As the name suggests, an on-screen keyboard, or as it is also called, is a keyboard that is displayed on the computer screen. It is used as an alternative to a real keyboard, and allows people to type using a mouse or various other devices.

Generally, there are two main reasons why users use virtual keyboards instead of real ones.

Availability

Using a keyboard as a replacement:

  • The user cannot use a real keyboard. For example, people have devices that do not require a physical keyboard, such as communicators and touchscreen devices.
  • Search alternative way text input. For example, in order to be able to type text in your native language (for example, on a real keyboard there are no native language stickers). Or, for example, problems with the existing keyboard (the driver in the system is broken, the device is blocked, etc.).

Safety

To increase the level of security and protection against various malicious software(for example, from keyloggers):

  • Secure on-screen keyboards will become good helpers to improve security when using public, unprotected or suspicious computers (for example, classrooms, Internet cafes, etc.).
  • Secure virtual keyboards can help protect your computer from the following types of malware:
    • Keyloggers (keyloggers) - record all keystrokes
    • Screen logging - create screenshots of the screen at regular intervals or based on specific user actions
    • Clipboard logging - monitor the contents of the clipboard
    • Fixing the position of the mouse cursor - saves all the coordinates where the mouse clicks were recorded. This type is mainly used to hack bank on-screen keyboards.
    • Capture values ​​in text fields - get all values ​​from text fields, even hidden by a password mask (everyone knows ****)

The good news is that there are a number of special free programs, which will help you enter text safely. However, it must be emphasized that there is no one unique program that includes all possible functions. Virtual keyboards that address accessibility issues offer no real protection from malicious software. Likewise, secure on-screen keyboards do not contain any special feature sets for ease of use. It is also necessary to emphasize that secure on-screen keyboards should be considered as additional remedy to ensure security, which can never be replaced by specialized protection programs such as firewalls, antiviruses, etc.

This review examines virtual keyboards that solve accessibility issues.

Review of free on-screen/virtual keyboards

Click-N-Type on-screen keyboard is an excellent analogue to commercial offers

Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard

Supports three input methods. Starting with Windows 7, automatic switching of languages ​​when changing the active window.
Cannot change keyboard size (fixed since Windows 7).
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211KB 2.0 Unrestricted freeware Windows
Included with Windows

Windows 10 includes a virtual keyboard by default. But if you don't have a tablet, getting to the virtual one can be difficult. Therefore, we recommend that you download a program that will add it to your Windows 10 device. A virtual keyboard is not only convenient for typing with a mouse, but also safe. Some viruses remember what you type. And if you don’t want your passwords and other data to leak into the hands of attackers, we recommend downloading the virtual version.

How to enable on-screen keyboard on Windows 10

It really is in the OS itself. But it leaves much to be desired. Plus it is very inconvenient to call her. Therefore, even if you have a standard on-screen Keyboard, we recommend using a third-party solution. There are programs where the keyboard is built into the application itself. There are also separate applications that allow you to activate the on-screen assistant in any application. This may be required in a number of cases:
  • Download on-screen keyboard for virus protection;
  • If the usual one breaks;
  • Sometimes it is more convenient than the real thing;
By her own screen keyboard will not be able to protect your computer from viruses. That's right, because it is not an antivirus. But it can prevent data loss when it comes to viruses that steal passwords from your computer. You can read more about such viruses on the Internet. A number of antiviruses include protection against such threats, but many antiviruses do not. Accordingly, using the on-screen option can really protect you from losing information, especially passwords.


It’s worth downloading an on-screen keyboard for Windows 10 even if your regular one is broken. This happens, and you, for example, need to go to mail or another service that requires a password. The virtual option will allow you to enter this password without the real one. The regular one may not be as convenient at some moments as the screen one virtual keyboard. And this problem plagues not only Windows 10 32/64 bit, but also other versions of this OS. Therefore, having the program always at hand is convenient. Additionally, Keyboard is built into . This safe way enter passwords on any sites and programs on Windows 10.

By downloading an Android keyboard to your phone, you will get a free program with an expanded range of functions. This application is multilingual, with its help you can type both in Russian and in a number of others. The program transforms the layout of the keys taking into account the current language.

The utility understands the words being typed and suggests the most likely options during the typing process (T9 mode). Thanks to this application, the user will be able to significantly speed up the typing of proposals. The swipe typing option allows you to write by simply moving your fingertip along the desired letters.

In addition, the Android keyboard allows you to easily switch to typing numbers and symbols. The application includes the widest range of symbols for all occasions.

It also has built-in dictionaries that can be turned on or off with a single keystroke, just like the T9 mode. Overall, the keyboard is intuitive to use and makes it easy to switch between languages ​​or turn on capital letters.

Download keyboard for Android for free in Russian full version means significantly increasing the speed of your communication, if necessary, in several languages ​​at once. This utility is equally suitable for both smartphones and tablets.

Choosing a keyboard on Android has important. After all, without a good keyboard, you will not be able to fully enjoy communication. Currently, there are a huge number of free keyboards for smartphones and Android tablets each of which has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

So which keyboard should you choose? What to look for when choosing? Some are very simple, while others have more functionality that not all devices support. In this article, we tried to collect for you the top 10 best and most popular keyboards that can be downloaded for free on Google Play. But the last word remains with you, because the choice of the best one is individual for everyone and depends on his style, habits and needs.

How to change the keyboard

After you download a new keyboard to your Android phone or tablet, you need to activate it and make it the default keyboard, instead of the standard one. If you don't know how to do this, then follow these instructions:

  1. Download the keyboard you want to use.
  2. Go to "Settings".
  3. Select Language & Input.
  4. Check the box next to the name of the keyboard you want to use.
  5. Return to the main menu and open “Create new SMS”.
  6. If the keyboard has not changed, then tap on the text input field and hold your finger for a few seconds.
  7. Select Input Method.
  8. Select the keyboard you want to use.
  9. Congratulations, you have changed the keyboard on your Android.


The best keyboards for Android

Free keyboard for Android, designed to improve speed and reduce typing errors. IN this moment GO Keyboard is one of the most downloaded keyboards on Play Google Market Play.

  1. More than 10,000 different themes.
  2. 800+ emoticons.
  3. Wide compatibility of popular devices.
  4. Supports gestures and sounds.
  5. Supports more than 60 languages ​​and different input methods.
  6. Smart error correction.
  7. Support for various additional plugins.

DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAY

Probably the most popular keyboard on Android, with continuous text input function, voice input and automatic spacebar. As well as a large number of emoticons, hints and automatic error correction.

Main functions and characteristics:

  1. Continuous text input.
  2. Voice input.
  3. A smart keyboard that remembers the words you enter and offers them as suggestions.
  4. Supports a large number of languages.

DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAY

3. Kika Keyboard

Another famous keyboard that makes typing on your Android fast and fun with tons of built-in emojis, stickers and funny GIFs. Try this application and it will not leave you indifferent.

Main functions and characteristics:

  1. One-handed printing.
  2. ultra-intelligent text proofreader.
  3. 60+ languages ​​supported.
  4. full support for mobile phones and tablets.

DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAY

And this application is for those who are looking for a keyboard with emojis. Full professional version of the amazing emoji keyboard. Choose and share a stunning variety of emoticons, emoji, stickers and GIFs on your favorite platforms Vk, Instagram, Telegram, Facebook and Messenger.

Main functions and characteristics:

  1. Thousands of unique themes.
  2. The ability to create your own themes by choosing your favorite photos and colors.
  3. More than 100 fonts.
  4. Swipe function.
  5. 60+ languages.

DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAY

Another good free keyboard for Android devices, which will help you type text quickly and easily. In 2009, TouchPal received a prize at the GSMA Global Mobile Awards in Barcelona for introducing mobile innovation.

Main functions and characteristics:

  1. Convenient input of emoji, emoticons and emoticons.
  2. Customizable keyboard color, wallpaper and layout.
  3. More than 100 colorful themes and the ability to create your own theme.
  4. Powerful error correction: Corrects typos, spelling errors and automatically capitalizes.
  5. Supports more than 97 languages.

DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAY

Smart keyboard for your Android phone or tablet, with over 250 million users worldwide. SwiftKey Keyboard uses artificial intelligence for automatic entry based on your preferences.

Main functions and characteristics:

  1. Corrects typos.
  2. Quick input.
  3. Remembers your non-literary expressions.
  4. Over 80 colors, designs and themes.
  5. Recognizes and predicts your favorite emoticons.

DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAY

7. Ai.type + emoji

A smart, personalized keyboard for smartphones and tablets used by over 25 million users. The application learns your writing style and thereby allows you to type faster and better.

The main features of ai.type include: creating your own keyboard layout, changing themes, colors, fonts, as well as more than 800 emoji.

Main functions and characteristics:

  1. Lots of free themes.
  2. Ability to create your own themes.
  3. Auto fill emoji.
  4. Next word prediction, completion and auto correction.
  5. Swype - fast typing without interruption, sliding your finger from letter to letter.
  6. Voice guidance – speaks words out loud when typing.

DOWNLOAD FROM GOOGLE PLAY

Free virtual keyboard works on any device under Windows control with passive touch screen (Ultra-Mobile PC, Tablet PC and Panel PC). If you spend a lot of time answering email or write short notes to mobile computer, and the built-in keyboard is missing or inconvenient, then a software on-screen keyboard may be just what you need. This comfortable keyboard has enough big buttons to type text with your fingers.

Also, the free virtual keyboard allows people with disabilities to enter data using mouse or other pointing device.

Change the size, color and transparency of the virtual keyboard

You can change the size, color and transparency of your keyboard with the click of a button at any time. In full screen mode, the virtual keyboard automatically resizes to fit the width of the screen. This means it works in both landscape and portrait orientation, which is something some other keyboards can't do.

Auto repeat function

The auto-repeat function occurs automatically - just hold down any key to start the automatic repetition of pressing as on a regular keyboard.

Running from a portable flash drive

Free virtual keyboard completely portable application, this means you can copy it to any portable drive and run it directly from there. Thus, the interactive keyboard will always be with you.
Settings are stored in a file FreeVK.ini, which is located in the same folder as the program. If writing to this file is disabled, the settings are stored in the registry.