iOS has supported third-party software keyboards for several generations at this point, but I’ve only begun experimenting with them as of recently. In the past, I always assumed that, unlike over on Android, iOS keyboards consisted of a locked-down and limiting experience — as it turns out, however, I was mistaken.

Third-party developers have created some genuinely compelling keyboards for the iPhone, to the point where I now find Apple’s native solution to be old hat. Here are seven iOS keyboard applications that, based on my experience, actually have Apple beat across aesthetics, customizability, and even typing accuracy.

Typewise

Hexagonal typing takes shape

Typewise is a unique keyboard in that it adopts a hexagon layout, which the developer says can reduce typing inaccuracies. Keys are seventy percent larger with this layout, making for easier button presses across the board. Other features within Typewise include a gesture system for capitalizing letters, deleting, and restoring, as well as a smart autocorrect algorithm. The base app is free to get started with, but Typewise Pro is required to unlock additional themes, personalized word suggestions, tablet mode, key vibration, and several other advanced features.

Clink

A variety of themes to choose from

Clink is a highly customizable third-party keyboard that lets you adjust the theming, change sounds, rearrange keys, and much more. There’s a unique 3D key cap design on offer here, you can add a number row (which is sorely lacking in the native iOS keyboard experience), and even choose alternative layouts like the ergonomic Dvorak configuration. Clink is free to get started with, with an optional Pro version available that unlocks dictation, clipboard history, AI tools, custom themes, and more.

Gboard

Google’s first-party Android keyboard

Gboard is Google’s native software keyboard for Android, and it’s also available for the iPhone. On iOS, the app offers all the essentials, including glide typing, emoji, sticker, and GIF search, and more. Being a Google product, the keyboard has advanced integrations with Google services, such as the ability to search for weather, nearby restaurants, and sports scores. Gboard is entirely free to download and install from the Apple App Store.

SwitftKey

A Microsoft-owned software alternative

SwiftKey is a Microsoft-owned software keyboard that features advanced autocorrect algorithms and personalized predictions, in addition to swipe typing, dozens of themes, the ability to easily send GIFs, and a shortcut toolbar near the top of the interface. Swiftkey, which is free to download and install, also features Copilot AI integration for quick access to Microsoft’s LLM-powered chatbot.

VisionKeys

Apple VisionOS-inspired keycaps

VisionKeys is a minimalistic iPhone software keyboard that features an Apple Vision Pro-inspired design language, with circular, translucent key caps. The keyboard covers all the basics, with autocorrect, autocomplete, autocapitalization, and more, while also featuring haptic feedback and bespoke sound effects. VisionKeys can be had on the Apple App Store for a small one-time fee of $1.

NuKey

Build a keyboard that matches your aesthetic

NuKey is a community-driven application that lets you build, discover, and switch to a variety of themed keyboard designs right on the fly. It’s easy to create a custom keyboard with personalized colors, key cap styles, and even animated lighting effects, with the option to add mechanical switch sounds for a satisfying typing experience. There are also a variety of ready-made themes to choose from, and you can even share custom designs using QR codes. NuKey Pro is required to unlock certain themes, sounds, and customization features, but the free version of the app covers the basics from a typing standpoint.

Typefinity

A keyboard that takes advantage of screen real estate

Typefinity is built with the philosophy that more information can and should be presented on screen, considering how much larger our display sizes are today when compared to the past. With this in mind, the keyboard features not only a dedicated number row, but also cursor keys, various symbol keys, and punctuation keys all on a single page. Full autocorrect is also on board here, as are theming options and swipe input. Typefinity is free to start with, but you’ll have to shell out for the premium version to enjoy the full breadth of themes, custom key sounds and feedback, and other niceties.