For Android users, choosing the right keyboard app is an important decision.
Two of the most popular keyboard options are Samsung Keyboard and Gboard. Samsung Keyboard comes pre-installed on Samsung Galaxy devices, while Gboard is Google’s keyboard app.
Both have their own unique features and advantages. This article will compare Samsung Keyboard and Gboard to help you decide which is better for your needs.
Prediction and Autocorrect
One of the most important aspects of any keyboard is its predictive text and autocorrect capabilities.
Both Samsung Keyboard and Gboard offer intelligent prediction engines that learn from your typing over time. However, there are some differences.
Samsung Keyboard has very accurate next word prediction.
As you type, it will intelligently predict the next word in your sentence. It learns the way you write and provides better suggestions over time.
The autocorrect function is also quite good at fixing typos and understanding common mistakes.
Gboard’s predictive text is assisted by Google’s machine learning. It makes predictions based on statistical machine learning models.
The autocorrect functionality works well overall, but some users report it can sometimes autocorrect words incorrectly.
In general, Samsung Keyboard may have better word predictions for everyday typing based on artificial intelligence. Gboard’s predictions are good but can occasionally miss the mark.
Customization
Both Samsung Keyboard and Gboard allow for customization so you can personalize the typing experience.
They offer options like themes, layouts, key sizing, and more. Here’s an overview:
- Samsung Keyboard has several preloaded themes to choose from. You can separately change the background color and key colors. Layout options include QWERTY, 3×4, and separate number/symbol keyboards.
- Gboard has more theming options with both default and downloadable theme packs. Layouts include QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY and more. You can adjust key height and other sizes.
Gboard provides more overall customization options. But Samsung Keyboard offers ample personalization for most users’ needs.
Gestures and Handwriting
Gesture typing and handwriting capabilities are other useful keyboard features. Here is how Samsung Keyboard and Gboard compare:
- Samsung Keyboard has integrated gesture typing. You can simply slide your finger between letters to type words without lifting your finger.
- Gboard has its own Glide Typing gesture system. Many users find Gboard’s gesture typing faster and more accurate.
- For handwriting input, Samsung Keyboard has a Writing mode. You can write text by finger instead of typing.
- Gboard does not have built-in handwriting input capabilities.
For gestures, Gboard seems to have the edge. But only Samsung Keyboard offers handwriting input, which some find useful.
Integrated Search
Having integrated search on your keyboard can be helpful for quickly looking up information without leaving your current app. Here are the search features:
- Samsung Keyboard does not have integrated search built into the keyboard.
- Gboard has integrated Google Search. You can perform web searches directly through the keyboard without changing apps.
Gboard is the clear winner when it comes to convenient access to search.
Supported Languages and Accents
For multilingual users or those who need access to special characters and accents, language support is an important consideration. Here is how the two keyboards compare:
- Samsung Keyboard supports over 370 languages.
- Gboard supports over 600 language varieties.
- Both offer text predictions and autocorrect tailored for each language.
- Samsung Keyboard and Gboard provide quick access to accents and special characters for supported languages.
Gboard supports many more languages overall. But Samsung Keyboard still has extensive language coverage for most users’ needs.
Emojis and GIFs
Having easy access to emojis and GIFs helps you express yourself better through text. Here are the options:
- Samsung Keyboard has a dedicated emoji button giving you access to over 3,000 emojis.
- Gboard also has an emoji button with over 2,000 emojis. It also has integrated GIF search powered by Giphy.
For emojis, Samsung Keyboard has a larger library. But Gboard offers easier access to search GIFs.
Keyboard Sizing and Layout
The overall size and layout of the keyboard impacts typing comfort and accessibility. Here is how Samsung Keyboard and Gboard compare:
- Samsung Keyboard offers multiple keyboard heights to suit different hand sizes. You can choose between default, compact, and expanded heights.
- Gboard also provides compact, default, and expanded height options. The largest setting makes keys about 20% bigger.
- For one-handed use, Samsung Keyboard has a one-handed operation mode that condenses the keyboard to the left or right side of the screen.
- Gboard does not specifically have a one-handed mode, but you can adjust the keyboard vertical offset to make it easier to type with one hand.
Both keyboards provide ample options to adjust sizing and layout for accessibility. Samsung Keyboard has a dedicated one-handed mode, but Gboard offers the ability to offset the keyboard for similar effect.
Special Features
In addition to core typing features, Samsung Keyboard and Gboard both offer some unique special capabilities:
- Samsung Keyboard has integrated translation powered by Google Translate. You can translate text without leaving the app.
- Gboard has Google Lens integrated into the keyboard for performing image searches with your camera.
- Samsung Keyboard supports text undo/redo within the keyboard app itself.
- Gboard allows searching your local phone storage for GIFs, emojis and stickers from within the keyboard.
These special features add helpful functionality. Which is more useful depends on your specific needs.
Privacy
Privacy is an important consideration when choosing a keyboard. Here is how Samsung Keyboard and Gboard compare:
- Samsung Keyboard has a privacy policy clearly outlining data collection. Samsung states they do not share personal data with third parties.
- Gboard’s privacy policy discloses that usage data is connected to your Google account and may be used for advertising purposes.
- Both keyboards allow you to enable or disable personalization features that utilize your usage data.
- Third-party keyboards like Gboard cannot access other app data due to Android permissions.
Samsung Keyboard keeps keyboard data more private and localized. But both obey Android security rules and let you limit data collection.
Typing Performance
The overall typing experience can also differ between the two keyboards:
- Samsung Keyboard offers very smooth performance with quick response times and no noticeable lag.
- Gboard is also highly responsive with no discernible delays while typing.
- Both keyboards seem to have equivalent typing speed when it comes to latency.
- For long or complex words, Samsung Keyboard seems to have an edge in correctly autocorrecting words.
While both keyboards offer smooth, responsive typing, Samsung Keyboard may have slightly better processing for complex typos and autocorrect.
Updates and Support
Keyboard apps continue to evolve over time through updates and added features. Here is how Samsung Keyboard and Gboard compare on support:
- Samsung Keyboard comes integrated on all Samsung Galaxy devices and is updated through the Galaxy Store.
- Gboard is updated frequently through the Google Play store, receiving new features and optimizations.
- Samsung Keyboard updates are tied to your general Samsung device updates.
- Gboard updates are decoupled from the Android OS, allowing for faster iteration.
Gboard tends to see more frequent feature updates. But Samsung Keyboard updates are part of the integrated device experience.
Verdict: Which Keyboard is Better?
So which keyboard comes out on top – Samsung Keyboard or Gboard? Here are some key conclusions:
- For predictions and autocorrect, Samsung Keyboard may have a slight edge, especially for complex typos.
- Gboard offers more theming options and customizations overall.
- Gesture typing is likely better on Gboard, but only Samsung has integrated handwriting.
- Gboard has integrated Google Search, while Samsung lacks search.
- Samsung supports more languages, but Gboard offers more language varieties.
- For emojis, Samsung has a bigger library. Gboard makes searching GIFs easier.
- Both offer ample keyboard sizing and layout options.
- Special features like translation and Google Lens offer unique extra capabilities.
In summary, Samsung Keyboard excels at smart predictions and reducing typos. Gboard offers more customization and special features. Gboard is ideal if you want deep Google integration. Samsung Keyboard offers tighter integration with Galaxy devices.
So choose based on your priorities – smart predictions vs customization and features. Overall, most users will be happy with either keyboard.
