Recommended Free Tools
Microsoft SwiftKey is the stronger documented choice if you want to resize, move, float, or split your Android keyboard. For themes, photo backgrounds, sound, and vibration, both SwiftKey and Gboard offer customization. There is no independent usability test showing which app takes fewer taps or feels easier to learn, so the better fit depends on what you want to change.
Quick comparison
| What you want to customize | Gboard | Microsoft SwiftKey |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard shape and position | The cited Google documentation does not establish a comparable set of keyboard modes or resizing controls. | Documents full, one-handed, floating, split/thumb, and tablet modes, plus resizing and repositioning. |
| Themes and backgrounds | Supports themes and photo or color backgrounds. | Offers downloadable themes and custom photo themes with appearance adjustments. |
| Sound and vibration | Lets you set keypress sound and volume, vibration, and related preferences. | Lets you toggle sound and haptic feedback, select a keypress sound profile, and adjust vibration strength. |
| Layouts and number row | Lets you choose a layout for a language; the cited source set does not establish a directly comparable number-row control. | Documents several layouts and a number-row toggle with position options. |
| High contrast | The cited Google page does not establish a specific high-contrast theme claim. | Microsoft documents a free high-contrast theme that it says meets WCAG 2.0 AAA contrast requirements. |
Which keyboard is easier to change in size or position?
SwiftKey has the clearer documented advantage. Microsoft lists full, one-handed, floating, split/thumb, and tablet modes, and provides controls to resize and reposition the keyboard. Its guidance says modes are available from the keyboard Toolbar, while resizing can be reached through the Toolbar or Layout & keys settings. Microsoft’s keyboard-modes guide and resizing and repositioning instructions describe those options.
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The cited Gboard pages do not establish an equivalent menu of modes or resizing controls. That is a limit of the documentation used here, not proof that Gboard has no related option on any device or version.
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Gboard
Google documents changing Gboard’s theme and using a photo or color as a background. Its settings also include emoji-size controls. Open a typing field, bring up Gboard’s menu, and choose Theme for appearance options; choose Settings or Preferences for other documented controls. Google notes that some steps require Android 7.0 or later. See Gboard’s appearance, sound, and vibration help page.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPER COMPATIBILITY: Highly compatible for Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 Plus/A9+/S11/S10+/S10 FE/S9 FE/S7 FE/S6 Lite and almost other samsung tablets, laptops and phones
- SLIM AND PORTABLE: Specially design the keyboard for Samsung Tablets with thin and light size (11.2"L x 4.7"W x 0.2"H), easily packed in backpacks and handbags while work or travel
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: 30 days of continuous use and automatic sleep model allows up to half a year between battery change,Powered by 2pcs AAA batteries (BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED)
- BRILLIANT DESIGN: Scissor feet and chocolate key-caps design provide a comfortable and noiseless typing. QWERTY layout with featured function keys including volume, music control, brightness, etc
- EASY TO USE: Bluetooth wireless easily connect with your mobile device such as tablets and mobile phones, the operating distance up to 10 meters, you could enjoy fast response with each typing
SwiftKey
SwiftKey offers a gallery of downloadable themes and a separate way to make a theme from a photo. Microsoft says the photo can be adjusted, including background darkness, key borders, and symbols. The theme guidance also says themes cannot currently be transferred between Android and iOS. Consult Microsoft’s SwiftKey themes guide and photo-theme instructions.
Both support visual personalization; SwiftKey’s documentation spells out a dedicated photo-theme workflow and more adjustments to the image and keys.
Rank #2
- Cable-Free: Bluetooth Connection with your mobile devices such as tablets and mobile phones. Bring you more convenience when you need to type. Operating distance up to 10 meters. This keyboard is bluetooth enabled and it doesn't come with a USB dongle. It also supports Bluetooth-enabled PCs or Laptops. Arteck Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard Compatible with iPad 10.2-inch / iPad Air / iPad 9.7-inch / iPad Pro / iPad Mini, iPhone and other Bluetooth Enabled Devices Including iOS, Android, Windows, Black
- Broad Compatibility: Use with all four major operating systems supporting Bluetooth (iOS, Android, Mac OS and Windows), including iPad 10.2-inch / Air / iPad Pro / iPad 9.7-inch / iPad Mini / iPhone / Android Tablets like Samsung Galaxy Tab, Google Nexus / Windows, etc.
- Convenient Layout: QWERTY layout with hot keys customized for all iPads, including volume, music control, brightness, etc.
- Long Battery Life: Energy-saving design and automatic sleep mode allow up to 4 months between battery changes. (based on 2 hours' non-stop use per day) (2 X AAA batteries included)
- Package contents: Arteck HB098 Bluetooth Keyboard, 2 X AAA batteries, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Which app gives more control over sound and vibration?
Both document controls for keypress feedback. Gboard lets you adjust keypress sound and volume, vibration, and related preferences. SwiftKey lets you toggle sound and haptic feedback, choose a keypress sound profile, and change vibration strength. On Gboard, device-level vibration settings can override the app’s vibration behavior, so check Android’s system settings if the keyboard preference does not seem to take effect. The relevant guides are Google’s Gboard settings page and Microsoft’s sound and vibration guidance.
The Tool Desk
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Languages and layouts
Gboard lets you add languages and choose a layout for a language without changing the Android device language. Google’s instructions are at Gboard’s language and layout help page.
Rank #3
- Media-Friendly: The K400 Plus wireless touch TV keyboard gives you integrated, comfortable control of your PC-to-TV entertainment, eliminating the clutter of a separate keyboard and mouse
- Plug-and-Play: Simply plug the Unifying receiver into a USB port and the wireless touchpad keyboard is ready to go; adjust controls using the Logitech Options Software to save preferred settings
- Power-Packed: Built with laid-back control in mind, this wireless TV keyboard has a reliable and long battery life of up to 18 months (2), including an on/off button to help it go even longer
- Wireless Freedom: Designed for seamless comfort and control, this HTPC keyboard boasts a range of up to 33 ft (1) wireless connectivity, with quiet keys and a large touchpad for easy navigation
- Broad Compatibility: Designed for use with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and later, Android 7 or later, and Chrome OS
SwiftKey documents QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, Colemak, and Dvorak layouts. Microsoft says SwiftKey supports more than 700 languages and allows up to five active languages at once; those are product-support figures, not independent measures of typing quality or ease. Check whether the exact language and layout you need are available in your installed app. See Microsoft’s language and setup guidance and SwiftKey layout instructions.
Number row
SwiftKey documents a number-row toggle and lets users choose its position in the number-and-symbol pane. Microsoft’s number-row guidance locates this among Layout & keys controls. The cited Gboard documentation does not establish a directly comparable number-row control.
Rank #4
- Full 3-System Compatibility & Wide Device Support: Perfectly compatible with Android, iOS and Windows three major systems. Works seamlessly with Samsung tablets, iPads, iPhones, laptops, smartphone, android, iOS, windows etc
- How to Switch Systems: Switching to the corresponding system will improve compatibility and higher work efficiency (“FN + A” is for iOs , “FN + S” is for Windows, “FN + D” is for Android )
- Enhanced Oversized Keycaps：27% bigger than standard keycaps. The spacious surface minimizes accidental presses and ensures comfortable typing for long hours
- 5 Adjustable Angles & Foldable Stand for tablet or phone, It effectively eases hand and eye fatigue during long hours of use, helping you stay focused and work more efficiently
- Long Battery Life & Smart Power Saving：Built‑in rechargeable lithium battery, Type‑C fast charging (full charge in 2–3 hours, last up to 200 hours with the backlight off, and 3-5 hours with the backlight on). Auto sleep mode after inactivity to save power, no frequent charging needed
Does accessibility change the choice?
Microsoft documents a free SwiftKey high-contrast theme and says it meets WCAG 2.0 AAA contrast requirements. That is a specific theme claim, not evidence that SwiftKey is more accessible overall. If contrast is important, try the theme and assess readability in your own apps and lighting conditions. See Microsoft’s high-contrast theme information.
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How to choose for your own use
- Choose SwiftKey first if resizing, repositioning, floating, splitting, or one-handed use is the main thing you want to customize.
- Try either app if your priorities are themes, a photo background, sound, or vibration; both document controls in these areas.
- Check SwiftKey’s options if you specifically want a number row, one of its documented alternative layouts, or its high-contrast theme.
- Check the installed app directly if you need a particular language, layout, or setting. Labels and available options can vary with app version, device, and Android release.
These are documentation-based comparisons, not hands-on findings. The cited support pages establish which controls each company describes, but do not show that one app takes fewer taps or is easier for every user to learn.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Folding Bluetooth Keyboard & Phone Stand Holder】Extremely thin design of the portable folding keyboard allows you to fold it up and put it in your pocket or bag without taking up too much space. The phone stand holder, best companion for folding keyboard, gives you perfect screen angle. Near-standard size design provides accurate, fast typing, just like the desktop keyboard you are used to. Quiet keys allow you to focus on your work. Perfect gift for travel and business trips!
- 【Sensitive Touchpad Foldable Keyboard】Upgrade sensitive touchpad supports multi-touch, so you can control the device without using mouse. More convenient and efficient! (NOTE: IOS 13.4 and below or Android 3.0 and below are not supported!!!) Built-in rechargeable battery can last for 48 hours or 560 hours after 2-3 hours of charging. One full charge last enough for your short business trip or vacation!
- 【Exquisite & Lightweight Portable Keyboard】Dark Black matte exterior, made of ABS+PC material, lightweight but sturdy, without fear of daily wear and scratches. The elegant matte design, excellent touch and clean look make it a perfect match for your tablet, phone and laptop. Only 5.53-ounce, palm-sized keyboard can be folded up and carried around. Provide you with maximum convenience with minimal weight and size. It must be a good choice for editors!
- 【Stable Connection & Wide Compatibility】Samsers Bluetooth keyboard supports seamless connectivity to all your Bluetooth devices (iOS, Android and Windows). Maintain a stable connection and provide fast response to the device within 10 m. Simply turn on the keyboard and automatically connect to the last connected device. With a Samsers keyboard, you can record all your ideas at any time! (NOTE: this bluetooth keyboard is not compatible with various computer sticks)
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