Alternative keyboards for the ‘droid

CEBU, Philippines - Android device owners are well aware of how customizable their mobiles are, with hundreds of customization-specific apps available online.

From alternative dialers to alternative lock screens, replacement keyboards for the stock Android keyboard are a big hit in Google Play, with different keyboard apps made for different typists.

Below are three of the best alternative keyboards made for the ‘droid.

Swype Keyboard

Developed by Nuance Communications, Swype is a robust keyboard replacement app made for “tappers”, “swipers” and “dictators”.

With unique input-based features geared for better and faster typing experiences, the app holds a Guinness World Record (Fastest Time to Type a Text Message), and comes with support for downloadable language packs (up to 60 languages and 20 dialects).

Highlighting “Next Word Prediction”, “Living Language” and “Personal Dictionary Backup & Sync”, Swype’s roster of intelligent features includes multi-modal switching support for type, write and speak.

The app also comes with support for customizable gestures-based commands, and can also be visually customized though the use of available keyboard themes.

Google Keyboard

Google recently updated its Google-branded keyboard app this month, highlighting support for Voice Typing and Gesture-based typing.

Compatible with Android devices running on Android 4.0 or higher, the app comes with predictive input support, with a dictionary-base that works with more than 20 languages.

With an advanced and intuitive selection of keyboard layouts, smartphone and tablet owners can easily configure the replacement keyboard to fit with their typing habits.

(EvenBetter) NumberPad Keyboard

Android device owners will find a lot to like about the (EvenBetter) NumberPad Keyboard, given its base simplicity and enhanced functionality as an alternative keyboard for the ‘droid: it mimics the T9 keyboards of old-school non-QWERTY phones.

Though the app hasn’t been updated for a while (last updated on July last year), its thrust as a T9 keyboard app easily lets it stand out as a no-nonsense T9 keyboard that works for its users.

With support for new word additions to its dictionary, the (EvenBetter) NumberPad Keyboard doesn’t come with gesture-based command support, nor does it come with voice-based input features.

Simply put, it is a fully functional T9 keyboard app that works for “thumb texters”, perfect for Android users who simply want a keyboard app for one-hand typing.