Develop Bugs

Anyone else try alternative keyboards and still sticking with stock?

I had some teething issues with the EVO keyboard at first, it was my first on-screen keyboard experience and not quite as painless as I was hoping for. This and other small things like not being able to easily dismiss the suggestion bar led me to try out other keyboards. After going through all of them, Smart Keyboard Pro, SwiftKey, Swype, HTC_IME mod, I still find myself returning to stock. Despite its occasional shortcomings, it continually feels the most responsive, least laggy, and provides the best prediction compared to everything else. Its layout and look and feel are also great and fit the phone well, something I value since it's easy to make Android look haphazard and HTC has done a good job of avoiding that and keeping the UI consistent. Other features like the arrow keys I've found to be invaluable and miss them greatly when they're not present front and center. Even Swype, after lots of trials and giving it plenty of time, did not really significantly improve things. I made less of one type of error, but just more of another type.
In the end, I'm back to stock, so I have to give HTC credit for delivering a nice looking and very well-refined keyboard. If I could just figure out how to EASILY dismiss the suggestion bar without adding a new word to the dictionary (just tapping where my cursor is doesn't really do it), I'd probably be completely satisfied.

Well coming from an Iphone I can definitely say the stock keyboard sucks. I've been using swype and have been very pleased so far. I believe the more you use it the better it gets at predicting your text. To me its much faster and less finger cramping to just swipe one finger across the screen.

stocks fine for me but i have been using the Swiftkey beta i have to say im pretty impressed !

I either Swype it or just go with the stock input. I don't find it to be as bad as some make it out to be.

where can i get swype newest release ??

Usually just switch between Stock and the Droid-X keyboard. Tried Swype and couldn't get the "feel" for it. Luckily it was free

Swype
I avoided Swype for awhile, thinking that I could never get accoustomed to typing with it. So I tried the MotoX multi-touch keyboard, stock android keyboard, and a few others, but kept returning to stock Sense. It was the easiest and most accurate standard keyboard.
After changing to Swype, the search is over. Not sure if I have the newest version, but I can attest that the (1.56.30.7625) works perfectly across a bunch of roms. This is really the only way to go on a mobile device.
I wish I could tell you were I got the .apk of this version (its not the *t100), but I cant find it for the life of me. Try searching Swype in the Apps & Themes forum.

I wouldn't use my gfs Evo until she put Swype on it. Now I'll help her root.

Froyo stock keyboard!

Is Swype, in general, still in the beta phase?

I'm using the white skin on smart keyboard pro. The Droid X Multitouch keyboard is by far the BEST that i've used thus far, but alas, it's not working on Froyo yet. Once that's ported to Froyo I'll be on top of that one.

i switch between stock and swype. dont like swiftkey

Swype is one of those technologies that in ten years we will look back and laugh at how stupid and primitive T9 prediction was in comparison. It is undeniably a "killer app" for smartphone input.
Using the input on my iPad feels like caveman trying to create fire in comparison to the sophistication of Swype on my Android phone.

Swype is the way to go...
I first tried Swype on my Touch Pro's with Energy rom and i could not help but be delighted with the typing experience. Swype on my Evo was a must. Since the size on the screen allows for a very accurate path, and the predictive capabilities are way above anything else that I tried.

Is Swype Available?
I've looked for Swype, and all I can find is a beta that is no longer available. Can someone point me in the right direction?

DrawnToScale said:
I've looked for Swype, and all I can find is a beta that is no longer available. Can someone point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Head over to the EVO Apps board and download one of the many uploaded .apks.

I've tried Swype and the Droid X keyboard and I prefer the stock one. I think the Droid one has better responsiveness, but the HTC one has way better prediction and I like being able to longpress keys for numbers and symbols.
Sent from my EVO using xda App

How does swype work so well for you guys. I feel like it is so slow because you can only use one finger at a time. On the stock keyboard I can use both thumbs so its so much faster
Sent from my Evo using XDA App

I have been on the same boat as you. I used to have an iPhone and can honestly say that the iPhone KB is the best on screen KB to date.
I have tried every alternative: smart KB pro, Swype, Stock, Droid X keyboard, AOSP android KB, they all had problems.
Swype was really cool, but I prefer two hand typing, and coudn't use swype, but I can easily see how others like it.
Stock HTC: yes it looks nicer than the plain blakc one on android but HTC did a very poor job, The KB is wayyyyy to high, and all the keys are touching each other. Instead of wider keys that take up less screen height. Plus its not as responsive.
Stock AOSP: black and ugly
Droid X: Very nice, great feel, fast, and has an option to hide corrections.
I have found the BEST KB IMO
better keyboard plus "Ultra KB Hero theme" it is a hero skin that looks almost identical to the Stock KB, and is muchh faster than stock. Plus the auto correction is great and lets you add custom words. And no arrows on the bottom.

threeFiftyLi said:
How does swype work so well for you guys. I feel like it is so slow because you can only use one finger at a time. On the stock keyboard I can use both thumbs so its so much faster
Sent from my Evo using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find it's just almost an ease of use. I don't mind using the stock, and sometimes I just go back for no reason. But swype just seems efficient ... in the beginning I wasn't really enjoying it, didn't think it was that big of a deal. But a couple days of use and it just started making sense. You get the occasional word that isn't anywhere near what you were trying to type, but I think that happens more often than not because you're getting your swype on and just moving so fast you overshoot or what have you.
But I still feel like I can pump out a fast enough message on the stock, which some people don't seem to feel the same way. Both work more than fine for me.

HTC_IME

found this on the nexus one forums.
I installed the froyo version and it works great
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=624416
credit goes to Jonasl
just thought I'd share it with those that don't have it and what not

Is this because you don't like swype? The stock on-screen keyboard is already installed, you know?
Sent from my HTC Vision

Stock sux. Htc ime rules, but swype is basically the same. I may go back to htc ime just because I like the color better. On the otherhand, swyping is nice to have when you feel like using it. I usually just touch tho.
This hardware keyboard sux compared to G1 which already sucked compared to Touch Pro. I am very dissapointed and might send it back.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

You my friend need some help. The froyo stock keyboard is really good now with the improvements they continue to make. And the hardware keyboard is the best hardware keyboard on any android device, G1 included.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

For vk I prefer HTC over Google...its all preference that's all.... until Google drops a new vk based off blindtype, then I will def switch to that one lol
Sent From My iPhone Eating G2

This is the virtual keyboard I have used on my G1, Vibrant, and G2. Swype is ok but I feel that I can type faster on this virtual keyboard instead.

legendary1022 said:
You my friend need some help. The froyo stock keyboard is really good now with the improvements they continue to make. And the hardware keyboard is the best hardware keyboard on any android device, G1 included.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) The Froyo VK doesn't have a voice input button. Even though I hardly ever use it, I like knowing I can "type" in to any box using my voice while driving my car.
2) Really wide keys means much more finger movement. Missing number row on top sucks (much more fn-key bs). The fact that the letters are on the left side of each key means I press it off-center which feels weird. The screen has accidentally slid closed (or at least half way) many times while trying to hold the phone and type fast. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TYPE "<" or ">" using the G2 hardware keyboard. I really just can't believe how much it sucks or that anyone likes it. G1 was better. Nothing compares to old HTC Touch Pro. I would give my left nut for a clone of the HTC Touch Pro that had a capacitive TS and could run Froyo with Flash as quickly as the G2.

Thank you for posting this. This is EASILY THE BEST KEYBOARD I have ever used that wasn't a hardware one. And I'm counting the iPhone keyboard. Amazing!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

rpmccormick said:
1) The Froyo VK doesn't have a voice input button. Even though I hardly ever use it, I like knowing I can "type" in to any box using my voice while driving my car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you talking about?? The stock keyboard was the first to get voice input and has had it ever since. Have you not used the phone?

swype rocks!! > HTC_IME > Stock VK.

Nah, the g1s keys were very flat. Give it some time, ul get used to it.
Htc ime keyboard is the most visually appealing imo.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Keyboard option for Dinc2

I received my Dinc2 and it came preloaded with GB 2.3.3, the only keyboard available is the qwerty and it sucks hard!! Is it possible to install swype or any other keyboards for this phone? I tried the Better Keyboard but it doesn't even work and keep defaulting back to the lame Qwerty

I like Swiftkey x a lot. Shapewriter is awesome and I'm glad I saved that APK before it was deleted off the market.
I notice Swiftkey X has a lag in it some times when typing fast. It pauses for about two seconds then inputs all letters pressed in that pause very quickly to catch up. Not sure why it does that.

Smart keyboard pro
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk

My personal favorite is the Gingerbread keyboard by Steven Lin on market. Good contrast and easy to work. 2¢ of course.

cool i'll give those a try, isn't Gingerbread keyboard by Steven Lin also came with most custom ROM for the Fascinate? it looks very familiar...i just tried it now and love it, feel like home. (that's what i used in Fascinate) LOL

Using swype beta on a dinc2 to type this! Goto web browser and search for swype beta. download the apk and be sure you have checked the box to allow non market apps to be installed.
SENT FROM MY DINC2

Check www.droid-life.com. Article on a site that has free apps. Just got SwiftKey x for free. Works like a charm... Almost 2 yrs with a droid... This is by far best I've used on any phones
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App

I actually like stock keyboard. I used swiftkey for a couple of days but i kept getting annoyed when the wrong letter or button was pressed. It seemed alot easier to tap one of the direction keys and mess up my typing. There was also the annoying predictions it tried to do which were kinda off and how I couldn't type without it trying to predict words instead of just letting me type the face out. Pretty fast keyboard though maybe I just had a bad experience.
And what's wrong with a qwerty keyboard? I think that's the best one.

Smart keyboard pro is the best I've used. Very configurable and easy to use - especially for someone like me with big fingers.

ben805 said:
I received my Dinc2 and it came preloaded with GB 2.3.3, the only keyboard available is the qwerty and it sucks hard!! Is it possible to install swype or any other keyboards for this phone? I tried the Better Keyboard but it doesn't even work and keep defaulting back to the lame Qwerty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried the stock GB, Swiftkey X, and Swype. Each one has +/- but I keep coming back to Swype. It's fast and easy to type one handed. It picks up really well.

Smart Keyboard Pro. I've tried TouchPal, Swype, Swiftkey X, Flext9, but I love smart keyboard.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA Premium App

I use flex t9.....swiftkey is pretty good too.
Sent from my ADR6350

joshlane4 said:
I've tried the stock GB, Swiftkey X, and Swype. Each one has +/- but I keep coming back to Swype. It's fast and easy to type one handed. It picks up really well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same thing. Swype is Number 1 for me. #2 would be SwiftkeyX.

Was running better keyboard for the longest time, but recently switched to SwiftKeyX and I doubt I'll ever go to anything else. Usually I hate dealing with predictions, however SwiftKey is by far the best at predictions in my opinion. Gave it a couple days to learn, and it rarely messes up now.
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk

wookie847 said:
Smart keyboard pro is the best I've used. Very configurable and easy to use - especially for someone like me with big fingers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. I've tried several market keyboards, and always seem to come back to this one.

Smart Keyboard Pro for me. It just feels right and has what I need.
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk

flex T9 has by far the best voice to text period. their algorithm is near flawless. it also has the swype feature that seems to be as good as swype. i love the stock Sense keyboard for the directional arrows, very nice touch. i mainly bounce between T9 and stock. Did swype ever get a speaker button on their keyboard? that is why i quit using it. Also, is that not the longest Beta ever for software?!?! Its been in beta for at least 2 yrs.

The stock keyboard has a swype like feature that works pretty well. Just have to turn on trace in the settings.
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App

Funny that anyone who doesn't own an HTC wants our keyboard and all HTC owners want something different I personally like the HTC_ime_mod by Gimpsta. Themeable HTC keyboard
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda premium

I hate the HTC keyboard with the arrows... Garbage lol
Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk

Keyboards

Just wanted to share some experiences with software keyboards, I've certainly tried a few and depending on the circumstance suggest the following:
If you're someone that likes using your thumbs to type, then Thumb Keyboard is an excellent one:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.beansoft.keyboardplus
If you're more of a one handed user (such as commuting and having to use a hand to hold on to something) then you can't beat Swype:
http://www.swype.com/
And if you're someone that holds the phone with one hand and does the clickety-clack with with the other, then I suggest Swiftkey X with it's great prediction engine is your best bet:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.touchtype.swiftkey.phone.trial
Finally, if you don't necessarily fall into a particular preference as listed there's FlexT9 that's a 4-in-1 piece of code (Speak, Trace, Write or Tap) so you can get your pick of the litter in one product:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.nuance.flext9.input
** Swype is in a little bit of a funky state, you have to sign-up for their Beta program to get it (which means free). They were bought by Nuance and a recent update added the Dragon Dictation engine to the software. It'll be interesting to see if/how Nuance deals with having 2 keyboard products (Swype and FlexT9).

I like the Gingerbread Keyboard, specifically because it allows use different languages.
Unfortunately OEMs remove most languages from stock rom, so I'm forced use an app for that:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.moo.android.inputmethod.latin.free
I've tried Go Keyboard and ICS Keyboard, but they don't feel right, Go Keyboard is way to big on the screen and ICS doesn't have a nice GB's language switch by swiping sideways space bar.

swype
So, Does anyone actually use swype is it good or what? I find my accuracy is horrid on the GB keyboard.

I've gotten pretty good at Swyping, but I still can't do it on a bumpy car ride with any sort of reliability. I'm using a customized theme and I love it.
Sent from my LG-P930 using Tapatalk

keenz said:
So, Does anyone actually use swype is it good or what? I find my accuracy is horrid on the GB keyboard.
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Click to collapse
I love Swype! To make it usable for me since I rush when I swype I have to turn the prediction accuracy up (its an option in the swype options) but after that its awesome!

I've been a Swype user since Windows Mobile 6.0 on my Xperia X1, and I'm absolutely stuck now. I ONLY ever use my phone with one hand and Swype with my thumb in portrait mode (I always have auto-rotate disabled), but I can type almost as quickly as on a full keyboard on a laptop (albeit with a few extra errors =) ). It took some months (maybe a year =P) before I got really really comfortable with it, but now, no other keyboards will do for me! I'm completely conditioned. The Swyping shortcuts for everything from punctuation to all caps to cut/paste are indispensable. I'm nervous that it's in beta, because whenever they finally make a product and start selling it, no matter what they charge I WILL pay =)

I might just have to try it. I'm giving the lgkeyboard a chance.. its spaced a lot nicer but has its flaws for sure
Sent from my LG-P930

keenz said:
I might just have to try it. I'm giving the lgkeyboard a chance.. its spaced a lot nicer but has its flaws for sure
Sent from my LG-P930
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i quite like the LG's Keyboard actually, but like u said, it has some flaws. This is the keyboard I currently use:
Hacker's Keyboard

Wow beats gigngerbread keyborad hands down! Thanks.

Swift keyboard here for the last two years. I like the multilingual word completion and big keys.
Sent from my LG-P930 using Tapatalk

[Q] Do you use your physical keyboard?

I bought my Desire Z specifically because I did not like using the touchscreen to type on my previous phone, the Wildfire. However, I find that I hardly ever use the physical keyboard as the larger and more responsive touchscreen is actually fine to use! (however I do like the extra bulk of the phone as it's much more comfortable to hold so I'm glad I got it over a regular Desire)
Has anyone else bought a Z only to find that they don't really use the physical keyboard?

If i have to type more then 4 letters, i always use the hw keyboard. I hate using on screen keyboards. That's the reason i bought the desire Z. I will definatly look for a phone with a hw keyboard when my dz dies.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda app-developers app

I find myself using the HW keyboard whenever I need to write a longer e-mail or message, and for IM. But for a short quick answer, I rarely use it.

I use the hardware keyboard a lot, the main reason because on our small screen a keyboard takes more the half of the space. I would only consider a gesture based (ie Swype, Jelly Bean+, Swiftkey Flow) keyboard an equal to our hardware one.