Introduction to SwiftKey
I've been using Gboard for a long time, but I decided to give SwiftKey a try. I used to be an avid SwiftKey user, but I switched to Gboard due to its ease of use.
Getting Used to SwiftKey
Switching from Gboard to SwiftKey was a jarring experience. It took me time to get used to its idiosyncrasies, but the app's broad settings array helped ease me into it.
Customization Options
SwiftKey offers more customization options compared to Gboard. It includes a broader array of themes and theming options, which I prefer over Gboard's Material-adjacent alternative.
Typing Performance
Initially, I found SwiftKey's typing performance to be inferior to Gboard's. However, after experimenting with the button placements and keyboard size, I grew more comfortable with accurately landing taps on Microsoft's keyboard.
Predictive Smarts and Swipe-Typing
SwiftKey's predictive smarts and swipe-typing performance trail Gboard by a considerable margin. However, SwiftKey offers some nifty recommendation features, such as suggesting multiple words in a single box.
Clipboard Management and Privacy
SwiftKey's clipboard management feature is valuable, allowing users to save entire strings for quick insertion in a message later. Regarding privacy, SwiftKey is a Microsoft property, but users can shut off AI features and remove permissions if desired.
Conclusion
After using SwiftKey for two weeks, I can see myself adopting it for the rest of the month, if not the year. SwiftKey offers plenty of customization options and small yet significant features that improve my typing experience.