which for the most part have worked well on the Android OS and have been ported to the new Apple operating system.
SwiftKey keyboard for iOS.
Considered one of the smartest keyboards for Android gadgets, it uses a predictive text input system and auto-correction in 60 languages. SwiftKey works no different on iOS 8; from the moment you install the app on your iPhone or iPad, the utility remembers everything you enter and automatically suggests the most frequently used words or phrases. The most popular comment is that users feel like the keyboard is "guessing" their thoughts and correctly suggesting entire sentences from the first word they enter.
Fleksy keyboard for iOS.
Fleksy is another popular keyboard, ported from Android to iOS 8, which has a large army of fans. The peculiarity of the application is that you don’t even have to enter a word correctly, making a mistake in each letter, the main thing is that their number and location approximately coincide with the correct word . The Fleksy keyboard has a built-in gesture system that allows you to type text at high speed. A nice feature of the application is the ability to apply different color schemes and change the size of the work area.
Swype keyboard for iOS.
An equally popular keyboard for Android and iOS 8, the principle of entering words with Swype is that the user needs to slide across the screen from letter to letter and lift his finger only between different words. The application has a built-in error correction algorithm and a linguistic model of a specific language; in addition, there is an option for predictive text input (suggesting a word based on the first letters entered). In the Swype keyboard for iOS, the main emphasis is placed on a module that analyzes the trajectory of finger movement across the screen and the word search system in the application base.
Nintype or Hipjot keyboard (keyboard + notes) for iOS.
Nintype / Hipjot is a similar keyboard in terms of input method to the Swype keyboard, but the developers went even further in technology and improved it by making it possible to use gestures with both hands at the same time, which significantly increases the speed of typing. So the developers claim that if the average speed of typing words on the Swype keyboard is 50-60 words per minute, then the author of Nintype / Hipjot managed to type 120 words per minute, and the average user is able to type at a speed of 70-90 words per minute. The downside of the Nintype/Hipjot keyboard is that it only supports English for now.
Keyboard KuaiBoard (first name QuickBoard) for iOS.
The KuaiBoard keyboard allows you to choose from three different text input techniques on iOS gadgets: TextBoard, MeBoard and LocationBoard. Each method is based on automation of the most repetitive actions, for example, you can add buttons with the most frequently used words and phrases to the screen, in addition, this function can be used for large text blocks (templates for replies to letters, contacts and much more).
Minuum keyboard for iOS.
The Minuum keyboard is very different from other developments, primarily in its appearance. The standard QWERTY layout has a vertically compressed layout, which significantly reduces the size of the keyboard itself on the screen. This feature is perfect for new smartphone models with big screen: iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. With such a compressed layout of the Minuum keyboard, the number of errors will be significantly greater, so this problem is compensated for using dictionaries and text recognition algorithms.
TextExpander keyboard for iOS.
Another keyboard with an original operating principle designed to automate the process of entering text as quickly as possible. The main method in the TextExpander keyboard is the "autocorrect" function, i.e. The utility allows you to create large dictionaries with abbreviations of words, phrases and large pieces of text, for example, after entering “tyvm”, the phrase will be automatically replaced with “Thank you very much”. It will take time to create a database of templates, but subsequently entering text using TextExpander can be the fastest and most convenient.
TouchPal keyboard for iOS.
The TouchPal keyboard allows you to choose from two methods for entering words. The first is called TouchPal Curve, words must be entered by moving your finger across the screen, moving from one letter to another. The second method is called TouchPal Wave, which is based on the predictive input method. It is possible to choose from several color schemes, in addition, there is an option to quickly enter additional characters.
All these and many other keyboards for iOS can be downloaded from the “Utilities” section of the App Store; they are only available for iPhone, iPad and iPod running the iOS 8 operating system.
The standard keyboard installed in the iPhone and iPad often does not meet the user's requirements, and he has to turn to third-party solutions. In this article, MacDigger looked at 8 interesting, popular and simply good iOS keyboards that you should pay attention to.
SwiftKey
SwiftKey is considered the smartest keyboard for iPhone and iPad. The difficult process of typing text on the touch screen is helped by auto-correction and predictive text input in 60 languages.
The keyboard in SwiftKey for iOS works almost the same as on Google phones, where it successfully settled several years earlier. From the moment of installation, the program remembers what a person writes and automatically suggests favorite phrases and expressions in written speech. According to user reviews, it seems that the keyboard “reads” thoughts and predicts almost entire sentences literally from the first words.
Word Flow
Late last month, Microsoft released the Word Flow keyboard ported from Window Phone to iOS. The main distinguishing feature of Microsoft's proprietary solution is the presence of a special function that allows you to quickly type text on the go, holding the device with one hand. By switching to Arc mode, users can either slide their finger across the fan-shaped keyboard without lifting it from the screen or simply type on the go. The buttons are angled to make them easier to press while holding the iPhone with one hand.
With the exception of the one-armed mode, Word Flow is almost identical to the WP version. Users can quickly enter words suggested by the program, insert emoji, and type text using swipes. To experience Word Flow on iOS, you must have an iPhone 5s or later smartphone and a US App Store account. Microsoft promises to release an international version of the keyboard in the near future.
Flexy
Fleksy can give a head start to most players on the market, because to successfully type text here it is absolutely not necessary to even hit the right letters. Literally, taking a word of five letters and typing all five incorrectly, the user gets the desired result. For Fleksy, it doesn’t make much difference how many errors are made when typing - the main thing is that the number of letters matches the desired word, and their location is relatively close to the approximate ones. Another feature of the keyboard is the gesture system, thanks to which you can type text very quickly.
Minuum
The creators of Minuum (299 rubles) solved the problem of typing in an original way - they took a regular QWERTY keyboard and “flattened” it vertically, arranging the characters almost in one row: Q a Z W s X E d C. With this arrangement, the usual position of the letters will be preserved , and the lack of information about the vertical position of the letter and the inevitable inaccuracies are quite easy to compensate with the help of dictionaries and recognition algorithms that have become almost standard on any smartphone. If you need an exact set, for example in the case of passwords and URLs, then the desired letter or number can be selected in an enlarged fragment that instantly appears when touched.
TextExpander 3
The developers of the TextExpander utility (379 rubles), designed to make text input on Apple smartphones and tablets productive, have released the TextExpander 3 + custom keyboard application. The release includes a new keyboard for iOS that lets you type hundreds of characters in seconds.
The principle of operation of TextExpander is to automatically replace the entered short text with a larger fragment. For example, you can specify that when you type the characters “sss” the program replaces this combination with a long message, for example, “In currently The director is on a business trip. You can contact us with this question by calling 222-33-44.” And if you enter the sequence of letters “ddate” into the text, the current date will appear.
Slash Keyboard
No third-party keyboard for iOS has ever become popular enough to replace the standard one. The developers of Slash Keyboard went the other way, creating a keyboard that makes it possible to interact with third-party services - Foursquare, YouTube, Giphy, Spotify, Twitter, Google Maps and others. To access the service, you need to enter “/service_name” and the desired request. For example, the title of a song on Spotify or the title of an article on Wikipedia.
Gboard
Gboard is Google's proprietary keyboard for iOS devices. It integrates the company's search services, as well as GIF images and emoji. Gboard offers predictive typing, spell checking, GIFs, emoji, and search, which lets you find and share information without switching to other apps. Among other things, Gboard supports the Swype technology, popular on Android smartphones, which allows you to enter text in one motion without lifting your finger from the keyboard.
The application has already been released in the App Store, but is currently only available in the American store. The company promised to release a version for Russian users during 2016.
Giphy Keys
The largest library of GIFs, Giphy, has offered iOS device users a virtual keyboard that allows them to send animated GIFs from any application, including instant messengers, Snapchat, iMessage and social media. It provides a search for pictures and memes for any occasion, as well as a section with the most popular “GIFs”. To insert an image, you just need to tap on the picture you like, after which it will be copied to the clipboard.
