this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026

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Source available and privacy-friendly alternative to Gboard (Google's keyboard) (keyboard.futo.org)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by bossito@lemmy.world to c/buyfromeu@feddit.org

19 comments fedilink hide all child comments

This is a very solid alternative to Google's keyboard, the only issue is that it's not European.

all 20 comments

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[–] jlow@discuss.tchncs.de 30 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (3 children)

Futo are apparently a somewhat shady company, so do your own research and if you don't like what you find check out Heliboard, Florisboard or Fossify Keyboard (all on Fdroid) to name a few.

[–] INeedMana@piefed.zip 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Oh. It's that FUTO. I had the feeling the name rang a bell

[–] jlow@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 3 months ago

Yep 😿

[–] victorz@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago

This should be pinned somehow.

[–] bossito@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago

I read their explanation on being "source available" instead of open source, didn't sound unreasonable to me. But I'll do further research.. In the meantime one of my bank apps doesn't trust it either and refuses to open if that's the keyboard being used.

[–] Localhorst86@feddit.org 12 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

A truly open alternative would be Heliboard:
https://github.com/Helium314/HeliBoard

EDIT: one possible issue with HeliBoard is that swype input relies on an external closed-source library that needs to be downloaded and installed manually.

[–] INeedMana@piefed.zip 2 points 2 months ago

I've been using it since I read this comment. I think I like it more than AnySoftKeyboard. And they've started gathering data to create open-source swipe lib https://makertube.net/w/cQECfDkuLGR9eUQquUEo4K

[–] INeedMana@piefed.zip 7 points 3 months ago

Interesting. I've been using AnySoftKeyboard. Gesture typing is a bit spotty but in general it's ok

[–] Zedstrian@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

As with other FUTO services, FUTO Keyboard is source available, not open source.

[–] bossito@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Yep, I just read their explanation on that, doesn't sound unreasonable to me..

[–] Zedstrian@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

Whether their reasons are reasonable or not, it's not open source. FUTO minimizes the difference between the two, having originally sought to make their own definition of open source before qualifying it with the term 'source first' (i.e. source available).

[–] bossito@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago

Just fixed the title

[–] jaschop@awful.systems 5 points 3 months ago

The PrivaScore Project provides ratings for Keyboard Apps, and there are multiple options in the top tier.

[–] Kornblumenratte@feddit.org 2 points 3 months ago (3 children)

Is it even permissible to use lemmy with any other keyboard than thumb key?

[–] Joyje@feddit.nu 1 points 3 months ago

I just downloaded it for the first time and I'm currently using it to type this comment.

It will take some practice to get used to this. 😅 Thanks for the recommendation.

[–] Cycadophyta@lemmy.cafe 1 points 3 months ago

I cant believe I've been typing on a full size keyboard all these years!

[–] bossito@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago

Wow that seems cool

[–] erebion@news.erebion.eu 1 points 3 months ago

Just use the AOSP keyboard

[–] Tundra_Lifeform@piefed.social 1 points 3 months ago

Typewise is the only good alternative on IOS