Introduction
Gboard, the default keyboard for Pixel smartphones and many devices running stock Android, has been at the center of a recent privacy controversy. This has highlighted how your data is used by Google for its own training and collection, which can be intercepted and tied to individual users. While it’s possible to disable some of these data-sharing settings, concerns about Google’s data collection practices may lead you to explore alternative options.
Source: lifehacker.com
One such alternative is using an open-source keyboard that operates completely on-device, without the need for data servers. Unlike closed software, open-source programs can be audited by security experts, allowing vulnerabilities to be identified and patched quickly. Two open-source alternatives to Gboard are worth considering: FUTO Keyboard and HeliBoard.
Source: lifehacker.com
FUTO Keyboard: A Direct Gboard Replacement
FUTO Keyboard is designed to be a direct Gboard replacement, with a similar interface and functionality. However, it’s built from the ground up to be open-source, free, and private. By default, none of your keystrokes leave your device, ensuring your data remains secure.
Source: lifehacker.com
FUTO includes on-device AI models for text prediction and voice typing. The text prediction model works entirely offline, without relying on online servers. In testing, the app performed well, with suggestions that were more or less what you’d expect. For voice typing, FUTO uses a lightweight Whisper-based model, also running on-device, with no servers involved. While the default model was a bit underwhelming compared to Gboard, downloading the highest-tier model resolved this issue, providing voice typing results similar to Gboard.
FUTO offers a range of customization options, including resizing the keyboard, adding a permanent numbers row, and changing the theme. Users can also fine-tune settings to suit their preferences, such as adjusting the behavior of the backspace long-press gesture. In testing, FUTO provided a smoother and more reliable typing experience compared to Gboard, with a more intuitive spacebar gesture.
One potential drawback to using FUTO is the loss of cross-device support. Your personal dictionary or clipboard can’t sync between all your devices. However, FUTO’s privacy features make up for this loss, providing a more secure typing experience.
HeliBoard: The Gboard Alternative for Security Purists
HeliBoard has a rich open-source pedigree, based on the old OpenBoard project and the original stock Android AOSP keyboard. The app promises a zero-exposure experience, asking for no network permissions whatsoever. As a purist’s keyboard, HeliBoard lacks AI features, such as LLM transformers for text prediction and AI voice typing models.
Despite this, HeliBoard offers all the basic features you’d expect from an Android keyboard, including gesture typing and an on-device clipboard. You can also customize the appearance, resize the keyboard, and change the color scheme. However, be aware that HeliBoard is not available in the Google Play Store and must be downloaded from the F-Droid third-party app store.
In conclusion, both FUTO and HeliBoard offer secure and private alternatives to Gboard. While FUTO provides a more comprehensive typing experience, HeliBoard is the better choice for security purists who prioritize a zero-exposure experience.
