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Are you tired of using the physical keyboard on your Windows computer? Or maybe you’re looking for a more convenient way to type without having to rely on your laptop’s keyboard? Whatever the reason, virtual keyboards offer a great alternative for Windows users. In this blog post, we will explore the top best 6 virtual keyboard software available for Windows and discuss their features, pros and cons, and help you choose the best one that suits your needs.
What Can Virtual Keyboard Software Do?
Virtual keyboard software provides an on-screen keyboard interface that allows users to type using mouse clicks or touch gestures. These software applications offer several benefits:
- Convenience: Virtual keyboards eliminate the need for a physical keyboard, allowing you to type on any touch-enabled device without carrying around a hardware keyboard.
- Security: Virtual keyboards can be a more secure option for entering sensitive information like passwords or credit card details, as they prevent keyloggers from capturing your keystrokes.
- Accessibility: Virtual keyboards are an excellent solution for individuals with limited mobility or physical disabilities who find it difficult to use a physical keyboard.
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How to Choose the Best Virtual Keyboard Software?
With numerous virtual keyboard software available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. Here are three essential factors to consider when selecting virtual keyboard software:
- Compatibility: Ensure that the software is compatible with your Windows operating system version. Some virtual keyboard software is specifically designed for Windows 10, while others may support older versions too.
- Customization Options: Look for software that allows you to customize the keyboard layout, size, themes, and colors. This will enable you to personalize the virtual keyboard according to your preferences.
- Additional Features: Consider any additional features that the software offers, such as predictive text suggestions, auto-correct, multi-language support, or gesture typing. These features can enhance your typing experience and productivity.
Best 6 Virtual Keyboard Software Recommendation
1. TouchPal
TouchPal is a popular virtual keyboard software known for its excellent prediction and autocorrect features. It offers a wide range of customization options, including themes, key layouts, and sound effects. TouchPal supports multiple languages and provides gesture typing for faster and more efficient typing.
Pros:
- Accurate prediction and autocorrect
- Wide range of customization options
- Multi-language support
Cons:
- Ads in the free version
- May slow down older computers
2. SwiftKey
SwiftKey is another popular virtual keyboard software that focuses on predictive typing. It learns your writing style and adapts to provide more accurate predictions. SwiftKey offers a variety of themes and allows you to resize the keyboard for comfortable typing. It also supports swipe typing, emoji suggestions, and multi-language support.
Pros:
- Accurate predictive typing
- Customizable themes and keyboard size
- Swipe typing and emoji suggestions
Cons:
- May drain device battery
- Could improve accuracy in some languages
3. Microsoft Touch Keyboard
Microsoft Touch Keyboard is the default virtual keyboard included with Windows 10. It offers a clean and minimalist design with large keys for easy typing. The keyboard supports touchscreen gestures and provides a touchpad mode for cursor control. It also supports handwriting recognition for stylus input on compatible devices.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- Touchscreen gestures and touchpad mode
- Handwriting recognition
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- No support for older Windows versions
4. Google Input Tools
Google Input Tools is a virtual keyboard software offered by Google. It provides support for multiple languages and comes with a wide range of keyboard layouts. The software allows you to type in your preferred language using an on-screen keyboard or by using your physical keyboard. Google Input Tools also offers offline typing support.
Pros:
- Supports a wide range of languages
- Various keyboard layouts
- Offline typing support
Cons:
- No predictive typing or swipe gestures
- Limited customization options
5. On-Screen Keyboard Portable
On-Screen Keyboard Portable is a lightweight and portable virtual keyboard software that can be used without installation. It offers basic functionality with the ability to resize and move the keyboard around the screen. The software is especially useful for quickly accessing a virtual keyboard on public computers or devices without a physical keyboard.
Pros:
- Portable and requires no installation
- Simple and easy to use
- Resizable and movable keyboard
Cons:
- Limited features and customization options
- No predictive typing or gesture support
6. Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Pro
Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Pro is a feature-rich virtual keyboard software offering advanced customization options. It allows you to create custom keyboard layouts, change key sizes, and assign macros to specific keys. Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Pro also supports various input methods, including touchscreens, pen input, or even voice dictation.
Pros:
- Advanced customization options
- Supports touchscreens, pen input, and voice dictation
- Macro functionality for increased productivity
Cons:
- Relatively high price compared to other options
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
---|---|---|---|---|
TouchPal | Yes | Freemium | Easy | High |
SwiftKey | Yes | Freemium | Easy | High |
Microsoft Touch Keyboard | N/A | Included with Windows 10 | Easy | High |
Google Input Tools | Yes | Free | Easy | High |
On-Screen Keyboard Portable | N/A | Free | Easy | Medium |
Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Pro | Yes | $19.95 (one-time payment) | Medium | High |
Our Thoughts on Virtual Keyboard Software
After reviewing the top best 6 virtual keyboard software for Windows, it’s clear that each software has its own strengths and weaknesses. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize accurate prediction and autocorrect, TouchPal and SwiftKey are excellent choices. On the other hand, if you prefer a minimalist design with essential features, the Microsoft Touch Keyboard may be suitable for you. Google Input Tools is a great option for multi-language support, while On-Screen Keyboard Portable is perfect for a basic, portable virtual keyboard. For advanced customization options and additional input methods, Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Pro is the top choice.
5 FAQs about Virtual Keyboard Software
Q1: Is virtual keyboard software reliable for secure typing?
A: Virtual keyboard software can enhance security by preventing keyloggers from capturing physical keyboard keystrokes. However, it’s important to note that virtual keyboards are not foolproof and may not protect against advanced malware or hardware keyloggers.
Q2: Can virtual keyboard software be used on touchscreen devices?
A: Yes, virtual keyboard software is designed to be used on touchscreen devices and can provide an alternative typing method without the need for a physical keyboard.
Q3: Are there any free virtual keyboard software options available?
A: Yes, several virtual keyboard software options offer free versions with limited features. However, premium versions often provide more advanced functionality and customization options.
Q4: Can virtual keyboard software be used on all Windows versions?
A: Virtual keyboard software may have different compatibility requirements, so it’s essential to check if the software supports your specific Windows version. Some software is specifically designed for the latest Windows 10, while others may support older versions as well.
Q5: Can virtual keyboard software be used with voice dictation?
A: Some virtual keyboard software, like Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Pro, supports voice dictation as an input method. This feature can be useful for users with limited mobility or for increased productivity.
In Conclusion
Virtual keyboard software offers a convenient and secure way to type on your Windows computer without relying solely on a physical keyboard. We have explored the top best 6 virtual keyboard software options available for Windows, highlighting their features, pros and cons, and the factors to consider when choosing the best one for your needs. Whether you prioritize accurate prediction, customization, or additional input methods, there is a virtual keyboard software that will suit your requirements. Enhance your typing experience with one of these virtual keyboards and enjoy the flexibility and convenience they offer!