Gboard - the Google Keyboard

Pros

• A minimalist design with a highly customizable virtual keyboard
• Multiple input options and extensive language support
• Gboard learns from user input to provide a better and smarter experience
• Virtual keyboard improves typing speed and minimizes errors

Cons

• Gboard sometimes crashes and experiences random glitches
• If all features are enabled, Gboard utilizes plenty of system resources
• Gboard sometimes slow to learn a user's behavior and typing style

Developed by Google, Gboard is a virtual keyboard for smartphones and tablets. Most Android devices are compatible with the keyboard. Google baked a large variety of features into the app, and it's comparable to similar options. In fact, more than a billion devices feature Gboard today. Few Android apps feature a higher download count at the moment. Is Gboard the best virtual keyboard for mobile devices? Find out here!

Gboard Available On Most Mobile Devices Like Smartphones and Tablets

Many smartphones and tablets come with Gboard preinstalled. Otherwise, the app is available in the Google Play Store free of charge. Launching Gboard prompts users to make it the default keyboard on their device. They're then able to access the keyboard settings and personalize how the keyboard functions. From there, Gboard pops up for typing whenever users need to enter text into a field on the device.

A Simple But Attractive Design Hiding Incredible Capabilities

The keyboard itself features a minimalist design with various color schemes. Google chose to make the keyboard customizable but not flashy. By default, users encounter a traditional mobile keyboard layout that looks like other virtual keyboards. A minimalist design hides how many features power Gboard and make it unique. It's difficult to knock Gboard on style after using the keyboard for an extended period of time.

Gboard Provides An Unparalleled Typing Experience For Users

Regardless of customizations, users will love the typing experience on Gboard. An extremely accurate autocorrect leads to few mistakes while typing fast. Machine learning discovers how a given user types and produces better predictive typing. Instead of watching every keypress, users can focus on getting text entered more quickly. Typing suggestions appear as users type, and these suggestions are often quite useful.

Features Galore In A Powerful Package

Gboard provides users with a variety of native features. For instance, Google Searches occur within the keyboard through a dedicated button. Hundreds of emojis come standard in Gboard, and a GIF search is included as well. A large number of languages are supported in Gboard, so bilingual typing couldn't be easier. Plus, personalized dictionaries and keyboard shortcuts can be added into Gboard for a better typing experience.

No Shortage of Customization Options In Gboard

As previously mentioned, Google developed Gboard with customization in mind. Users can customize the color scheme of the keyboard and its overall dimensions. A dedicated number bar above the keyboard can be toggled, too. Also, users can toggle haptic feedback and keypress sounds as well as long press duration. Most facets of the virtual keyboard come with customization solutions in order to make Gboard an extension of the user.

Multiple Input Options and Support For Many Languages

Like most virtual keyboards, Gboard includes various input options. Users could rely on simple presses and long presses on the keyboard type. They could instead opt to use voice typing or swipe typing for a different experience. Without a doubt, Google included one of the most powerful and accurate voice typing solutions here. Many virtual keyboards claim to include smart features, but Gboard stands above its competitors.

Powered By Machine Learning To Improve With Regular Usage

Gboard learns from user input in order to improve. During regular use, an individual might notice the keyboard offer better autocomplete suggestions. The keyboard may perform better with autocorrect over time. Quite a few users notice the keyboard improves their typing speeds on smartphones and tablets. Through machine learning and other tactics, Gboard excels as a smart virtual keyboard that always improves.

The Final Verdict On Gboard: Should Users Download and Use It?

For one reason or another, mobile device users prefer a given keyboard solution. Millions of people rely on Gboard for day-to-day usage. Finding a better solution than Gboard often proves difficult. In the end, Gboard remains the premier solution for smartphone and tablet users. Android and iOS versions of the keyboard are available today. Regular development keeps Gboard updated with new features and better learning capabilities.

It's difficult to recommend any other virtual keyboard over Gboard today.

Pros

• A minimalist design with a highly customizable virtual keyboard
• Multiple input options and extensive language support
• Gboard learns from user input to provide a better and smarter experience
• Virtual keyboard improves typing speed and minimizes errors

Cons

• Gboard sometimes crashes and experiences random glitches
• If all features are enabled, Gboard utilizes plenty of system resources
• Gboard sometimes slow to learn a user's behavior and typing style