Google Keyboard

Pros

• Keyboard includes Google Search integration, GIF search, and other features
• Predictive typing and auto-correct can improve overall touch typing speeds
• Gboard features full integration with Android OS, and it just works

Cons

• Sporadic glitches or bugs can cause the keyboard to crash
• Other keyboards may feature noticeably more customization options

Now known as Gboard, Google Keyboard is a touch keyboard for Android devices. Gboard replaced the original Keyboard app in 2016. Fortunately, Google's solution to the smartphone keyboard is packed with features and capabilities. Users will feel right at home using this keyboard to type out messages. Integration with Google Search keeps things interesting, and a better Android keyboard might not be available.

A First-Party Touch Keyboard With A Lot To Love

Google Keyboard doesn't come standard on all Android devices. After installing the keyboard, the app requests permission to be the device's default keyboard. Users accept this requirement, and then the keyboard appears whenever text can be entered. Like any other keyboard, Google Keyboard persists throughout the Android user interface, and users won't have to toggle between multiple keyboards.

Then again, Google Keyboard features support for over 100 languages. A user can add multiple languages to their phone and switch between them in seconds. The ability to type in multiple languages with supported dictionaries is quite useful. Plus, Keyboard features native Google Search, so users can perform searches within the keyboard. This particular capability makes sharing information with friends easier than ever before.

A native GIF search is included within the keyboard as well. Therefore, users can send GIFs and emojis to their heart's content within seconds. Google Voice Typing and swipe keyboard typing are both available within Gboard, too. Multiple input methods ensure users remain in control of the way they communicate with friends and others. Plus, the keyboard tends to run well and allows users to type in the fastest manner possible.

Basic Customization Options, But Not Much More Than That

Google Keyboard features a moderate level of customization today. It's possible to customize the keyboard size and whether a number row appears by default. From there, users can modify their custom dictionary and customize haptic feedback and long press duration. A number of other settings can be tweaked in the Settings menu, but Google Keyboard doesn't feature as much customization as other keyboards in the Play Store.

Without a doubt, a lack of customization stands out as Gboard's biggest fault. Other keyboards allow for more diverse customization like custom themes and button sizes. A handful of keyboards allow for more keyboard layouts than the standard QWERTY configuration. Although Google Keyboard works incredibly well, users that want to change everything about the standard keyboard will feel disappointed here.

The Final Verdict on Google Keyboard

Gboard doesn't suffer from noticeable slowdowns or bugs. In fact, bugs and related issues are quite rare with this keyboard. Slower or older hardware may make the keyboard feel sluggish, but that's the case with most Android keyboards. Modern smartphones run Google Keyboard well and without problems. Simply put, the keyboard is both stable and zippy during frequent use, and it's hard to complain about that.

In the end, Google Keyboard users receive an excellent keyboard with countless features. Google Search integration makes the keyboard more useful than competing solutions. Extensive language support means this keyboard is designed with everyone in mind. On top of that, Google Keyboard is perhaps the most well-optimized keyboard on the market, considering Google is the developer behind both Gboard and Android OS.

Pros

• Keyboard includes Google Search integration, GIF search, and other features
• Predictive typing and auto-correct can improve overall touch typing speeds
• Gboard features full integration with Android OS, and it just works

Cons

• Sporadic glitches or bugs can cause the keyboard to crash
• Other keyboards may feature noticeably more customization options