Android alternative keyboard. The best alternative keyboards for Mac. Our selection: the best alternative Android keyboards

All users of devices with operating Android system I wish they had a better keyboard. But each of us has different needs, capabilities and preferences. Therefore, choosing the best Android keyboard will vary from case to case. Therefore, we present to you our list of those models that are considered the best according to several criteria. As you know, in order to download the best keyboard for Android you need to go to Play Market. Therefore, the rating in the app store will be the main selection criterion.

How to change the keyboard on Android

Some users don't know how to change the keyboard on Android. Before moving on to our selection and comparison of keyboards, I want to tell you the easiest way to do this when downloading. And it's very easy to do:

1. Download the desired model from the app store.
2. The “Select input method” window will appear. Place a check mark next to the desired option.
3. The window closes and the changes take effect.

As you can see, changing the keyboard on Android is very simple. Now let's move on to the most important thing and choose the most convenient and best keyboard for Android.

How to choose the best keyboard

To choose which application will be included in our TOP keyboards for Android and which will not, we will be guided by the following criteria:

Of course, to determine which is the best Android model, we will look at the ratings in the Play Market. First, we will present you with our list, and then you will decide for yourself which keyboard to choose for yourself.

Our review will end with a comparison table, which will also help you make a choice.

Typany Keyboard

This is a very bright and beautiful model that can be downloaded to Android for free. It has a wide range of capabilities individual settings, as well as a large number of design themes, stickers and emoticons. It is noteworthy that all this is completely free.

Here are some more features of Typany Keyboard:

• Own training system Typany! F-A-S-T, which is many times better than the standard T9 (reviews testify to this). This system also includes auto-completion functions and prediction of entered words and phrases. In addition, there is automatic correction.
• The program weighs only 10 MB.
• The program is very easy to use. So the layout of the phone can be changed with different buttons that can be customized. In addition, you can choose the interface for yourself.
• The keyboard layout is also customizable - there are QWERTY, QWERTZ and AZERTY.
• Supports more than 100 languages, including Russian.

The only disadvantage we can remember is that Typany Keyboard is not suitable for a smartphone or tablet with little memory. But still, this alternative keyboard for Android is very popular because of its brightness and versatility.

Swiftkey keyboard

This is a very famous and already more classic keyboard for Android devices. At the same time, Swiftkey keyboard is a very smart and beautiful keyboard. If you ask geeks what Swiftkey is, they will probably say that it is one of the best models in terms of prompting and automatic predetermination of entered words.

Some even decide to download a keyboard for Android to expand their vocabulary. Here are a few more of its features:

You can change the color and theme as you wish. But this is still a less colorful keyboard on Android than Typany. The disadvantage of Swiftkey is the inadequate innovations of the developers, which, however, occur very rarely.

For example, they recently removed the letter “е”. But this model is still very good for typing.

Swipe

This is perhaps the most famous version of the alternative keyboard, which, according to many users, is better than the one on the iPhone. Its main features are:

• Android Swype keyboard is a very convenient tool for your phone, in which all the basic elements are well executed - switching languages ​​​​on the keyboard, changing the layout and much more.
• Lots of unusual features. For example, there is simultaneous input in two languages. This means that if you have a Russian keyboard, then you can enter words from English.
• A lot of unique technologies, for example, DRAGON DICTATION'S for speech recognition. All of them can be changed using settings. They also have their own gestures.

True, the latest versions of Swype have deteriorated greatly. Previously, it was not worth looking for a more convenient and faster assistant for entering words, but now Swype has a large number of flaws and glitches.

So, loading this program to your device with Android OS, remember that you may not like it.

Go keyboard

This is a very fast keyboard, it works faster than most other models. Many users decide to download Go keyboard for Android devices precisely for this reason. It also has the following features:

• Lots of so-called emojis. This means that you can not just add emoticons to the keyboard, but use full-fledged pictures that will express emotions. Some people download Go keyboard for Android for free because of them.
• More than 10,000 additional topics. There are also plugins and much more. You can download the theme for Go keyboard in the application store or in the program itself.
• Supports gestures and other traditional functions.

Overall, this is a great lightweight, functional model. You can change the language on the keyboard, change the design, layouts and other parameters very easily. It is noteworthy that here you can also change the font, height, letter spacing and button transparency.

This means that Go keyboard is an Android keyboard with large buttons for people with disabilities.

Google keyboard

Google's free keyboard, also called Gboard, is different unique system hints. For example, if you enter the name of a city, restaurant or other place, the Google keyboard will immediately find information about it in the search engine. Gboard also has the following:

It is noteworthy that in some versions of Android Gboard is already built-in, but the Google keyboard apk is also on the Play Market. So you can download the program from Google on Android for free.

Kika

If you want to download a free emoji keyboard, Kika is what you need! There are more than 3,000 emojis, most of which are completely unique.

Many users believe that this is the best keyboard for an Android tablet or smartphone in terms of the number of emojis. Here are some more features of Kika keyboard:

• This virtual keyboard has a large number of themes and other design options. So this is one of the brightest and most colorful models on Android.
• There are also unique sounds.
• Intelligent word replacement and hint system.

It is important to note one feature of this keyboard in Russian. On some devices it works. So if you decide to replace the standard model with Kika, be prepared for it.

If you need even more stickers, emoticons and emojis, you need to download Kika keyboard emoji gifs on your Android.

Kika Emoji Pro

This is the best keyboard for Android if you want to download emojis, emoticons, stickers, GIF animations and so on. Actually, this is the difference between Emoji Pro. There are no problems with emoticons and other additional elements of message design - there are millions of them.

As for how to make emoticons on this Android keyboard or, in other words, add more of them, this is done traditionally. At the bottom there are buttons that allow you to add sticker packs.

So, if you want to completely get rid of the tedium that system keyboards have, you need to download Kika.

TouchPal Emoji Keyboard

There is a standard keyboard for an Android tablet or smartphone, TouchPal. But the advanced version has many of the same elements that we talked about in the Kika Emoji Pro section.

These are new emoticons, GIF images, stickers, decals and what the developers themselves call text faces.

But there are fewer of them here than in Kika. For example, there are more than 1000 emoticons, and in Emoji Pro there are at least 3000. But Android tablet The TouchPal keyboard will work more stable.

In any case, communication between people, even between users with disabilities, will become much more interesting.

touchpal

If you decide to download Touchpal Russian keyboard (geeks call it “Touchpad Keyboard”), you will get a very stable and easy-to-use program. Speaking about what the Touchpal keyboard is for Android, experts note that among all the downloadable keyboards, it is distinguished by the absence of glitches, freezes and other similar things.

Here are its other features:

• This is a very convenient keyboard in terms of hints and auto-selection of words.
• The load on the battery is less than that of other applications in our review. So if you need to install a keyboard on your phone, but your Android device has a weak battery, choose Touchpal.
• Boomtext – converting text into animation. Moreover, the letters and emoticons here are large, so that all users will see them.

The only drawback worth noting is that this on-screen Android keyboard does not have as many functions as some would like.

Flexy keyboard + Emoji

We all need different things from a keyboard, but if you want a design that's well thought out, choose Fleksy. Here, too, there are the widest possibilities for customization, that is, settings for yourself, emoticons and much more.

Everything is done with high quality, even such a small thing as the “big letters are small” key. Here are some more features of Flexy:

• Everything works very quickly.
• 800 emoticons, 50 themes - not very many, but all beautiful.
• 40 languages ​​supported. As for how to install the Russian Android keyboard, everything is standard - there is a settings button for this.

The disadvantage is that the developers' approach to advertising is not very good. So, to use extensions you need to register on Twitter. And yet it is not uncommon to see Fleksy falling into various ratings and reviews. It is usually published in "Keyboards".

Smart keyboard

A very interesting option to replace the standard Android keyboard. There is a very “smart” dictionary that learns as you use it. Smart keyboard also has the following distinctive features:

A significant disadvantage of Smart keyboard is that it is paid, and there are not as many functions as it could be.

Ai.type + emoji

Another interesting model. There are also a huge number of emojis, themes and other personalization options. Some users highlight Ai.type as the most customizable keyboard. Here are its other features:

• Unique design and some small elements. For example, at the top there is a button in the form of an ellipsis that scrolls through panels with additional buttons. True, this option will not seem successful to everyone.
• Forecasting and correction works well.
• Ability to create your own themes.

To expand the functionality of emoji, you need to use a plugin. As for how to enable it on your keyboard, you just need to download ai.type Emoji. Many users don't know this.

Yandex.Keyboard

The Yandex company is trying to keep up with Google, so the developers decided to release a product such as Yandex.Keyboard for Android devices. There is nothing special here, in principle, everything is the same as that of the Google representative.

To use this product you do not need to register for Android, but to use additional functions it is better to have an account in the Yandex system. Here are some distinctive features:

• Own built-in dictionary.
• Ability to insert a geo-tag into a message.
• Unique sets of GIFs and emoticons.

Among the shortcomings, it is worth remembering that there is no swipe.

The best keyboard for Android - Which one to choose!

The table below summarizes our review. Make your choice based on it.

Table 1. Keyboard ratings for Google Play Market

Name	Rating on Google Play	Who is it for?
Typany Keyboard	4.5	Users who want to have a bright and beautiful keyboard and own powerful Android devices.
Swiftkey keyboard	4.5	Users who value the automatic hint function.
Swipe	4.0	Anyone who cares about gestures and some of Swype's unique features. But recently this program has deteriorated.
Go keyboard	4.5	Anyone who needs a bright and simple Android keyboard with the ability to make the buttons larger.
Gboard	4.2	Those who want to expand the capabilities of the standard model (search and translation functions are added during installation).
Kika and Kika Emoji Pro	4.2 and 4.4	Those who need a large number of smiles, emoticons, emojis, animations and the like.
TouchPal and TouchPal Emoji Keyboard	4.3	Users for whom stability is important. This program will not freeze, crash or glitch.
Flexy + Emoji	4.4	Users for whom it is important that the developer thinks through everything to the smallest detail. But in order to use additional functions you will have to complete tasks.
Smart keyboard	4.5	People for whom vocabulary and its learning ability are important. The application is paid.
Ai.type + emoji	4.2	People for whom personalization is important.
Yandex.Keyboard	4.2	Lovers of Yandex products.

Also popular are the Android keyboard AOSP (aka AOSP WiFi Keyboard) and Game keyboard+. But these are completely unique products not for general use. AOSP, for example, allows you to connect to a computer via WiFi and print on it. And the Game also connects to a computer or gamepad of another device.

Of course, all users want to have the best keyboard for Android.

At the same time, many are satisfied with the standard keyboard, but quite a lot of people are still looking for some kind of alternative.

There can be quite a lot of reasons for this. Some people want to have some kind of non-standard button design, others need more emoticons.

In any case, we will look at the 6 most popular keyboards on.

As for which of them is the best, there is not and cannot be a consensus. Some may choose one option, but others will choose something else.

Therefore, let each reader decide for himself what will be best for him.

Write in the comments which keyboard you like best.

Content:

Swipe

This program can rightfully be called the most famous on our list today. The word “swipe” has already become firmly established in the speech of all users.

It means moving your finger to the right or left. Now, as a result of this action, a menu of functions appears in almost all programs.

So, the word “swipe” was first used in the name of this application.

The main feature of Swype is that a word is entered not by pressing each button separately, but by sequential pressing.

This means that the user does not release his finger from the screen and thus presses all the letters sequentially.

The system recognizes what the user wants to write and displays it on the screen. Wherein this process It is carried out very correctly - the words are entered adequately.

Although mistakes, of course, also occur. However, in standard Android keyboard they exist too.

• input occurs very quickly;
• This procedure requires less energy because the finger does not leave the screen;
• you can install many unique themes;
• its own system of gestures for entering punctuation marks;
• The dictionary is stored in the cloud and is updated as you use Swype.

• there are glitches on weak devices;
• switching languages ​​is very inconvenient;
• the program is not free.

So if you're interested in trying out typing words with one gesture instead of tapping each letter individually, be sure to give Swype a try.

Smart Keyboard

In this case, we return to the standard input of words by pressing each button separately. Although in the settings you can set the language to change using the same swipe.

The Smart Keyboard set has many of its own emoticons, which makes many users very happy.

As for the Russian language, the Smart Keyboard has two options for this layout - three-line and four-line. Both have additional symbols on each button.

They are located at the top and allow you to enter punctuation marks and numbers. There is also support for custom themes.

It is also worth noting the excellent possibilities for setting vibration when entering words. So the user can adjust the length of the vibration and its volume.

It’s also interesting that at the top there is a line where they display latest actions, in particular the selected language.

This is very convenient, because on a regular keyboard it is not always possible to correctly determine which language is selected on the this moment.

• there is a button to switch the language (although you can switch it by swiping);
• by long pressing you can enter additional characters (they are located at the top of the main character on each button);
• the user can fully customize the vibration;
• You can also configure how to work with gestures.

• the program is not free (although its cost is not that high).

If you are interested in just trying this keyboard, download trial version– Trial.

SwiftKey Keyboard

Another completely non-standard keyboard. It compiles its dictionary depending on the user, or more precisely, on his correspondence.

A person indicates in the program his and Twitter accounts, as well as RSS feeds and the source of SMS.

Based on all this, the program “predicts” what the user might enter.

In fact, the standard keyboard uses the same approach, only there the dictionary is compiled exclusively from words previously entered by the user.

And here SwiftKey Keyboard takes words from all the above sources. Thanks to this, it turns out to be much more accurate and complete.

Very unusual.

As for appearance buttons, then if horizontal orientation is used, there will be a small space between them, in the middle. This element also looks very non-standard.

Each button has additional characters that are entered by long pressing.

It's also interesting that you won't see an Enter button here at first. It is located at the bottom right and if you long press on it, a menu of emoticons will appear.

Also in SwiftKey Keyboard there is a so-called smart button “S”, which calls up settings or starts typing words by voice.

It’s worth saying right away that many will find all this very inconvenient. You need to be prepared for this.

Rice. 3. SwiftKey Keyboard

• a very unusual word entry system (for some it will not be convenient);
• its own unique set of topics;
• many non-standard elements;
• ability to customize sounds and vibration.

• it will not be easy to get used to the same non-standard elements (but when you get used to it, you will get great pleasure from working with SwiftKey Keyboard);
• There are still quite a few settings (although this is the subjective opinion of individual experts).

The disadvantages of SwiftKey Keyboard are:

Flexy

This is the best option for those who like minimalism. There are quite a lot of our own themes here and they all differ in a minimal set of elements and the same design.

In addition to themes, Fleksy has its own widgets.

For example, the user can install . Then you can add some unusual element to your message and express your emotions in this way.

There is also the option to add a search bar, which will be located at the top of the buttons and will always be available for use.

Among other interesting features, you can pay attention to the ability to send images while remaining invisible.

Custom gestures are also used for control, but you cannot enter text by swiping here. But you can install your own action systems.

For example, you can set a movement to delete letters or perform any other operations.

The problem is that Flexy is completely paid program. To install additional elements, such as widgets or emoticons, you will also need to pay a certain amount of money from your card.

But there is a trial period that lasts 30 days. You can easily try using Fleksy and if you like it, buy the full version.

You can also try installing the Fleksy theme rather than a full keyboard.

The use of swipes, that is, actions to perform certain operations, is well developed. All this can also be customized.

Among the features, it is worth paying special attention to the so-called “incognito” mode.

The meaning of this is that the program stops updating its dictionary.

A very interesting feature.

For example, you want to write something unpleasant to someone (even with obscenities).

To prevent the application from remembering the words you entered, you can turn on this mode and everything you wrote will not remain in memory. Additionally, Adaptxt has the same feature as SwiftKey Keyboard.

This program also remembers everything you have ever entered into

13.04.2007

Everyone has their own truth.

One definition of pluralism

It is impossible to please a living person; No matter how much you feed the wolf, it still looks into the forest; No matter how much you twist the rope, there will be no end. We can remember many more wonderful Russian sayings about the continuous flow of life, about what worries every person, regardless of gender and age. What excites him, first of all, is the desire to change his life for the better, to save and make his work easier. With the advent of first typewriters, and then computers, we are constantly in search of the most optimal typing technique, every day new keyboards are invented that should make the work of typists easier, every day someone puzzles over the question of the rationality of the location of a particular key, every day Every day someone is haunted by the laurels of the inventors of QWERTY and QUALITY. This article is dedicated to their work.

The most famous, most popular, most Russian layout is, of course, YTSUKEN! It is everywhere, it is supported on any computer, it is convenient, it is familiar, it is almost perfect... Here it is:

Doesn’t the mere mention of FYVA and OLJ warm your soul! After all, this is a classic! Every person who would like to learn how to quickly type on a keyboard would definitely become acquainted with these magic words at the very first typing lesson. These are not just words, this is a spell that, like an unusual key, can open up the possibilities of the keyboard for everyone!

The figure does not specifically show punctuation marks or numbers. Only letters. Despite the fact that there is only one layout, there are several options that differ in the location of punctuation marks. For example, the widely used typescript is convenient just because of their typing. To type a comma, period, semicolon and other characters, you just need to press one button in the fourth row of the keyboard, while with the usual Russian layout you need to press two keys at the same time, which is not very convenient. But by and large, these are all little things - the arrangement of the letters does not change. And the layout is essentially the same.

But there are complaints...

The main thing is that the layout is not balanced. What does it mean? The load on the fingers is not uniform. Some fingers run more miles on the keyboard than others, which is generally ineffective. It's no secret that the index fingers work much harder than others when typing. But the little finger of the right hand is significantly unlucky - it works more often than the little finger of the left. The load must be distributed evenly. In addition, it would be desirable for the main row to participate more in typing - then there would be no need to bend your fingers so often, which would not only affect the training of the blind method, but also the efficiency of professional typing.

Many words have to be typed in the YTSUKEN layout with one finger, for example, the word “grot” is typed with one index finger of the right hand. Not convenient. The first two letters of the word “moment” should again be typed with one finger, but now with the index finger of the left hand. Imbalance. Of course, you can come up with many more shortcomings and shortcomings of the usual Russian layout; it makes no sense to list them all.

Taking into account all the wishes to improve the layout, the Announcer layout was invented:

Can not understand anything! Especially if you have been typing for many years on the YTSUKEN layout familiar to the Russian heart. However, a number of advantages are obvious - the most “popular” letters of the Russian alphabet fit on the main row of the keyboard. In addition, if you type the word “moment” or “grot” in the new layout, it is easy to notice that more than one finger is already involved in typing. The load seems to be more uniform.

What about convenience? The question is actually controversial. And it's all a matter of habit. If a person has been constantly using one instrument since youth, it is almost impossible to retrain him to another.

This is one of the most interesting and promising Russian layouts. But it is also impossible to mention the good old phonetic layouts:

They are constructed in such a way that the same key is simultaneously phonetically responsible for both a letter of the English alphabet and a letter of the Russian alphabet, for example A-A, S-C, and so on. Of course, there is no rationality here. The layout, by and large, was not even invented, but was simply made by analogy with the English QWERTY layout.

Those days are gone, so talking about this layout no longer makes sense.

But one more layout is definitely worth mentioning. This is a typographical extension of Ilya Birman's YTSUKEN layout:

In principle, it does not provide any advantage for an ordinary set. The main goal is to simplify the set special characters. So in the figure, the characters in blue are symbols that can be typed by simultaneously pressing the right Alt and the corresponding letter. So, if you need to type %A9, then simply press Alt+C. In all other respects, good old YTSUKEN.

There are quite a few layouts, each of them seems to be effective, but this is not what is important, it is important to choose the most suitable layout, master it and work at the computer with pleasure.

Comments

2009-12-12 07:52:44 - Akimov Igor Grigorievich

An interesting and useful article, but I’m disappointed by the large number of typos - they were probably typed blindly, but were not proofread after typing:-(((. For example, this quote: “This is one of the most interesting and promising Russian layouts.” Somehow it’s not It sounds Russian, doesn't it? There are other typos. Please correct them!

2010-04-07 08:11:25 - Petrov Petr Petrovich

Interesting article, no doubt! But it is very limited in subject matter. It seems that the discussion of new versions is taking place within a predetermined framework. It's like sitting in a tunnel. However, many new versions are offered today. In Yandex, type “Keyboard models” or “New keyboard layouts”. Google "New keyboard models"

2010-12-03 17:40:20 - Alex Sokol

To hell with typos, but why redo proverbs?? No matter how long the rope hangs, it will end. !! BE BE! end!)) respect the classics!

2011-03-21 23:00:30 - Captain Obvious

The number 4 is missing on the Announcer layout.

2011-05-19 19:48:46 - Shalimov Alexander

and now the troika is missing from the Announcer)))

2011-07-06 12:59:19 - Zinkevich Viktor Borisovich

Hello! From alternative layouts I would put it first today on-screen keyboard Ladonnik2 - for OS Android. And because her original layouts are scientifically proven! And because up to 90% of speech is typed in the 16-key central unit. And because the popularity of the keyboard is growing rapidly! For the sake of a solid review, I think you should take this into account too! All the best!

2011-08-21 15:26:40 - AAA

Proverbs are almost useless anyway. No respect is required for them.

2012-01-19 09:04:15 - Alex

>The load must be distributed evenly. Who said that? In general, some strange logic: “some fingers work more than others, the layout is not balanced.” Is it okay that the little fingers are generally weaker than other fingers and, in turn, the little finger of the left is weaker than the little finger of the right? Therefore, the load is uneven: stronger fingers receive more load, weaker ones receive less. Make the load the same on all fingers - the little fingers will start to get tired faster and in the end it will turn out even worse.

2012-02-03 23:03:15 - Katya Simakova

The article is clearly unfinished or it is a copyrighted copy. In fact, if we're talking about about alternatives, then why is history silent about the developments of our inventor Vladimir Shcheblykin? I completely agree with Mr. Zinkevich

2013-04-25 13:46:01.784824 - Vladimir Shcheblykin

Hello. Thanks to Katya Simakova for mentioning my keyboards. I saw these comments in connection with the organization of a competition for all existing layouts. I am one of the organizers of this competition. It is assumed that the competition will be on tablets. Please let me know if you can take part in it? For now, it is important for us to find out about readiness. We'll discuss the details later. Sincerely, Vladimir Shcheblykin, author of the Ladonnik series keyboards. [email protected]

2014-02-15 17:38:54.122026 - errer

yes, a wonderful layout for the Russian language, everything is balanced and convenient. There are a lot of shortcomings in the layouts shown. But the English one, for example, does not correspond at all, for example, the letter J is probably less common than our ъ sign, but stands in the middle of the keyboard. We know that it was practically made from a lantern.

2014-02-27 07:14:22.028569 - Eva

Vladimir Davidovich! Glad to see your name. I conducted several surveys: they are willing to install the new ladonnik 2m1 keyboard! But as for the multilingual module, many people say: why is it needed here? But I think it is necessary. Especially for Russian users. (I will duplicate the message on sobiraem)

2015-09-21 13:35:05.210021 - Simeon

ladonnik 2m1 for narrow mobile devices, more convenient. Of course, for those who are used to typing on a typewriter, the YTSUKEN keyboard is more convenient. Provided, of course, if you have a wide tablet or laptop at hand. I don’t argue. What if you have a smartphone in your hand?

2016-01-20 13:29:28.30625 - Manynka

The layouts of the third group are also inconvenient, since when typing in the national language, sometimes it becomes necessary to type a Russian word for which there is no alternative spelling in letters of only the national alphabet. This will require switching to the Russian layout, which reduces typing speed. In addition, the user needs to remember which letter is located on the same key on the national and Russian layouts.

At the beginning of this month Apple company announced new version operating system iOS 8 with one interesting feature: Supports third-party keyboards and operating systems. Today, the choice of alternative keyboards is huge, but not all of them are convenient, such as Swype. Therefore now not only Android users Owners of Apple products will also have to struggle with choosing the perfect keyboard. We decided to make your task a little easier and selected the best keyboards for you.

Many users use Google Keyboard. It is considered the best among other keyboards. For example, I personally used to use the SwiftKey keyboard for two years before Google released its own keyboard. After that I wanted to try it, but I thought that after a couple of hours I would end up going back to SwiftKey anyway. However, it was later discovered that Google Keyboard is much faster, plus it is able to make pretty good predictions of the words being entered, and also has the ability to enter using gestures a la Swype. In addition, the keyboard supports many languages.

This is not to say that Swiftkey is much worse than Google Keyboard. This keyboard has a number of advantages and disadvantages. For example, it's not as responsive as Google Keyboard, but it manages to predict your next words almost perfectly before you type them. Swiftkey predictions are based on what you write in Gmail, Twitter, Facebook and more in social networks, search engines etc. The keyboard allows you to simultaneously support three languages, between which you can easily switch. Cloud storage synchronizes your personal dictionary, which will also help in predicting words and correcting errors. Swiftkey supports themes and comes with multiple layouts for phones, tablets, and phablets.

The Minuum keyboard was created by IndieGoGo, whose goal was to release a keyboard with minimal dimensions that would not cover the screen. At first glance, it may seem that dealing with such an unusual keyboard will be quite difficult. However, in the process of using it, the work happens on an intuitive level, and you will stop thinking about it. Since Minuum was first introduced, it has undergone various updates, i.e. received a clipboard tools, more accurate cursor movement, a dictionary and thesaurus.

TouchPal X is perhaps one of the most popular keyboards for Android. Even though it's free, it doesn't have any ads at all. The keyboard supports themes, layouts, cloud sync, contextual predictions, and you can enter words, numbers, and symbols using gestures like Swype keyboard. Additional topics and dictionaries can be downloaded separately.

If your previous TouchPal X keyboard was overcrowded with items user interface, then Fleksy, on the contrary, focuses on simplicity and rids you of unnecessary panels and tools. It is also capable of making accurate predictions based on your communication over e-mail and on social networks. Its unique feature is that you can use gestures not only to enter words, numbers and symbols, but also to insert a space, erase the last word or move through predicted words. But that is not all. This is an invisible keyboard, i.e. there will be just a transparent layer of it on the screen without buttons. This is done so that you can see the entire display.

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 keyboard was designed for first MacBook in a unibody aluminum body, 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 portable computers in mind. As a result of unification, the owner of Apple computers did not experience any inconvenience when switching from an iMac or Mac mini to MacBook and back. The typing sensations were the same.

For the first time, a keyboard with a butterfly mechanism was used in MacBook laptop 12’’, 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, updated MacBook Pro. 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 present a wireless keyboard with a 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 the latest macOS version and looks good 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 portable device input.

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 the macOS operating system.

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 a Lightning-USB cable, which is familiar to all owners of an iPhone, 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 model range Apple keyboards. 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 other 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, and Mac computers.

However, first of all, the device is optimized to work with operating systems 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.

Implemented the ability to connect to three various 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 trick - switching between different devices with one touch - this model It features silent input, as well as the presence of a special rubber stand for mobile devices. It can easily accommodate a smartphone and tablet, including iPad Pro with 12-inch screen. This ensures the most comfortable tilt angle, and the desktop remains uncluttered with wires and devices.

No noise when typing is achieved through the use of a proprietary system Logitech keys PerfectStroke™. 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 others Logitech models, supporting work with 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 keyboards for Apple computers, including adjusting screen brightness, volume, opening Launch panel Pad and Mission Control.

For correct operation it is 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. 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.

In place and familiar to users Mac keys Option and Command. 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 volumes of text.

Unlike most mechanical keyboards, Lofree comes with the familiar Magic Keyboard layout to all Mac users. 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.