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7 best Android keyboard apps for effortless typing
Type your way to success with these great keyboard apps
When it comes to tactile feedback, nothing beats a mechanical keyboard. However, virtual keyboards have advantages. In this regard, Google's Gboard is at the top of its class. It offers customization options and features to support your typing experience.
Best keyboards for Chromebooks in 2024
The best wired and wireless keyboards, including the top models with Chrome-specific key layouts
The best Chromebooks aren't exactly performance monsters suitable for gaming (though if you attach a monitor they'll handle indies and some less demanding titles), they're incredible, portable productivity solutions. That said, to truly unlock their potential, you'll need to pair them with a proper keyboard, particularly if you're going to be doing a lot of writing or editing.
X-Plus VickyBoard Ergo Split-V mechanical keyboard review: Fun in the danger zone
Beauty may be just skin deep
Of all computer parts, keyboards arguably have the least dramatic job despite their critical role in human-machine interaction. Worryingly, then, the layout of keys hasn’t changed since the typewriter days. They still look like boring old tools encased in black plastic, existing just as a means to an end. However, a small community of enthusiasts hasn’t forgotten the IBM Model M’s heyday, and a resurgence of mechanical keyboards has spawned an industry of vibrant designs and experimental layouts.
Das Keyboard 5QS review: A few apps short of a winner
It has a lot of potential, but the 5QS falls flat in some areas
I never thought of my RGB keyboard as a potential source of information, but that's precisely what Das Keyboard looks to accomplish with the 5QS by offering all the performance of an excellent mechanical keyboard with the added utility of applets to deliver information at a glance. It's an ambitious idea, and the results are mixed, but I can see plenty of benefits if a few issues are resolved.
Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro review: Gamer chic
It performs like a gaming keyboard but offers a refined low-profile design
I appreciate a thocky gaming keyboard as much as the next person, but if you’re looking for a sleeker, more Instagram-worthy setup, Razer may have the answer with its DeathStalker V2 Pro. The company aims to maintain the performance you’d expect from a high-end mechanical keyboard while looking slim and professional on your desk.
27 useful Chromebook keyboard shortcuts
Become a Chromebook power user with these handy keyboard shortcuts
Chromebooks are some of the most cost-effective and exciting computers on the market. They have great hardware and useful software for users at all price points and are simpler and more user-friendly than Windows or Mac computers. Chromebooks come in all shapes and sizes, but for those who want a little more out of Chromebooks, Google introduced the Chromebook Plus program in October 2023, which has several minimum standards Chromebooks must follow.
OnePlus dips a toe in the bustling mechanical keyboard scene
The Keyboard 81 Pro marks a collaboration with custom designer Keychron
Even today, keyboards play an integral role in human-machine interactions. Irrespective of the operating system you prefer, you cannot go wrong with a mechanical keyboard. The Keychron Q1 is our current favorite, but buying a new mechanical keyboard can be a daunting task because they are usually from niche brands. Now, a familiar face from the Android world — OnePlus — is stepping into the game with the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, thanks to a little help from Keychron.
OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro review: A labor of love
Built atop of the the Keychron Q1 Pro platform, the OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro actually stands on its own
There's a reason I took this review: I'm an absolute mechanical keyboard nerd. I started small, modding a few HHKBs. But once I was influenced by a coworker deeper into the hobby, my journey truly started. After all, I type all day; shouldn't I be typing on something fancy? Fast forward a few years, and I'm now the proud owner of too many boards to count, from hot-swap to soldered keebs to high-end metals to cheap injection molded builds; I've been there and done that. Not to brag, but at this point, my brain is filled with information about mechanical keyboards.
Mechanical keyboard switches: An in-depth guide
Understanding what they are can make your next purchase easier
Smartphones may have taken over the world of touch screens; however, there's still a massive market for external physical keyboards. The two primary keyboard types we have today are mechanical and membrane, each with unique properties. Many indirectly know of membrane keyboards since most laptops these days use them; however, not everyone will be familiar with mechanical ones. Mechanical keyboards have been around for a long time, but they've only recently resurfaced as a popular option. In this guide, we'll go over what a mechanical keyboard is and why you might consider getting one.
How to control your PC from any Android device using MATRIC
It’s a macro pad, a stream deck, and a game controller
Depending on how much time you spend in front of a monitor and keyboard, you've probably memorized your fair share of keyboard shortcuts. Whether you're like me, furiously typing away in Google Docs, or you're playing Elite Dangerous long into the night, you've probably wished for an easier way to use and manage your hotkeys.
Gboard's selfie-based 'Mini' stickers are going the way of the dodo
Another Google project dying an early death
Gboard is jam-packed with extra features that augment the regular typing experience, particularly if you love using GIFs, stickers, and emoji when you communicate — Emoji Kitchen, in particular, is incredibly fun to play with. However, one of the most personal ways to communicate with stickers will soon no longer be available. Google has confirmed to 9to5Google that Gboard's "Minis" stickers will be booted off the app at the end of October, without providing an exact date.
Chrome OS 93 is heading to your Chromebook today, and it's all about the details
Tweaks that strengthen, mature, and enhance the overall Chrome experience
Today Google is launching Chrome OS 93 to Chromebooks, just a week after it released Chrome 93 to mobile and desktop platforms. Chromebooks have seen wild success over the last couple of years thanks to Chrome OS being reliable, secure, and easy to use, and Chrome OS 93 adds polish here and there to help you enjoy your Chromebook even more. Here are all the important features and tweaks coming with this update.
SwiftKey's latest beta works a lot faster with password managers
Passwords and replies now show up along the top of the keyboard
SwiftKey remains one of the best third-party keyboard alternatives on Android — especially if you're a dedicated Microsoft fan. With its latest beta update, the app is gaining a much-needed feature for managing logins, passwords, and smart replies.
Chromebooks are getting better keyboard and mouse support in games with this new change
It extends keyboard and mouse support to incompatible games
Many of us have been working from home for a long time now, and if you've got a stressful job, it's vital to take time relaxing and winding down after work. With the vast catalog of apps now available for Chromebooks thanks to the Play Store, it's easier than ever to get hooked on addictive games like PUBG or Among Us. But despite Google's efforts to optimize Android on Chrome OS, a lot of games are still incompatible with keyboard and mouse input — simply because the developers built them for phones and tablets. So if your Chromebook lacks a touchscreen, you've been out of luck. Thankfully, it looks like that may soon change.
Save a cool $100 on Google's i5 Pixelbook Go
A meaty discount on one of the best laptop keyboards around
It's been almost two years since Google made a proper Chromebook for the masses. The Pixelbook Go is the company's most recent device meant for the casual user, with a more traditional form factor and magnesium chassis to improve its affordability and longevity. Despite Google's cost-saving measures, the laptop has simply been too expensive, with a $650 sticker price being less competitive than similarly equipped Chromebooks. But there's still a lot to love about it, and if you've been itching to buy it on sale, today's your lucky day — you can snag an i5 Pixelbook at Amazon for $100 off.
Multitasking on Chrome OS with an external keyboard will soon be even easier
You won't have to guess which function key opens Overview mode
Let's be honest: it's outright frustrating to remember which function key on your external keyboard activates each Chrome OS feature, especially when you're trying to get work done. That's because Google designed these functions around its own keyboard layout, which has symbols that illustrate what they do. Google eases the friction a bit by including a shortcut on the taskbar to launch overview mode, but for now, it shows up only when connecting a keyboard to a Chrome tablet. That may soon change, as Google is working to make Chrome OS more user-friendly with any keyboard.
Google continues its assault on the Chromebook Alt key
You may need to relearn a few shortcuts after updating to Chrome OS 93
It's been several months since Google announced its new name for the Launcher — or Search key — on Chromebooks, rebranding it to the Everything Button. For those unfamiliar, this button replaces the Caps lock key found on traditional keyboards — tapping it will open the app drawer instead. A Googler writes that the key enables you to search for apps, find files, search online, and more, all in one place. It looks like the company is doubling down on the "Everything" moniker, as it's about to remap a handful of system shortcuts to it.
I gave up on Android tablets after I discovered the iPad as a writing tool
Oh, the wasted years (and wasted money!) trying to do this on Android
There’s a dream I’ve had for years: a platonic ideal of consumer electronics. I dream of the perfect mobile writing machine.I imagine a device that’s compact and light enough to carry anywhere, without the need for supporting hardware, and which differs enough from a conventional laptop or desktop interface to let me focus entirely on writing. With all that included, it needs to be powerful enough to run multiple applications at a time: a word processor, a small browser window for supplementary research, and a media player for music.Since I’m also a fan of mechanical keyboards, as are many self-described writers these days, a tablet + wireless keyboard combo is part of my ideal. (Yes, the keyboard counts as "supporting hardware." No one ever said dreams had to be consistent.) If I could get a tablet, or perhaps a convertible laptop with its fold-back screen, and an “endgame” keyboard, and I’d finally achieve portable writing perfection. Then maybe I’d finally run out of excuses for finishing off that second novel.
Gboard is bringing screenshots to the clipboard for easier sharing
Google's on-screen keyboard goes from strength to strength
Gboard is probably one of Google's best Android apps — it's constantly evolving and gaining useful new features. Last year, its clipboard was expanded to allow for easier copying and pasting of images, and now screenshots are being added into the mix for your convenience.
Typewise wants to revolutionize smartphone keyboards, but is it actually better than Gboard?
Version 3.0 of the keyboard is rolling out now, and we went hands-on with it
Typewise stirred up the mostly stagnant software keyboard market on Android and iOS when it launched its reimagined hexagon keyboard layout back in 2019. While the key arrangement takes quite some getting used to, the Swiss deep learning company was able to carve out a niche for itself and has a loyal following of about a quarter million active users who were ready to completely relearn how to type. And today, the company is launching Typewise 3.0 after an extensive testing phase. It comes with improved auto correction, better language detection, and better undo behavior.