Top 8 Alternatives To Keyman For Multilingual Typing And Keyboards

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If you are someone who works with multiple languages on a daily basis, then you know the importance of having a software that allows you to easily switch between keyboards and use different character sets. Keyman is a popular software for multilingual typing and keyboard customization. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Thankfully, there are many other options available.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 8 alternatives to Keyman for multilingual typing and keyboard customization. We will introduce each software, provide a set of pros and cons, compare them comprehensively, and give our thoughts on which might be the best fit for your needs.

Video Tutorial:

What is Keyman?

Keyman is a software that allows users to type in over 600 languages or language variants. It includes a keyboard editor that allows users to create custom layouts or modify existing ones. Keyman is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, as well as mobile devices.

While Keyman is a powerful software, it may not be user-friendly for beginners or have all of the features that some users may need. That’s why exploring other options may be beneficial.

Top 8 Alternatives to Keyman for Multilingual Typing and Keyboards

1. Best for Customization: Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator allows users to create and customize keyboard layouts for Windows-based computers. You can modify existing keyboard layouts or create a new one from scratch. The software also allows users to test their keyboard layouts before saving.

Pros:
– Can customize keyboard layouts
– User-friendly interface
– Free to use

Cons:
– Only available for Windows-based computers
– No support for macOS or Linux

2. Best for Mobile: Gboard

Gboard is a mobile keyboard app that includes multilingual typing support and customizable keyboards. It supports over 500 languages, including emojis and GIFs. Gboard also includes features like voice typing and predictive text.

Pros:
– Available for iOS and Android
– Supports multiple languages
– User-friendly interface

Cons:
– Limited options for customization compared to other software
– May have compatibility issues with certain apps

3. Best for Professional Use: Multikey

Multikey is a software that allows users to create custom keyboard layouts for Windows-based computers. It includes support for over 100 languages and allows users to switch between languages with the click of a button. Multikey also includes features like automatic accent input and easy access to symbols.

Pros:
– Customizable keyboard layouts
– Supports multiple languages
– Easy access to symbols and accents

Cons:
– Only available for Windows-based computers
– User interface may not be as user-friendly as other options

4. Best for macOS: Ukelele

Ukelele is a macOS-specific software that allows users to create custom keyboard layouts or modify existing ones. It includes support for over 100 languages and includes a user-friendly interface for creating and editing keyboard layouts.

Pros:
– Specifically designed for macOS
– User-friendly interface
– Supports multiple languages

Cons:
– Limited features compared to other options
– No support for Windows-based computers

5. Best for Linux: XKB

XKB is the default keyboard layout management software for Linux operating systems. It includes support for over 100 languages and allows users to easily configure and switch between keyboard layouts.

Pros:
– Default software for Linux
– Configurable and customizable
– Supports multiple languages

Cons:
– May not be as user-friendly as other options
– Limited features compared to other options

6. Best for User-Friendly Interface: Swiftkey

Swiftkey is a mobile keyboard app that includes multilingual typing support and predictive text. It supports over 100 languages and includes features like emoji support and customizable themes. Swiftkey also includes a user-friendly interface for easy typing on the go.

Pros:
– Available for iOS and Android
– User-friendly interface
– Supports multiple languages

Cons:
– Limited options for customization
– May have compatibility issues with certain apps

7. Best for Price: TypeFu

TypeFu is a software that allows users to learn touch typing and it includes multilingual support. It includes support for over 20 languages and includes a custom keyboard layout editor. TypeFu offers a free version as well as a Pro version with additional features.

Pros:
– Available for Windows and macOS
– User-friendly interface
– Affordable options for Pro version

Cons:
– Limited features compared to other options
– Only supports 20 languages

8. Best for Voice Typing: Google Docs Voice Typing

Google Docs Voice Typing is a feature within the Google Docs software that allows users to use voice to type in over 100 languages. It includes features like punctuation commands and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Pros:
– Free to use
– User-friendly interface
– Voice typing capabilities

Cons:
– Limited to use within Google Docs
– May have accuracy issues with voice recognition

Comparison Table of Each Software

Our Thoughts on these Alternatives

When it comes to choosing the best alternative to Keyman for multilingual typing and keyboard customization, it really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a user-friendly interface, then Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator or Gboard might be the best fit for you. For professional use, Multikey may be the better option. If you’re on a budget, TypeFu might be the way to go.

Overall, we recommend trying out a few of these options and seeing which one feels the most intuitive to you.

FAQs About Keyman and Multilingual Typing

Q: Can I use Keyman on my mobile device?

A: Yes, Keyman is available for mobile devices.

Q: Does Keyman support my specific language?

A: Keyman supports over 600 languages or language variants, so there is a good chance that it supports your specific language.

Q: What features should I look for when choosing a software for multilingual typing?

A: When choosing a software for multilingual typing, you should look for features like customizable keyboards, support for multiple languages, and ease-of-use.

Q: Is there a free alternative to Keyman for multilingual typing?

A: Yes, there are several free alternatives to Keyman for multilingual typing, including Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator and XKB.

Q: Can I create my own keyboard layout with these alternatives?

A: Yes, several of these alternatives, including Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator and Multikey, allow users to create custom keyboard layouts.

In Conclusion

Keyman is an excellent software for multilingual typing and keyboard customization, but there are many alternatives available that may be better suited for your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a user-friendly interface, mobile capabilities, or affordability, the options listed above are excellent choices to consider. We hope this guide has helped you find the best alternative to Keyman for your multilingual typing needs.