Top 5 Best Free and Open-Source Android Keyboard Apps
If you are looking for a new keyboard app for your Android device, you might be interested in these five options that are free and open-source. These apps ... read more...offer various features, such as customization, privacy, gesture typing, and more. Here are the 5 best free and open-source Android keyboard apps that you can try today.
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The common misconception that opting for open-source alternatives entails sacrificing premium features found in proprietary software is debunked by AnySoftKeyboard, emerging as an exceptionally feature-rich Android keyboard alternative.
Boasting support for over 30 languages, AnySoftKeyboard encompasses all anticipated predictive features, custom dictionaries, and voice input functionalities. The keyboard offers a spectrum of themes, facilitating personalization, with nearly every facet of the interface being customizable. Moreover, AnySoftKeyboard introduces gesture typing support, providing users with an alternative and efficient method of typing on their Android devices.
By debunking preconceptions and delivering an extensive array of features, AnySoftKeyboard stands out as an exemplar in the realm of open-source alternatives, redefining expectations for those seeking a comprehensive and customizable Android keyboard experience.
Features:
- Supports multiple languages and layouts, and allows users to customize their own dictionaries and keyboard theme
- Has various extensions and plugins that add functionality such as emoji, gesture typing, voice input, and text prediction
- Respects the user's privacy and does not collect or transmit any personal data
Pros:
- Customizable
- Supports many languages and scripts
- Lightweight and does not consume much battery or memory
Cons:
- Not compatible with some apps or devices that require specific keyboard settings or permissions
- Limited features
- Has some bugs or glitches
Download here: https://anysoftkeyboard.github.io/
- Supports multiple languages and layouts, and allows users to customize their own dictionaries and keyboard theme
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Tiny Keyboard, an uncomplicated open-source keyboard app established in 2019, offers a straightforward interface utilizing the QWERTY layout. While lacking some advanced features like autocorrect, multiple language support, customization, and emoji features found in top Android keyboard apps, this may not pose a significant drawback.
Many messaging apps, such as WhatsApp Messenger and Google's Messages app, already incorporate built-in emoji, GIF, and sticker support. For users seeking a minimalist open-source option, Tiny Keyboard proves to be an excellent selection.
Features:
- Lives up to its name by keeping things compact. It’s designed to be lightweight, with a file size of less than 32kB
- Includes essential keys for typing
- Operates under the Apache License Version 2
Pros:
- Memory effiency
- Privacy-focused
- Easy activation
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Not compatible with Android 13 and Gboard
Download here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rkr.tinykeyboard.inputmethod
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Consider exploring OpenBoard as an alternative choice. OpenBoard stands out as a robust open-source Android keyboard, featuring text predictions and autocorrect suggestions. For voice typing enthusiasts, the app conveniently integrates a microphone button, activating Google Assistant. Similar to proprietary keyboards, it supports multiple languages, clipboard history, personalized suggestions, and a personal dictionary.
The app provides customization options, allowing users to tailor the layout to their preferences, with default choices like QWERTY and QWERTZ. Additionally, customization extends to various aspects, such as size, theme, night mode, key borders, and more. Notably, OpenBoard isn't accessible through the Google Play Store; instead, users can sideload it via F-Droid, an open-source alternative to the Google Play Store.
Features:
- Allows educators to develop interactive content using text, images, videos, and animations
- Provides a library of collaboration tools, including a calculator, notes, ruler, protractor, compass, stopwatch, Google Maps, and Wikipedia
- Lightweight, consuming minimal device resources
Pros:
- Teaching flexibility
- Coloful pen options
- Platform support
- Clean interface
- Recording capability
Cons:
- Lacks geometric shapes
- Compatibility issues
Download Here: https://f-droid.org/packages/org.dslul.openboard.inputmethod.latin/
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Simple Keyboard, developed by the creator of Tiny Keyboard, has amassed over a million downloads on the Play Store. Boasting a clean and straightforward user interface, the app offers customization options, including theme and keyboard height adjustments.
To access settings, tap and hold the comma button, followed by the Settings icon. Users can alter the keyboard layout, conceal special characters, pick a theme or opt for a custom color, adjust the keyboard's height, and more. Additionally, Simple Keyboard incorporates advanced features such as swipe to delete, enhancing user experience.
Features:
- Lightweight, consuming minimal device resources
- Users can customize the keyboard height to maximize screen space
- The lack of internet access ensures privacy, security, and stability
- Personalize the keyboard with user's preferred color scheme
Pros:
- Simplicity
- Privacy
- Stability
Cons:
- Limited functionality
- Less custiomization
- No gesture typing or predictive text
Download here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=rkr.simplekeyboard.inputmethod
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Distinguished among open-source Android keyboard applications, Unexpected Keyboard surpasses basic functionalities. Unlike typical virtual Android keyboards, it incorporates additional buttons such as Ctrl and Function buttons, catering to users engaged in coding on their Android phones.
While its interface may appear busier compared to other keyboards on the list, this feature proves beneficial for coding enthusiasts. Additionally, Unexpected Keyboard stands out by offering emoji support, a feature often absent in many similar applications. As with other keyboard apps, users can personalize various aspects to align with their preferences, enhancing the overall user experience.
Features:
- Users can select any number of standard and custom layouts
- Offers new layouts and better language compatibility
- Allows users to type more characters by swiping the keys towards the corners
- Originally created for programmers using Termux, it’s now suitable for everyday use
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Privacy
- Stability
Cons:
- Limited functionality
- Less customization
Download here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=juloo.keyboard2