Alternative keyboard. Setting up and connecting alternative keyboards on iPhone and iPad

The standard keyboard found in iPhones and iPads often does not meet the user's requirements, and he has to turn to third-party solutions. In this article, MacDigger reviewed 8 interesting, popular and just good iOS keyboards at once that you should pay attention to.

SwiftKey

SwiftKey is considered the smartest keyboard for iPhone and iPad. The difficult process of typing on the touch screen is aided by auto-correction and predictive text input in 60 languages.

The keyboard in SwiftKey for iOS works in much the same way as on Googlephones, where it successfully settled years earlier. From the moment of installation, the program remembers what a person is writing and automatically suggests favorite phrases and expressions in written speech. According to user reviews, it seems that the keyboard "reads" thoughts and predicts almost whole sentences from the very first words.

Word Flow

Late last month, Microsoft released the Word Flow keyboard on iOS, ported from Window Phone. The main distinguishing feature of the proprietary Microsoft solution is the presence of a special function that allows you to quickly type text on the go, holding the device with one hand. Once in Arc mode, users can slide their finger across the fan-shaped keyboard without taking it off the screen or just type on the go. The buttons are angled to make it easier to press while holding iPhone with one hand.

Except for the one-handed mode, Word Flow is almost identical to the WP version. Users can quickly enter words suggested by the program, insert emojis and type text with swipes. To experience Word Flow on iOS, you must have an iPhone 5s or later smartphone and an American App Store account. Microsoft is promising to release an international version of the keyboard shortly.

Fleksy

Fleksy can give odds to most players on the market, because for successful typing here it is absolutely not necessary even to hit the right letters. Literally, by taking a five letter word and typing all five wrong, the user gets the desired result. For Fleksy, it doesn't really matter how many mistakes were made when typing - the main thing is that the number of letters coincides with the desired word, and their location is relatively close to the approximate ones. Another feature of the keyboard is the gesture system, thanks to which you can type text very quickly.

Minuum

The creators of Minuum (299 rubles) solved the typing problem in an original way - they took an ordinary QWERTY keyboard and "flattened" it vertically, arranging the characters almost in one row: Q a ZW s XE d C. With this arrangement, the usual position of letters will be preserved , and the lack of information about the vertical position of the letter and the inevitable inaccuracies are fairly easy to compensate for using dictionaries and recognition algorithms, which have become almost standard on any smartphone. If you need an exact set, for example, in the case of passwords and URLs, then the desired letter or number can be selected in the enlarged fragment that instantly appears when you touch.

TextExpander 3

The developers of the TextExpander utility (379 rubles), designed to make text input productive on Apple smartphones and tablets, have released the TextExpander 3 + custom keyboard application. The release includes a new iOS keyboard that lets you type hundreds of characters in seconds.

The principle of operation of the TextExpander is to automatically replace the entered short text with a larger fragment. For example, you can specify that when typing "ccc", the program replaces this combination with a long message, for example, "The director is currently on a business trip. You can contact this question by calling 222-33-44 ". And if you enter a sequence of letters "ddate" in the text, the current date will appear.

Slash Keyboard

No third-party keyboard for iOS has become popular enough to replace the default one. The Slash Keyboard developers went the other way, creating a keyboard that allows you to interact with third-party services - Foursquare, YouTube, Giphy, Spotify, Twitter, Google Maps and others. To access the service, you need to enter "/ service_name" and the required request. For example, the title of a song on Spotify or the title of an article on Wikipedia.

Gboard

Gboard is Google's proprietary keyboard for iOS devices. It integrates the company's search services, as well as GIFs and emojis. Gboard offers predictive typing, spell checking, gifs, emojis, and search that lets you find and share information without switching to other apps. Among other things, Gboard supports Swype technology, popular on Android smartphones, which allows you to enter text with one swipe without lifting your finger from the keyboard.

The app has already been released in the App Store, but so far it is only available in the US store. The company promised to release a version for Russian users during 2016.

Giphy keys

The largest GIF library, Giphy, has offered iOS users a virtual keyboard that lets you send animated GIFs from any app, including instant messengers, Snapchat, iMessage and social media. It provides a search for pictures and memes for any occasion, as well as a section with the most popular "gifs". To insert an image, you just need to tap on the picture you like, after which it will be copied to the clipboard.

All Android users want a better keyboard. But each of us has different needs, capabilities and preferences. Therefore, choosing the best Android keyboard will vary from case to case. Therefore, we present to you our list of those models that are considered the best according to several criteria. As you know, in order to download the best keyboard for Android, you need to go to the Play Market. Therefore, the app store rating will be the main selection criterion.

How to change keyboard to android

Some users don't know how to change the keyboard on Android. Before moving on to our selection and comparison of keyboards, I want to tell you how it is easiest to do it when downloading. And it is very simple to do this:

1. Download the required model from the app store.
2. The Select Input Method window will appear. We set a mark next to the desired option.
3. The window is closed and the changes are applied.

As you can see, changing the keyboard to Android is very easy. Now let's move on to the most important thing and choose the most convenient and best keyboard for android.

How to choose the best keyboard

To choose which application will be included in our TOP keyboards for Android, and which will not, we will be guided by the following criteria:

Of course, to determine which is the best model for Android, we will look at the ratings in the Play Market. First, we will present you with our list, and then you will decide for yourself which keyboard to choose for yourself.

Our review will end with a comparative table, which will also help you make your choice.

Typany Keyboard

This is a very bright and beautiful model that you can download on Android for free. It features a wide range of individual settings, as well as a large number of themes, stickers and emoticons. It is noteworthy that all this is completely free.

Here are a few more features of Typany Keyboard:

• Typany's own training system! F-A-S-T, which is many times better than the standard T9 (as evidenced by reviews). Also, this system includes the functions of auto-completion and prediction of the entered words and phrases. In addition, there is an automatic fix.
• The program weighs only 10 MB.
• The program is very easy to use. So the layout in the phone can be changed by different buttons that can be customized. In addition, you can choose the interface for yourself.
• The keyboard layout is also customizable - there are QWERTY, QWERTZ and AZERTY.
• Support for over 100 languages, including Russian.

Of the shortcomings, we can only recall that Typany Keyboard is not suitable for a smartphone or tablet with little memory. But still this alternative keyboard for Android is very popular due to its brightness and versatility.

Swiftkey keyboard

This is a very famous and already more classic keyboard for Android devices. At the same time, Swiftkey keyboard is a very smart and beautiful keyboard. If you ask geeks what Swiftkey is, they will probably tell you that it is one of the best models in terms of suggesting and automatically predicting the input words.

Some even decide to download the Android keyboard to expand their vocabulary. Here are some more of its features:

You can change the color and theme you want. But it's still a less colorful Android keyboard than Typany. The disadvantage of Swiftkey is the inadequate innovations of developers, which, however, are very rare.

For example, they recently removed the letter "e". But this model is still very good for typing.

Swype

Perhaps the most famous version of the alternative keyboard, which many users think is better than the iPhone. Its main features are as follows:

• The Swype Android keyboard is a very handy tool for your phone, in which all the basic elements are well done - switching languages \u200b\u200bon the keyboard, changing the layout and much more.
• Many unusual features. For example, there is simultaneous input in two languages. This means that if you have a Russian keyboard, you can also enter words from the English language.
• Many unique technologies, for example, DRAGON DICTATION'S for speech recognition. All of them can be changed using the settings. There are also gestures.

True, the latest versions of Swype have gone bad. Previously, it was not worth looking for a more convenient and quick assistant for entering words, but now Swype has a large number of flaws and glitches.

So, when downloading this program to your Android device, remember that you may not like it.

Go keyboard

It is a very fast keyboard and is faster than most other models. Many users decide to download the Go keyboard for their Android device for this very reason. She also has the following features:

• Lots of so-called emojis. This means that you can not just add emoticons to the keyboard, but use full-fledged pictures that will express emotions. Some people download Go keyboard for Android for free because of them.
• More than 10,000 additional themes. There are also plugins and more. You can download the theme for Go keyboard in the app store or in the program itself.
• Support for gestures and other traditional features.

All in all, this is a great lightweight functional model. It is very easy to change the language on the keyboard, change the design, layouts and other parameters. It is noteworthy that here you can also change the font, height, letter spacing and button transparency.

This means that Go keyboard is a large button Android keyboard for people with disabilities.

Google keyboard

Google's free keyboard, also called Gboard, features a unique hint system. For example, if you enter the name of a city, restaurant or other place, the Google keyboard will immediately find information about it in a search engine. Gboard also has the following:

It is noteworthy that in some versions of Android Gboard is already built-in, but the Google keyboard apk is also on the Play Market. So you can download the program from Google for Android for free.

Kika

If you want to download emoji keyboard for free, Kika is what you need! There are over 3000 smileys, most of which are completely unique.

Many users believe that this is the best keyboard for an Android tablet or smartphone in terms of the number of emojis. Here are some more features of the Kika keyboard:

• This virtual keyboard has a wide variety of themes and other design options. So this is one of the brightest and most colorful models on Android.
• There are also unique sounds.
• Intelligent word replacement and hint system.

It is important to note one feature of this keyboard in Russian. On some devices, it highlights. So if you decide to replace the standard model with Kika, be ready for it.

If you need even more stickers, emoticons and emojis, you need to download Kika keyboard emoji gifs on your Android.

Kika Emoji Pro

This is the best Android keyboard if you want to download emojis, emoticons, stickers, GIFs and so on. Actually, this is the difference between Emoji Pro. There are no problems with emoticons and other additional elements of message design - there are millions of them.

As for how to make emoticons on this Android keyboard, or, in other words, add more of them, this is done traditionally. At the bottom there are buttons that allow you to add sticker packs.

So, if you want to completely get rid of the boredom that system keyboards have, you need to download Kika.

TouchPal Emoji Keyboard

There is a standard keyboard for Android tablet or smartphone TouchPal. But in the extended version there are many of the same elements that we talked about in the section about Kika Emoji Pro.

These are new emoticons, GIFs, stickers, stickers and what the developers themselves call text muzzles.

But there are fewer of them here than in Kika. For example, there are more than 1000 emoticons, and at least 3000 in Emoji Pro. But an Android tablet with a TouchPal keyboard will work more stable.

In any case, communication between people, even between users with disabilities, will become much more interesting.

Touchpal

If you decide to download the Touchpal russian keyboard (geeks call it "Touchpad keyboard"), you will get a very stable and easy-to-use program. Speaking about what a Touchpal keyboard for Android is, experts note that among all downloaded keyboards, it is distinguished by the absence of glitches, freezes and other similar things.

Other features include:

• It is a very user-friendly keyboard in terms of suggestions and auto-suggestion.
• Less battery load than other apps in our review. So if you need to install a keyboard on your phone, but your Android device has a weak battery, choose Touchpal.
• Boomtext - converting text to animation. Moreover, the letters and smilies are large here, so that all users will see them.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting that this on-screen Android keyboard does not have as many functions as some would like.

Fleksy Keyboard + Emoji

We all need different things from a keyboard, but if you want a model that is thought out to the smallest detail, choose Fleksy. Here, too, there are the broadest possibilities of customization, that is, settings for yourself, emoticons and much more.

Everything is done with high quality, even such a trifle as the key "big letters small". Here are some more Fleksy features:

• Everything works very quickly.
• 800 emoticons, 50 themes - not very many, but all are beautiful.
• 40 supported languages. As for how to install the Russian Android keyboard, everything is standard - there is a settings button for this.

The disadvantage is not a very good approach of developers to advertising. So, to use the extensions, you need to register on Twitter. And yet, it's not uncommon to see Fleksy making it to various ratings and reviews. It is usually published in Keyboards.

Smart keyboard

A very interesting option to replace the standard Android keyboard. There is a very "smart" vocabulary here that learns as you use it. Also, Smart keyboard has the following distinctive features:

A significant drawback of Smart keyboard is that it is paid, and there are not as many functions as it could be.

Ai.type + emoji

Another interesting model. There are also tons of emojis, themes, and other personalization options here. Ai.type is singled out by some users as the most customizable keyboard. Other features include:

• Unique design and some small details. For example, at the top there is an ellipsis button that scrolls through panels with additional buttons. True, not everyone will find this option successful.
• Forecasting and correction works well.
• The ability to create your own themes.

To extend the functionality of emoji, you need to use a plugin. As for how to enable it on your keyboard, you just need to download the ai.type Emoji. Many users don't know this.

Yandex.Keyboard

Yandex is trying to keep up with Google, so the developers decided to release another product such as Yandex.Keyboard for Android devices. There is nothing special here, in principle, everything is the same as that of the representative of Google.

Android registration is not required to use this product, but it is better to have a Yandex account to use additional functions. Here are some of the highlights:

• Own built-in dictionary.
• Possibility to insert a geo-tag into the message.
• Unique sets of GIFs and smilies.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth remembering that there is no swipe.

The best keyboard for Android - which one to choose!

The table below summarizes our review. Make your choice based on it.

Table 1. Ratings of keyboards on the Google Play Market

Name	Rating on Google Play	Who is it for
Typany Keyboard	4.5	Users who want a bright and beautiful keyboard and have productive Android devices.
Swiftkey keyboard	4.5	Users for whom the automatic suggestion function is important.
Swype	4.0	Anyone who cares about gestures and some of Swype's unique features. But lately this program has deteriorated.
Go keyboard	4.5	Anyone who needs a bright and simple Android keyboard with the ability to make the buttons big.
Gboard	4.2	Those who want to expand the capabilities of the standard model (search and translation functions are added during installation).
Kika and Kika Emoji Pro	4.2 and 4.4	Those who need a large number of emoticons, emojis, emojis, animations and the like.
TouchPal and TouchPal Emoji Keyboard	4.3	Users who value stability. This program will not freeze, crash and glitch.
Fleksy + Emoji	4.4	Users for whom it is important that the developer thinks through everything to the smallest detail. But for using additional functions, you will have to complete tasks.
Smart keyboard	4.5	People for whom vocabulary and its learnability are important. The application is paid.
Ai.type + emoji	4.2	People for whom personalization is important.
Yandex.Keyboard	4.2	Lovers of Yandex products.

Also popular are the AOSP keyboard for Android (aka AOSP WiFi Keyboard) and Game keyboard +. But these are completely unique products not for general use. AOSP, for example, lets you connect to a computer over WiFi and type on it. And Game also connects to a computer or gamepad of another device.

Earlier this month, Apple announced a new version of the iOS 8 operating system with one interesting feature: support for third-party keyboards and operating systems. Today the choice of alternative keyboards is huge, but not all of them are as convenient as, for example, Swype. Therefore, now not only Android users will have to struggle with choosing the perfect keyboard, but also the owners of Apple products. We decided to make it a little easier for you and have selected the best keyboards for you.

Many users use the Google Keyboard. It is considered the best among other keyboards. For example, I used to personally use the SwiftKey keyboard for two years before Google released its own keyboard. After that, I wanted to try it, but I thought that in a couple of hours I would still return to SwiftKey. However, later it turned out that Google Keyboard works much faster, plus it is capable of making pretty good predictions of the words being typed, and also has the ability to enter using gestures a la Swype. In addition, the keyboard supports many languages.

This is not to say that Swiftkey is much worse than Google Keyboard. This keyboard has several advantages and disadvantages. For example, it is not as responsive as Google Keyboard, but it manages to predict next words almost perfectly before you enter them. Swiftkey's predictions are based on what you post on Gmail, Twitter, Facebook and other social media, search engines, etc. The keyboard supports three languages \u200b\u200bat the same time, between which you can easily switch. Cloud storage syncs your personal vocabulary, which will also help you predict words and correct mistakes. Swiftkey supports themes and contains several layouts for phones, tablets and phablets.

The Minuum keyboard was created by IndieGoGo, whose goal was to produce a keyboard with a minimal footprint that would not cover the screen. At first glance, it may seem that it will be quite difficult to cope with such an unusual keyboard. However, in the process of using it, the work is already on an intuitive level, and you stop thinking about it. Since the first appearance of Minuum, it has undergone various updates, i.e. got a clipboard of tools, more accurate cursor movement, dictionary and thesaurus.

TouchPal X is arguably one of the most popular Android keyboards. Despite being free, there are absolutely no ads in it. The keyboard supports themes, layouts, cloud sync, contextual predictions, and you can enter words, numbers, and symbols using swype-like gestures. Additional themes and dictionaries can be downloaded separately.

Whereas the previous TouchPal X keyboard was crammed with UI elements, Fleksy, by contrast, focuses on simplicity and saves you unnecessary panels and tools. It is also capable of making accurate predictions based on your email and social media communications. Its unique feature lies also in the fact that you can use gestures not only to enter words, numbers and symbols, but also to insert a space, erase the last word, or move through the predicted words. But that is not all. This is an invisible keyboard, i.e. the screen will just have its transparent layer without buttons. This is so that you can see the entire display.

Apple iMacs come with the signature Wireless Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse to meet the needs of most users. However, there will always be those who are looking for something more. Especially for them, we have prepared an overview of alternative keyboards for Mac.

Apple variants

Despite the steady growth in popularity of Mac computers, it is more difficult for them to choose accessories and peripherals than for the ubiquitous Windows PCs. Including the keyboard. If necessary, you can connect almost any keyboard from a Windows computer to a Mac, however, due to differences in the layout, many of the usual keyboard shortcuts will not work (this problem can be partially eliminated by adjusting the layout for yourself). But it's much more practical and convenient to use a keyboard that's certified for Mac.

Apple is currently making the transition from the time-tested classic keyboard mechanism to the new butterfly technology. The older version of the keyboard was designed for the first solid aluminum MacBook, introduced in 2008. At the same time, on Apple stationary computers, users could use a wired or wireless Apple keyboard, which were developed "with an eye on" laptop computers. As a result of the unification, the owner of Apple computers did not experience the inconvenience of moving from an iMac or Mac mini to a MacBook and vice versa. Feelings when typing were the same.

The butterfly keyboard was first used in the 2015 MacBook 12 ''. It did not fit the usual keyboard, so Apple developed an updated version with an increased key area and 14 mm travel depth versus 17 mm in the classic version. In this case, the thickness of the keyboard has decreased by 40%. When using it, the pressure is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the keys, which in theory should increase the accuracy and increase the typing speed (in fairness, we note that not all users enthusiastically accepted the rejection of the usual mechanism with a greater depth of travel).

Then, an updated Magic Keyboard 2 was introduced, which also uses a butterfly mechanism.

In 2016, the updated MacBook Pro was released. Compared to the Pro-series of previous years, these laptops have become significantly thinner, as a result of which they also received a keyboard with a butterfly mechanism, but already in the second generation, in which a number of characteristics have been improved. After their presentation, there were rumors online that the company will introduce a wireless keyboard with a Touch Bar and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor (not yet confirmed).

At the time of this writing, users who prefer Apple branded peripherals are limited to three models.

Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (MB110RS)

The model has a venerable age (on the market since 2008), but at the same time it is fully compatible with the latest version of macOS and looks good outwardly with modern computer models from Apple.

It is made of anodized aluminum and has function keys for quick access to common Mac commands like adjusting screen brightness, volume level, and launching Mission Control and Launchpad.

However, the main advantage of the model is a full-size digital block, which is especially important when working with large amounts of numerical data.

Connection to a computer is carried out using a USB cable. On the side ends there are 2 USB hub slots, which allow you to conveniently connect both a mouse and storage devices or digital equipment to a computer directly through the keyboard.

Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184RU / B

Apple standard wireless keyboard without number pad with 24% less desktop space. At the same time, all function keys are preserved for quick access to frequent operations on Mac.

The body of the device is made of anodized aluminum in the same style with Apple technology.

The range of the keyboard is 10 m, so if necessary, you can remove it from the table and put it on your knees, while continuing to work the way you like.

Island flat keys have a clear click and tangible stroke, so typing even large text will not cause difficulties.

Powered by two AA batteries. Due to its thinness and lightness, this model is suitable for use with iPad as a portable input device.

The price is about 120 USD in equivalent.

Apple Magic Keyboard (MLA22RU / A)

Updated Apple Wireless Keyboard, introduced in 2015. Takes up 15% less desktop space than the Wireless Keyboard and features a first-generation butterfly mechanism (like the MacBook 12 '') for an even lower profile.

The keyboard has a full complement of extra buttons for performing frequent actions on the macOS operating system.

The body is made of anodized aluminum, the buttons are made of slightly matte polycarbonate.

One of the main features of the Apple Magic Keyboard is the built-in battery, the capacity of which is enough for 4 weeks of operation at average load. The charge can then be restored by connecting the keyboard to the computer using the Lighning-USB cable, which is well known to all iPhone, iPad or iPod owners.

Weighing only 231g, the device is a great portable solution for iPad owners who often write on a tablet.

Price - about 150 USD equivalent (in the USA - 99 USD).

Matias Wireless Aluminum

This accessory has successfully filled the gap that exists in the lineup of Apple keyboards. The company's portfolio includes a wired keyboard with a numeric keypad and two compact wireless keypads without a numeric keypad. But what about users who want to take advantage of a full-size keyboard with a separate numeric area but are tired of wires?

Matias came to the rescue with the release of the Wireless Aluminum keyboard. This model is specifically designed to run on a Mac. This can be seen not only in maintaining the familiar layout, but also in the use of a single design language with Apple products, thanks to which the keyboard looks organically next to the Mac.

However, the designers of Matias went further than Apple and, in addition to the usual silver and white option, presented versions of the keyboard in the color of the iPhone, including dark gray and gold (both with black keys), as well as pink with white keys.

The layout of function keys for controlling frequent operations on the Mac is fully consistent with that of the proprietary Apple keyboards. In addition to Mac, support for iOS, Windows and Android is announced. Matias Wireless Aluminum can be paired with four devices at the same time, instantly switching between them using special buttons above the digital block.

An additional advantage of the model is the built-in 1600 mAh battery, which is on average 7-8 times more than other wireless keyboards. Charging from 0 to 100% takes 5 hours, after which you can expect a full year of use (with daily use of several hours).

Unfortunately, it is difficult to find Matias Wireless Aluminum on sale in the CIS.

Price - 99 USD in the USA.

Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard (T9T-00017)

Compact bluetooth keyboard from the Redmond giant. The model is positioned as a universal input tool that can be connected to Windows computers, Android devices, iPad, and Mac computers.

However, first of all, the device is optimized to work with operating systems of the Windows family, as evidenced by a number of additional functional buttons above the number row.

But Mac compatibility is also implemented, which the manufacturer did not forget to mention on the box.

The slightly curved shape provides improved ergonomics for long typing, and the thickness of less than 2 cm, light weight and dimensions allow the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard to be used as a keyboard for a tablet.

Powered by two AAA batteries. According to the manufacturer, the battery life at average load is 40 weeks.

The price is about 60 USD in equivalent.

Logitech K810 Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard

Classic wireless keyboard for Apple computers, iPad, as well as for PC and Android devices. Made of practical plastic.

The stylish design makes it stand out from other wireless keyboards for Mac with its backlighting, which makes it especially attractive for working in the dark or in low light conditions.

The brightness level can be adjusted.

Implemented the ability to connect to three different devices, between which you can switch with one touch.

Charging is done using a standard USB to micro USB cable. From 0 to 100%, the keyboard takes about 3 hours to charge. Operating time with a fully charged battery is 10-14 days in medium load mode (discharge time depends on the brightness level of the backlight).

The price is about 110 USD in equivalent.

Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard (920-008043)

Stylish keyboard with full-size numeric keypad that allows simultaneous connection to three devices (all popular platforms are supported, including macOS).

In addition to the frequently used Logitech trick - one-touch switching between different devices - this model is distinguished by silent input, as well as the presence of a special rubber stand for mobile devices. It easily fits a smartphone and tablet, including an iPad Pro with a 12-inch screen. This ensures the most comfortable tilt angle, and the desktop remains uncluttered by wires and devices.

No noise when typing thanks to Logitech's proprietary PerfectStroke ™ key system. The large, rounded keys combine with the familiar Mac layout for an instantly addictive and impressive user experience.

Power is supplied by two AAA batteries (according to the manufacturer, the keyboard will work up to 2 years from one battery change).

The price is about 80 USD in equivalent.

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480

Wireless desktop keyboard for computer, tablet and smartphone. Layouts for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows and Chrome OS are supported (keys with mismatched functions across platforms are marked with a line).

Like other Logitech models that support multiple devices, the ability to switch instantly is implemented. A special Easy-Switch disc is used for this.

The top row of function buttons completely repeats that in branded keyboards for Apple computers and, when paired with a Mac, allows you to adjust the backlight brightness, volume, and control playback of multimedia files with one touch.

The keys have a slightly rounded concave shape for high accuracy and speed. Moving to the Logitech K480 from a standard Apple keyboard can take a couple of hours to get used to the shape of the keys and the pressing mechanism.

An integrated kickstand with rubber cradle holds your smartphone and tablet securely at a comfortable angle so you can read text while typing and editing. On our site you can buy an iPhone inexpensively.

For the most convenient keyboard experience on Mac, you can download an application from the developer's website that will allow you to customize the keyboard according to your needs.

In addition to the gray version with light green accents, a white keyboard version with light gray elements is available.

Power is supplied with two AAA batteries (operating time from one shift is about two years).

The price is about 40 USD in equivalent.

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760

An innovative keyboard with a built-in rechargeable battery, the user does not need to worry about recharging at all, since the charge is replenished by solar cells. To do this, it is enough to stay the device in a room with normal room lighting for about six hours. After that, the keyboard can work in complete darkness for up to two weeks.

Like other Mac-optimized keyboards from Logitech, the Wireless Solar Keyboard K760 can connect to up to three devices at the same time. Switching between them is carried out in one click.

When connected to Mac computers, the top row of function keys allows you to perform the same operations as standard keyboards for Apple computers, including adjusting screen brightness, volume, Launch Pad and Mission Control.

For correct operation, software is required that can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website.

The price is about 70 USD in equivalent.

Xiaomi Yuemi Mechanical White

Mechanical keyboard from a well-known Chinese company, which is known in the CIS countries as a manufacturer of affordable and high-quality electronics.

The keyboard is made of H32 aluminum and has a six-tier design. Thanks to the procedure of anodic oxidation and additional sandblasting, the device has received additional resistance to external damage and corrosion.

The keycaps are made of high quality ABS plastic and are made in the style of old computer keyboards. But in fact, this is a modern device that can compete with the products of venerable peripheral manufacturers. TTC RED switches provide 50 million keystroke duty cycles. In this case, the keys are located as tightly as possible, which minimizes the possibility of debris and dust getting between them. The built-in 32-bit STMicroelectronics microprocessor provides instant processing of clicks, which will be a pleasant bonus for gamers and those who are typing using the 10-finger typing method.

The computer is connected with a white USB - micro USB cable.

The Yuemi Mechanical White keys have soft LED backlighting that can be adjusted in six levels.

Special feet at the bottom provide a 6-degree lift, which reduces brush fatigue during prolonged use of text.

The price is about 80 USD in equivalent. The model can be purchased in the CIS.

Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac

A premium mechanical keyboard optimized for Mac. Equipped with gold-plated Blue MX switches for precise actuation and perceptible response.

The built-in USB hub allows you to connect up to two external devices to your computer. The extra-long cable provides easy connection and allows the keyboard to be conveniently positioned on the desktop.

A special Sleep feature is designed to instantly put your Mac into sleep mode during breaks.

Das Keyboard for Mac has dedicated keys for quick volume control, mute, multimedia playback control, and screen brightness control.

The Option and Command keys familiar to Mac users are in place. Reading up to 5 simultaneous clicks is supported, making the Das Keyboard Model S Professional for Mac an excellent choice for gamers or touch typists.

Price - 133 USD on the manufacturer's website.

Lofree

Retro design wireless mechanical keyboard. Outwardly, it resembles a typewriter from the 19th century (this effect arises from the use of round keys that perceptibly rise above the base). However, the keyboard does not lose its futuristic halo.

The manufacturer is positioning the Lofree keyboard as a mechanical input tool that is suitable not so much for gamers as for designers, writers and journalists. That is, ordinary users who are forced to work with large amounts of text.

Unlike most mechanical keyboards, Lofree comes with the familiar Magic Keyboard layout for all Mac users. Moreover, the upper row of keys is auxiliary and allows you to adjust the brightness, volume and control the playback of multimedia files - exactly as when using Apple branded keyboards.

Lofree specifications are impressive:

• the ability to operate in a wired or purebred mode
• mac, iOS, Windows and Android compatible
• simultaneous connection to three different devices with the ability to instantly switch between them
• built-in button illumination with the ability to adjust in three gradations
• up to 100 hours of battery life
• charging the built-in battery via micro USB cable
• several color options
• reliable mechanical switches

The only drawback of the model is its inaccessibility in the territory of the CIS countries. The device can be purchased in the US by pre-ordering it from the Indiegogo crowdfunding site. Unlike many other crowdfunding projects, the keyboard inventors managed not only to raise the required amount, but also to set up production. Owner reviews are overwhelmingly positive. We hope that in the foreseeable future the keyboard will appear on sale with us.

The price is about 80 USD in the USA.

13.04.2007

Each has its own truth.

One of the definitions of pluralism

It is impossible to please a living person; no matter how much you feed the wolf, it still looks into the forest; how many rope not to twist, and the end will not be. You can still remember many wonderful Russian sayings about the continuous flow of life, about what worries every person, regardless of gender and age. And what worries him first of all is the desire to change life for the better, to save and facilitate his work. With the advent of typewriters first, and then computers, we are constantly in search of the most optimal typing technique, new keyboards are being invented every day, which should facilitate the work of typesetters, every day someone racks their brains over the rationality of the location of one or another key, each day someone is haunted by the laurels of the inventors of QWERTY and QWERTY. This article is devoted to their work.

The most famous, the most popular, the most-most Russian layout, of course, is QWERTY! It is everywhere, it is supported on any computer, it is convenient, it is familiar, it is almost perfect ... Here it is:

Isn't the mere mention of FYVA and OLDH warming your soul! After all, this is a classic! Every person who would like to learn how to quickly type on the keyboard would definitely get acquainted with these magic words at the very first typing lesson. These are not just words, this is a spell that, like an unusual key, can open the possibilities of the keyboard for everyone!

The figure does not specifically depict punctuation marks and numbers. Letters only. Despite the fact that the layout is one, there are several options that differ precisely in the location of the punctuation marks. For example, the widespread typescript is convenient just by typing them. To type comma, period, semicolon and other characters, you just need to press one button in the fourth row of the keyboard, while in the usual Russian layout you need to press two keys simultaneously, which is not very convenient. But by and large, these are all trifles - the arrangement of the letters does not change. And the layout is essentially the same.

But there are complaints ...

The main thing is that the layout is not balanced. What does it mean? The load on the fingers is not uniform. Some fingers run more kilometers across the keyboard than others, which is generally ineffective. It's no secret that the index fingers work much more than others when typing. And the little finger of the right hand is significantly unlucky - it works more often than the little finger of the left. The load must be evenly distributed. In addition, it is desirable that the main row was more involved in the recruitment - then it would not be necessary to bend the fingers so often, which would not only affect the teaching of the blind method, but also the effectiveness of the professional recruitment.

Many words have to be typed in the QTsUKEN layout with one finger, for example, the word "grotto" is typed with one index finger of the right hand. Not convenient. The word "moment" the first two letters should be typed again with one finger, but now with the index of the left hand. Imbalance. Of course, you can still think of many flaws and shortcomings of the usual Russian layout, it makes no sense to list them all.

Taking into account all the wishes for improving the layout, the Announcer layout was invented:

Can not understand anything! Especially if you have been typing on the QWERTY layout familiar to the Russian heart for many years. However, a number of advantages are obvious - the most "popular" letters of the Russian alphabet fit on the main row of the keyboard. In addition, if you print the word "moment" or "grotto" in the new layout, it is easy to notice that more than one finger is already involved in typing. The load seems to be more uniform.

What about convenience? The question is actually controversial. And it's all a matter of habit. If a person constantly uses one instrument from his youth, it is almost impossible to retrain him to another.

This is one of the most interesting and promising Russian layouts. But it is also impossible to mention the good old phonetic layouts:

They are built in such a way that the same key is simultaneously phonetically responsible for both the letter of the English alphabet and the letter of the Russian, for example, A-A, S-C, and so on. Of course, there is no rationality here. By and large, the layout was not even invented, but simply made by analogy with the English QWERTY layout.

Those days have passed, so it makes no sense to talk about this layout.

But one more layout should definitely be mentioned. This is a typographic extension of the QWERTY layout by Ilya Birman:

In principle, it does not give any advantage for an ordinary set. The main goal is to simplify the set of special characters. So in the figure, the characters that can be typed by pressing the right Alt and the corresponding letter are indicated in blue. So, if you need to type% A9, then just press Alt + C. In all other respects, good old QWERTY.

There are quite a few layouts, each of them seems to be effective, but this is not important, it is important to choose the most suitable layout, master it and work with pleasure at the computer.

Comments

2009-12-12 07:52:44 - Akimov Igor Grigorievich

An interesting and useful article, but it upsets a large number of typos - probably typed by a blind method, but did not subtract after typing: - (((. For example, this quote: "This is one of the most interesting and promising Russian layouts" Sounds Russian, doesn't it? There are other typos. Please correct!

2010-04-07 08:11:25 - Petrov Petr Petrovich

The article is interesting, no doubt! But it is very limited in the subject. It seems that the discussion of new versions is going on in a predetermined framework. It's like sitting in a tunnel. However, there are many new versions being offered today. Type in Yandex "Keyboard models" or "New keyboard layouts". In Google "New keyboard models"

2010-12-03 17:40:20 - Alex Sokol

To hell with them with typos, but why should the proverbs be altered? How many rope does not hang, but the end is. !! BE BE! the end!)) respect the classics!

2011-03-21 23:00:30 - Captain Obvious

Number 4 is missing on the Announcer layout.

2011-05-19 19:48:46 - Shalimov Alexander

and now the three is absent in the Announcer)))

2011-07-06 12:59:19 - Zinkevich Viktor Borisovich

Hello! Of the alternative layouts, today I would put the Ladonnik2 on-screen keyboard - for OS Android in the first place. And because its original layouts are scientifically grounded! And because up to 90% of speech is typed in the 16-key central unit. And because the popularity of the keyboard is growing rapidly! For the solidity of the review, I think you should take this into account too! All the best!

2011-08-21 15:26:40 - AAA

Proverbs are almost useless anyway. No respect for them is required.

2012-01-19 09:04:15 - Alex

\u003e The load must be evenly distributed. Who said that? In general, some kind of strange logic: "some fingers work more than others, the layout is not balanced." Is it okay that the little fingers are generally weaker than the other fingers and, in turn, the little finger of the left is weaker than the little finger of the right? Therefore, the load is uneven: stronger fingers get more load, weaker ones - less. Make the load the same on all fingers - the little fingers will start to get tired faster and in the end it will turn out even worse.

2012-02-03 23:03:15 - Katya Simakova

The article is clearly incomplete or it is a copyright by request. Indeed, if we are talking about alternatives, then why is history silent about the developments of our inventor Vladimir Scheblykin? I fully agree with Mr. Zinkevich

2013-04-25 13: 46: 01.784824 - Vladimir Scheblykin

Hello. Thanks to Katya Simakova for mentioning my keyboards. I saw these comments in connection with the organization of the competition for all existing layouts. I am one of the organizers of this competition. It is assumed that the competition will be on tablets. Please tell us if you can take part in it? It is still important for us to learn about readiness. We will discuss the details later. Best regards, Vladimir Scheblykin, author of Ladonnik keyboards. [email protected]

2014-02-15 17: 38: 54.122026 - ererer

yes, an excellent layout for the Russian language, everything is balanced and convenient. the layouts shown have a lot of flaws. But the English one, for example, does not match at all, for example, the letter J is probably less likely than our ъ sign, but stands in the middle of the keyboard. we know that they made it practically from a flashlight.

2014-02-27 07: 14: 22.028569 - Eva

Vladimir Davidovich! Glad to see your name. I did several surveys: the new ladonnik 2m1 keyboard is installed willingly! But as for the multilingual module, many say: why is it needed here. But I think you do. Especially for RF users. (I will duplicate the message on sobiraem)

2015-09-21 13: 35: 05.210021 - Simeon

ladonnik 2m1 for narrow mob devices, more convenient. Of course, those who are accustomed to typing on a typewriter are more comfortable with the QWERTY Klava. Provided, of course, if you have a wide tablet or laptop at hand. And if you have a smartphone in your hand?

2016-01-20 13: 29: 28.30625 - Manynka

Layouts of the third group are also inconvenient, since when typing in the national language, it is sometimes necessary to type the Russian word for which there is no alternative spelling of only the national alphabet in letters. This will require switching to Russian layout, which will slow down the printing speed. In addition, the user needs to remember which letter is located on the same key on the national and Russian layouts.