Last year, I wrote an article about the Android apps I recommend to non-techies. In that piece, my keyboard pick was Gboard, thanks to its ease of use. Though, not every reader agreed with me, and some mentioned a name I hadn’t heard (or used) in years: SwiftKey.
I was once an avid SwiftKey user, opting for the innovative keyboard early in my Android journey over Google’s simpler default option. The allure of the more efficient and sensibly designed Google option eventually drew me away as I upgraded to more polished devices. But, given that we’ve just started a new year, could the reverse be true? Could SwiftKey challenge Gboard on my devices going forward?
Well, all the signs were there. I haven’t reviewed my keyboard choice in quite a while, aside from a brief flirtation with the open-source alternative HeliBoard. I also have an affinity for Microsoft’s Android apps, including the brilliant Launcher and Phone Link.
I’m always up for new experiences, so I installed SwiftKey, relegated Gboard to the bench, and started typing. Now that I’m about a week into my journey, I have a few pressing items to discuss
I’ve stuck with Gboard for so long.If you own an old but still functional pair of running shoes that you find infinitely cozy and that helped you hit personal targets,you likely wouldn’t want to switch to something new,right? That’s where I found myself with Google’s keyboard. I’ve grown used to its responses to taps and swipes, the overall layout, the placement of its buttons, the size of the keyboard on my screen, and its appearance. Using it is a matter of muscle memory, so switching to something new and giving it a fair shot would take time and relearning.
Naturally, when I changed my default to SwiftKey just after the new year, it was a jarring experience.Nearly two weeks later, I’m still getting used to its idiosyncrasies, but the app’s broad settings array definitely helped ease me into it.
Switching from Gboard to SwiftKey requires some time and adjustment.
Gboard is prescriptive, imposing much of its functionality and design on users. SwiftKey is far more accommodating.As far as aesthetics go, it includes a broader array of themes and theming options. I much prefer its Fluent Dynamic theme, which matches my phone’s overall color profile, over Gboard’s Material-adjacent alternative. While I don’t particularly like masking my keyboard with patterns and transparency, this option is available to SwiftKey users.
Then there are the key options; SwiftKey absolutely trounces Gboard in this regard. While Google’s keyboard includes an entire Edit screen that gives me fast access to the arrow keys, SwiftKey lets me place thes keys below the keyboard itself. When the cursor struggles to land exactly where I want it to in a sentence when I tap the screen, I rely on these buttons to easily and quickly jump to the letter or word I want to edit. It has become a core part of my daily typing routine. Even though this inclusion means SwiftKey occupies more of my screen than I would like, it’s a small price to pay for the benefits.
Finding the right words
Table of Contents
Andy Walker / Android Authority
I want to touch on one major shortcoming that users of big tech keyboards have mentioned: privacy.
one of the many issues with Gboard is the obvious Google connection. those who value their privacy may not want to use a keyboard made by a company that has a taste for user data.Well, SwiftKey isn’t exactly exempt from this either. It’s a Microsoft property, so you can expect plenty of Copilot-led AI features baked into it. For what it’s worth, I didn’t find any of these truly useful. The only time I ever refine my writing is when drafting emails. I don’t need Copilot to lend a hand here, nor do I want it to issue my text as queries.I’d much sooner use a standalone AI chatbot app for this. Thankfully, Microsoft does make it more apparent that you can shut off these features if you so desire.
If you don’t want to log in to the keyboard with your microsoft account, you don’t have to. Don’t want to use the rewards feature? Don’t bother. For another layer of protection, you can even remove all permissions, and SwiftKey will largely work without much fuss.
Of course, if you’re taking de-Googling more seriously, you should consider an open-source keyboard. As I mentioned in the intro, Heliboard is well worth considering.
SwiftKey vs Gboard: Which is best?
Microsoft SwiftKey Adds Arrow Keys for Precise Text Editing
Microsoft SwiftKey now includes optional arrow keys for more accurate text selection and editing on Android devices,a feature previously absent from the popular keyboard app.The update, released in January 2026, aims to improve the user experience for those who prefer precise cursor control.
Detailed Functionality and Background
For years, SwiftKey users have requested dedicated arrow keys for tasks like correcting typos or making small adjustments within text. Previously, users relied on tap-and-hold cursor positioning, which some found less efficient. The new feature adds four arrow keys – up, down, left, and right – above the standard QWERTY layout, accessible through the keyboard settings. Microsoft acquired SwiftKey in 2016 for a reported $250 million,and has continued to integrate and improve the keyboard’s functionality.
How to Enable arrow Keys
Users can enable the arrow keys by navigating to SwiftKey’s settings menu. According to Android Authority’s report on January 24, 2026, the process involves going to “Typing” then ”Keyboard layout” and toggling on the “show arrow keys” option. The keys appear as a small row above the number row when enabled.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
