In my search for good keyboard that support AMOLED mode, I found out about FlorisBoard which looks perfect to me. It even supports Halmak Keyboard Layout, which I didn’t expect to find at any Android Keyboard.

Which make me ask, How is this keyboard not popular?

  • swelter_spark@reddthat.comEnglish
    1·
    2 days ago

    I’ve used it for years and like it a lot. Development seems kinda slow, though, and there aren’t that many themes. Those might be downsides to some people. I think it pretty popular, though. A decent number of people seem to use it.

  • ryven@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    6·
    6 days ago

    Serious question: what problems does the default keyboard have that Florisboard is trying to solve? I’ve never looked at the Android keyboard and thought “I wish this worked differently,” except maybe when I switch languages by accident.

    • curiousfurbytes@programming.dev
      5·
      6 days ago

      It depends on the phone’s brand. Samsung’s keyboard is way different from Motorola, for example. The other reasons would be the possibility of customization, and for privacy-minded people, as the keyboard is basically a very sensitive entry point

  • cockmushroom@reddthat.com
    4·
    6 days ago

    I, for one, prefer Unexpected Keyboard because it has alt, ctrl, fn, and easy access to all the symbols i need for English and Portuguese. Sadly, it lacks some emoji, but i never used them much beforehand; just feel like i’m missing out lol.

    the basic idea is that you tap a key, and drag towards an optional character you want to use, to enter it. here’s a preview:

    • jakobmn@feddit.dk
      2·
      4 days ago

      This is my preferred keyboard as well. Always thought autocomplete were more of an annoyance than a help. And nice to have all keys available when using remote desktop or ssh, where autocomplete is especially annoying.

  • spit_evil_olive_tips@beehaw.orgEnglish
    6·
    6 days ago

    How is this keyboard not popular?

    their front page explicitly says “Currently in beta state” and according to their docs installation via Google Play requires joining a beta tester group.

    that means a random user searching “keyboard” on the Play store isn’t going to see it. likewise if a friend told you “I use Florisboard” and you searched for it by name in the Play store. if you’re not already in the beta test group the direct link to the app page literally 404s.

    it’s certainly available to power users who already know they want it, but it’s sort of pointless to ask why it’s not popular at this stage of its development.

  • ORbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    4·
    6 days ago

    I’ve become dependent on SwiftKey. Unfortunately, it’s invasive. I block network access on the app. It works great without it. It adjusts sensitivity and accuracy based on your typing habits, fixing mistakes over time that I make incessantly on other keyboards.

  • warm@kbin.earth
    4·
    6 days ago

    I also use FlorisBoard, it’s the best one I’ve tried. I don’t use spell checking or suggestions so lack of that didn’t bother me, the general functionality and design was just better than other options.

    Development has recently started on it again, so these missing features will probably be implemented soon, which will probably help it’s adoption!

  • brisk@aussie.zone
    4·
    6 days ago

    Word suggestions/spell checking are not included in the current releases and are a major goal for the v0.6 milestone.

    I’ve been watching Florisboard since before that text read “v0.5”. It’s a good keyboard but can’t be a daily driver for me without that.

    • leopardpuncher@beehaw.org
      0·
      6 days ago

      Heliboard is fantastic ❤️

      • glide typing.
      • multiple languages at the same time (without switching).
      • extremely customizable in nearly every way.
      • customize long-press options for each key with multiple / list of options. For instance, I’ve extended the number keys row with my most-used emojis, so holding ‘1’ gives me a pop-up with ‘❤️😍😘🥰’, 2 gives ‘🙂😊😃😄’, etc.
      • ‘snippets’ via custom dictionary with shortcuts (typing ‘xx’ shows my primary email for 1-click insertion, ‘yy’ shows secondary email; endless possibilities). Possible with most keyboards, though.
      • and so much more.

      I haven’t found anything that comes even close.