If not the default, what free Android keyboard are you using & why do you like it?

[Arlen Holder]

*If not the default, what keyboard are you using & why do you like it?*

A recent thread asking about Gboard piqued my interest in improving the
stock keyboard on Android 9 Pie (Moto G7), which is just so-so, AFAICT.
o What is Gboard and what should I do if it stops?
<https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/comp.mobile.android/JTIPFL2F-1I>

Settings > System > Languages & input > Keyboard & inputs >
o Virtual keyboard > {Gboard, Google voice typing, Simple Keyboard}
o Physical keyboard > Not connected

Where there is also a "Manage keyboard" submenu, containing:
o Gboard = on/off
o Google voice typing = on/off
o Keepass2Android = on/off
o Simple Keyboard = on/off

Given I generally remove anything from Google...
o Therefore, searching for the best keyboards for Android yields...

o 10 best Android keyboards for all kinds of typists!
<https://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-keyboards-198452/>
o AI Type Keyboard
o FancyFey
o Fleksy
o Gboard
o Grammarly
o Hacker's Keyboard
o Multiling O Keyboard
o Simple Keyboard
o SwiftKey
o Typany Keyboard

o Best Android Keyboard Apps
<https://www.xda-developers.com/best-android-keyboard/>
o Swiftkey
o Gboard
o Fleksy
o Chrooma
o Slash Keyboard
o Ginger
o TouchPal

o Five best Android keyboards
<https://lifehacker.com/five-best-android-keyboards-5922522>
o SwiftKey
o Swype
o Google Keyboard
o Flesky
o Minuum Keyboard

o Top 10 Best keyboards for Android in 2019
<https://blogtechland.com/best-keyboards-android/>
o Swype
o SwiftKey
o Minuum
o Flesky
o Kika
o Gboard
o Chrooma
o MultiLing

It's always interesting where & when the reviews do or don't match:
o 5 Best Keyboard Apps for Android 2019
<https://www.droidviews.com/5-best-keyboards-android/>
o Gboard
o Swiftkey
o Smart Keyboard Pro
o Fleksy
o Chrooma

o 9 Best Android Keyboard Apps For 2019 For Fast Texting
<https://fossbytes.com/best-android-keyboard-apps/>
o SwiftKey
o Fleksy Fast + GIF Keyboard
o Gboard
o Chrooma Keyboard
o Grammarly
o Go Keyboard
o Touchpal Keyboard
o Facemoji Emoji Keyboard
o Google Handwriting Input

Here's the count based only on those references above:
o (6) Fleksy
o (6) Gboard
o (6) Swiftkey
... ... ...
o (4) Chrooma
o (2) Grammarly
o (2) Minuum
o (2) MultiLing
o (2) Swype
o (2) TouchPal
o (1) AI Type Keyboard
o (1) Facemoji Emoji Keyboard
o (1) FancyFey
o (1) Ginger
o (1) Go Keyboard
o (1) Google Handwriting Input
o (1) Hacker's Keyboard
o (1) Kika
o (1) Simple Keyboard
o (1) Slash Keyboard
o (1) Smart Keyboard Pro
o (1) Typany Keyboard

It seems there's Flesky, Gboard, Swiftkey ... and then all the rest.
o Hence I'll test out Flesky & SwiftKey.

But, before I do, I ask for advice from those who know more than I do:
Q: *If not the default, what keyboard are you using & why do you like it?*
--
Usenet is a public potluck where adults share useful items of interest.

[Arlen Holder]

On Sat, 21 Dec 2019 16:46:56 -0000 (UTC), Arlen Holder wrote:

> It seems there's Flesky, Gboard, Swiftkey ... and then all the rest.
> o Hence I'll test out Flesky & SwiftKey.
>
> But, before I do, I ask for advice from those who know more than I do:
> Q: *If not the default, what keyboard are you using & why do you like it?*

For those who want to download the supposed "top 3" non-google keyboards:
o <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.touchtype.swiftkey>
o <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.syntellia.fleksy.keyboard>
o <https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamelounge.chroomakeyboard>

Of those three, only "SwiftKey Keyboard" doesn't have ads, so, it's likely
to be the _only_ reasonable choice; but let's see.
o How to change the keyboard on your Android phone
<https://www.androidcentral.com/how-set-default-keyboard-your-android-phone>
1. Download & install the virtual keyboard of your choice.
2. Settings > System > Languages & input > Virtual keyboard
3. Your newly installed keyboard will _not_ be in this list
4. Press "Manage keyboards"
5. Your newly installed keyboard _will_ be in this list
6. Toggle the newly installed keyboard from "off" to "on"
7. You may see the warning:
"Attention
This input method may be able to collect all the that you type,
including personal data like passwords and credit card numbers.
It comes from the app Fleksy. Use this input method?"
CANCEL or OK
8. Press "OK"
9. Use any app (e.g., SMS) that opens the keyboard
10. Tap the tiny keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner of that keyboard
11. All keyboards toggled on will show up in a "Change keyboard" screen
12. Choose the desired keyboard
13. Tap the keyboard you want to switch to
Voila! You've changed your default keyboard.

To return to the original or other keyboard, repeat as needed.

--
On Usenet, helpful adults pitch in to benefit everyone who participates.

[Libor Striz]

Arlen Holder <arlen.geo...@is.invalid> Wrote in message:
>

Before one starts using the 3rd party keyboards
for "do not touch anything from Google" reason,
one should answer oneself the question,
why one should trust the 3rd party more than Google ?

Is it because one knows the company/product to be trustful (good),
or, is it because one does not know the company/product at all,
thinking anything is better than Google(not so good)?

As they will put their hands on all the data you would type via it.

Noname small companies or individuals would be less monitored
than big fishes, could be less scrupulous with aggressive data mining
and less worried about the loss of reputation and lawsuit actions.

I would e.g. hesitate typing sensitive new passwords via them,
OTOH some are useful for offering full keyboard like Hacker's
keyboard.

In fact, I do not use Google keyboard for passwords either,
but the keyboard of the password manager,
that already has/will have access to them.

--
Poutnik ( the Wanderer )

[Libor Striz]

Libor Striz <poutnik4R...@gmailCAPITALS.com.INVALID> Wrote
in message:

> OTOH some are useful for offering full keyboard like Hacker's keyboard.

P.S.: I use it regularly in termux ( Android Linux console
emulator for CLI, in nano editor and related apps.

[The Real Bev]

On 12/21/2019 10:53 PM, Libor Striz wrote:
> Libor Striz <poutnik4R...@gmailCAPITALS.com.INVALID> Wrote
> in message:
>
>> OTOH some are useful for offering full keyboard like Hacker's keyboard.
>
> P.S.: I use it regularly in termux ( Android Linux console
> emulator for CLI, in nano editor and related apps.

I've used the ai.type keyboard for a long time on my phones and tablets.
It offers tons of personalization (possibly TOO much!) along with a
lot of pre-defined keyboards, some of which need to be paid for. I use
[a free] one called Easy... (or maybe EZ...) which seemed to offer the
best size/contrast for the keys -- essential for fat-thumbed people.

--
Cheers, Bev
You are more likely to catch swine flu from a
police officer than from an actual pig.

[Frank Slootweg]

Arlen Holder <arlen.geo...@is.invalid> wrote:
> *If not the default, what keyboard are you using & why do you like it?*

I use the 'Remote keyboard (MyPhone Explorer)'. Why? Because it has
nice big keys!

Just kidding!

[...]

[Arlen Holder]

On Sun, 22 Dec 2019 07:47:45 +0100 (GMT+01:00), Libor Striz wrote:

> Before one starts using the 3rd party keyboards
> for "do not touch anything from Google" reason,
> one should answer oneself the question,
> why one should trust the 3rd party more than Google ?

Hi Poutnik,

THANK YOU for adding value, which only about 1 in 1,000 do on Usenet.
o And, you provided URLs, which only about 1 in 1,000 do on Usenet.
o And only one in 10,000 provides screenshots to help people out.
Like this: <https://i.postimg.cc/fT4vTWQH/keyboard.jpg>

I appreciate that you are, like I am, well educated, so you're quite used
to simple questions having both complex and simple answers concurrently.

The complex answer is that you can't trust "anyone" unless/until you (or
someone you trust), does "exhaustive" research (perhaps requiring extensive
resources like a man on the inside) to determine not only their
motivations, but their entire security structure (e.g., how many banks get
hacked, for example, even as you may "trust" them to not be motivated to
sell your private data?).

The _simple_ answer is that breaking your private data across scores of
companies, "may" provide what we might term "privacy by dispersement".

For example, let's take the supposed "google FBI closet" where, basically,
the government reputedly tapped Google's trunks from right inside Google HQ
(as I recall - but just take this as a metaphor so I don't have to look up
the exact details).

Notice all the government would need to do is tap one line (figuritively
speaking), and they get everything, whereas with dispersial techniques,
they have to tap "more things".

Now, they likely tap "everything" anyway, which is where that complexity
comes in, but keeping things simple to answer your question, the choice for
you is, as I see it, only one of two options:
o Put all your data in one basket (e.g., the Google basket), or,
o Disperse your data among scores of baskets.

> Is it because one knows the company/product to be trustful (good),
> or, is it because one does not know the company/product at all,
> thinking anything is better than Google(not so good)?

See above.
o Your point, Poutnik, is perfectly valid; I do not disagree.

We know "something" about Google; and yet we likely really know nothing
about them since they're complex as all hell; and yet, we know even less
about the scores of companies in which we're putting our data...

HOWEVER... there is a fallacy in your argument ... when we dive deeper.
o There is far less chance my "stuff" is going on the net, sans Google.

*1. Take contacts.*
My phone is set up so that the contacts stay in a vcard file in a "vcd"
file (and on my local network), which is manually imported into my
non-Google contacts app (Simple Mobile Contacts Pro). As far as I know,
that's as far as my contacts go. <https://www.simplemobiletools.com/>

*Do you have _any_ evidence that the contacts go farther than my phone?*

*2. Take calendaring.*
My phone is set up so that my calendar stays in an "ics" file on the phone
(and on my local network), which is manually imported into my non-Google
calendaring app (Simple Mobile Tools Calendar). As far as I know, that's as
far as my calendars go. <https://www.simplemobiletools.com/>

*Do you have _any_ evidence that the calendar goes farther than my phone?*

*3. Take passwords.*
My phone is set up so that my passwords stay in a "kdbx" file on the phone
(and on my local network), which is manually imported into my non-Google
calendaring app (Keepass2Android). As far as I know, that's as far as my
password databases go. <https://github.com/PhilippC/keepass2android>

*Do you have _any_ evidence that the calendar goes farther than my phone?*

> As they will put their hands on all the data you would type via it.

Maybe. My hope is that Simple Mobile Tools does what they say they do.
o And, if they didn't, my hope is that someone will test it out for us.

> Noname small companies or individuals would be less monitored
> than big fishes, could be less scrupulous with aggressive data mining
> and less worried about the loss of reputation and lawsuit actions.

Notice, by _design_, I keep my personal data _off_ the Internet.
o That, alone, will make a good start toward privacy, don't you think?

Yet, you bring up a point, particularly on 3rd-party keyboards, that they
'can' capture your data to send it surreptitiously over the air (or to
another app, which subsequently sends it over the air).

On the desktop, I could use WireShark or tcpdump/kismet or some other
similar ad hoc man-in-the-middle solution (e.g., setting up a personal VPN
server or setting up the phone as an access point) to see what's heading
out when I run any given app; I need to look up what we use for Android to
sniff the air...
o 6 Best Wireshark Alternatives for Android
<https://techwiser.com/wireshark-alternatives-for-android/>
1. zAnti [Root]
2. cSploit [Root]
3. Packet Capture
4. Debug Proxy
5. WiFinspect [Root]
6. tPacketCapture

o 7 best Wireshark solutions for Android
<https://techonation.com/best-wireshark-alternatives-android/>
1. CSPLOIT
2. Zanti
3. Debug Proxy
4. Packet Capture
5. TPacketCapture
6. Android TCPDump
7. NMap

Note there are plenty of ad hoc man-in-the-middle innovative solutions:
o Capturing mobile phone traffic on Wireshark
<https://stackoverflow.com/questions/9555403/capturing-mobile-phone-traffic-on-wireshark>
<https://ask.wireshark.org/question/3821/how-can-i-see-the-traffic-of-an-android-app/>
<https://www.linuxjournal.com/content/monitoring-android-traffic-wireshark>
etc.

> I would e.g. hesitate typing sensitive new passwords via them,
> OTOH some are useful for offering full keyboard like Hacker's
> keyboard.

You bring up two good points, which is that most of these non-Google
3rd-party apps don't ask for a password (e.g., my calendar, my contacts)
but some do (e.g., Keepass2Android), where it's especially important to use
a well-vetted app where we can "assume" that security researchers have been
looking at them for privacy leaks (let's hope).

The main point is that we choose apps that don't inherently have our
password, and that don't _need_ our password, and then we can "assume" our
passwords are "safer" (since they're never needed or asked for by the app).

The second good point is that there is the "hackers keyboard", which I
didn't cover in this thread, which we should cover at some point, I think.
<https://code.google.com/p/hackerskeyboard/wiki/UsersGuide>
<https://code.google.com/p/hackerskeyboard/wiki/FrequentlyAskedQuestions>
<https://code.google.com/p/hackerskeyboard/wiki/ReleaseNotes>
<https://code.google.com/p/hackerskeyboard/>

> In fact, I do not use Google keyboard for passwords either,
> but the keyboard of the password manager,
> that already has/will have access to them.

Again, this is a _great_ point Poutnik, which I, for one, appreciate that
you're sharing with the users.

I don't know if most users will understand the significance of what you
just said, so I'll show this screenshot of my Moto G7 showing that, if I
wanted to, I could use, for my Keepass2Android password manager, a
"special" keyboard just for that purpose.
o Settings > System > Languages & input > Virtual Keyboard
<https://i.postimg.cc/fT4vTWQH/keyboard.jpg>

Poutnik knows this, but for the others on Usenet who don't, notice there's
the choice of "Keepass2Android" in that list, which is what Poutnik is
speaking about.

I'm not quite sure myself "what" privacy magic the Keepass2Android keyboard
does, (as I don't use it); so maybe Poutnik can expound on what the
advantage is of using that specific "Keepass2Android" keyboard for all to
benefit.

--
Usenet works best when adults purposefully share meaningful knowledge.

[Arlen Holder]

On Sun, 22 Dec 2019 08:27:06 -0800, The Real Bev wrote:

> I've used the ai.type keyboard for a long time on my phones and tablets.

Hi The Real Bev,

Thanks for that suggestion of ai.type keyboard to test for the team.

Since it's always good to leverage knowledge with a URL, here's the link
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aitype.android.p>

Looking at the reviews in the OP, the "ai.type" keyboard showed up once

o 10 best Android keyboards for all kinds of typists!
<https://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-keyboards-198452/>

And, that review shows that caveats apply, such that I won't test it:

"AI Type Keyboard Pro has been around for a long time and it's a solid
keyboard option. It comes with a lot of the standard features, including
prediction, auto-complete, emoji, and keyboard customization. There is also
over a thousand themes to add to your customization. The free version is a
trial that lasts for 18 days and then you have to fork out the $3.99. You
can stay on the free version, but some features will disappear. It's also
one of the few Android keyboards with a number row. "

Here is what I'm testing, so far, based on the suggestions to date:
<https://i.postimg.cc/SRgBqr3g/keyboard01.jpg>

--
Usenet is where purposefully helpful adults share useful knowledge.

[kelown]

>>> OTOH some are useful for offering full keyboard like Hacker's keyboard.

I use Hacker's Keyboard not only because it offers a full 5-row layout,
but because it also offers a microphone icon key to give speech-to-text
capability to any app that can use a keyboard.

[Joe Beanfish]

On Sat, 21 Dec 2019 16:46:56 +0000, Arlen Holder wrote:

> *If not the default, what keyboard are you using & why do you like it?*
>

I've used swiftkey for many years, as much out of habit as anything at
this point. When I recently got a new phone I tried the built-in keyboard
but it was just different enough that I kept stumbling around looking
for special keys that I went back to swiftkey. Unfortunately I don't
recall why I switched in the first place and if there are any unique
features I make use of.

[OT ramble follows]
I have noticed that my mobile typing seems to be going downhill. I
probably should see if a different keyboard would help or if my
dexterity is just hopeless. I fired up an ancient small phone a while
back. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to type on it all, but I did
as well or better than usual. Maybe keys being closer together
is important. But my eyes are increasing loathful of small things.
My personal getting old catch-22.

[Arlen Holder]

On Mon, 23 Dec 2019 14:21:01 -0000 (UTC), Joe Beanfish wrote:

> I have noticed that my mobile typing seems to be going downhill. I
> probably should see if a different keyboard would help or if my
> dexterity is just hopeless. I fired up an ancient small phone a while
> back. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to type on it all, but I did
> as well or better than usual. Maybe keys being closer together
> is important. But my eyes are increasing loathful of small things.
> My personal getting old catch-22.

I agree with your sentiments that, even as I own phablets now, the keys are
getting smaller or my fingers are getting larger, but the missed key count
is climbing nonetheless.

What I use most is "voice typing", where I know that Pixels have onboard
transcription (i.e., they don't use the Internet), but not yet the rest of
us (as far as I know).

Maybe there is a hack for onboard voice typing like there is for the Google
Camera APK, which is only meant for the Pixels but which has been hacked to
fit over 100 Android phones (I have it installed on my $100 Moto G7 in
fact)?

If anyone knows how to perform non-Google or onboard voice typing, let us
know, as that would be a vast improvement in privacy for sure (IMHO).

--
Working together we can solve problems for the Android community at large.

[Arlen Holder]

On Mon, 23 Dec 2019 07:03:52 -0600, kelown wrote:

> I use Hacker's Keyboard not only because it offers a full 5-row layout,
> but because it also offers a microphone icon key to give speech-to-text
> capability to any app that can use a keyboard.

I'm testing _all_ the suggested keyboards that don't have ads
<https://i.postimg.cc/SRgBqr3g/keyboard01.jpg>

These suggested keyboards are being tested as we type
o Fleksy
o Hacker's Keybord
o Keepass2Android
o Simple Keyboard
o SwiftKey Keyboard

These are being replaced by those above:
o Gboard
o Google Voice Typing

It will take a while before I choose the best as none of these failed the
five-second test that a lot of software fails upon first execution.

The ai-type keyboard isn't included because it's trialware; and Chrooma,
for whatever reason, refuses to install on my new $100 Moto G7 phone.

--
Usenet is a great way to be more efficient when testing the best apps.

[The Real Bev]

On 12/23/2019 08:42 AM, Arlen Holder wrote:
> On Mon, 23 Dec 2019 07:03:52 -0600, kelown wrote:
>
>> I use Hacker's Keyboard not only because it offers a full 5-row layout,
>> but because it also offers a microphone icon key to give speech-to-text
>> capability to any app that can use a keyboard.
>
> I'm testing _all_ the suggested keyboards that don't have ads
> <https://i.postimg.cc/SRgBqr3g/keyboard01.jpg>
>
> These suggested keyboards are being tested as we type
> o Fleksy
> o Hacker's Keybord
> o Keepass2Android
> o Simple Keyboard
> o SwiftKey Keyboard
>
> These are being replaced by those above:
> o Gboard
> o Google Voice Typing
>
> It will take a while before I choose the best as none of these failed the
> five-second test that a lot of software fails upon first execution.
>
> The ai-type keyboard isn't included because it's trialware;

Hmm. I've used it for maybe 5 years (I can't remember when I got my
first smartphone, but it was a Blu Dash) and can't remember if I paid
any money. I would have paid a buck (which I did for a few other apps)
for it if asked. A lot of the keyboard layouts cost extra, but the
choice of free ones is acceptable.

Apps I've paid for:
Ski Tracks (works nicely for not-ski areas too) -- a favorite
Navionics Ski (still works, but no updates; has problems now)
EBookDroid -- excellent for .pdfs and the guy fixes problems
Maybe ai-type keyboard
Anatronica

Maybe a few others, but nothing popped up when I looked at my list of apps.

> and Chrooma,
> for whatever reason, refuses to install on my new $100 Moto G7 phone.

--

Cheers, Bev
"I'm sorry I ever invented the Electoral College."
Al Gore 11/08/00

[Frank Slootweg]

The Real Bev <bashl...@gmail.com> wrote:
[...]

> Apps I've paid for:
> Ski Tracks (works nicely for not-ski areas too) -- a favorite
> Navionics Ski (still works, but no updates; has problems now)
> EBookDroid -- excellent for .pdfs and the guy fixes problems
> Maybe ai-type keyboard
> Anatronica
>
> Maybe a few others, but nothing popped up when I looked at my list of apps.

This will show which apps (etc.) you've bought from Google Play:

<https://play.google.com/store/account/orderhistory>

The link is in every 'Your Google Play Order Receipt from <date>'
e-mail you get after a purchase.

Of course this information is also available on the Google Play
website ('Account' in the left hand pane -> 'Order history') and in the
Play store app (<hamburger> -> Account -> Purchase history).

[Libor Striz]

Arlen Holder <arlen.geo...@is.invalid> Wrote in message:

Thank you for the appreciation. :-)


> .....I'm not quite sure myself "what" privacy magic the Keepass2Android keyboard does, (as I don't use it); so maybe Poutnik can expound on what the advantage is of using that specific "Keepass2Android" keyboard for all to benefit. ....

I mean scenarios like this:

- You use Keepass2Android as your password manager on Android
platform ( PW DB possibly synced with other Android, Windows or
Linux devices )

- You are on the Android device, creating a credential account for
an online service or related Android tool.

- You may use a PW generator, but let say you want to use manually
created memorable password, in case you want to be able to use it
even without the manager.

- You type it on Android keyboard and register it in the kbdx PW DB.

- By principle, the PW manager has access to the password you has
typed.

- If you type it by its own keyboard, then "what happens at home,
stays at home".

- If you type it by any other keyboard, then additionally, Google
or the 3rd party company application will have theoretically one
time access to this password as well, what is better to be
avoided. Fortunately Xiaomi MI A2 with Android 9 has fast kbd
switching soft system button.

*** The most important thing ***

I highly recommend to use the Keepass2Android internal keyboard
for typing the master password to the kbdx PW database !


Otherwise, you unnecesserily increase the risk the other parties
may get this password, together with the database.

[Arlen Holder]

On Tue, 24 Dec 2019 15:36:41 +0100 (GMT+01:00), Libor Striz wrote:

> I mean scenarios like this:
>
> - You use Keepass2Android as your password manager on Android
> platform ( PW DB possibly synced with other Android, Windows or
> Linux devices )

Hi Poutnik,

I agree with that methodology, which you helped me set up long ago, and
where I summarize for those new to the topic of maintaining a password
database on your local LAN, completely off the Internet (as it should be).
<https://i.postimg.cc/SRgBqr3g/keyboard01.jpg>

1. Linux/Windows/Mac desktops/laptops use "KeePass" (or similar) freeware:
<https://keepass.com/>
2. That creates a password.kdbx database that Android & iOS can use.
o Which free Android KeePass kdbx-compatible password database manager do you recommend?
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/yUrCZ2v0tmg/QnI1_1i0FAAJ>
3. Maintain that database across your local lan (never on the net!).
o Do you have a working cross-platform PASSWD database for Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, & Android on your home LAN?
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/iIjcGCYnm-E/_5OYacy8FgAJ>
4. If desired, edit on _any_ platform & simply merge as needed:
o How do you successfully import & merge & overwrite multiple keepass.kdbx files between Windows & Android?
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/y7CWoAunIOY/8eBx3mXSBAAJ>
5. For example, on Android, you can use *Keepass2Android Password Safe*
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=keepass2android.keepass2android>

This *Keepass2Android Password Safe* also had the option of selecting the
kdbx file from a variety of inputs, from dropbox, to Google Drive,
OneDrive, SFTP, FTP, HTTP WebDav, OwnCloud, NextCloud, PCloud, or
third-party apps.

As an aside, there is always the option of using the fingerprint reader
(which I don't bother with as I don't even have a PIN on my phone).

> - If you type it by its own keyboard, then "what happens at home,
> stays at home".

We've agreed on a use model for Keepass on Android, where I need to follow
your advice (yet again) to only use the Keepass2Android keyboard, but only
for Keepass2Android actions.

That's not intuitive how to do that, since there can only be one default
keyboard (AFAIK) which isn't generally gonna be the Keepass2Android
keyboard. <https://i.postimg.cc/SRgBqr3g/keyboard01.jpg>

I guess the way it works is that the keepass2android keyboard _only_ works
for the Keypass2Android app, if properly set up to do that, since you can
only have one system default keyboard, and it's never gonna be
Keepass2Android when there are so many other (better) keyboards to make the
system default.

Since I'm still setting up my new $100 Moto G7, I just copied over my
passwd.kdbx database over USB where I'll test out how the keyboard works
given the system default is NOT going to ever be the keypass2android
keyboard.

> - If you type it by any other keyboard, then additionally, Google
> or the 3rd party company application will have theoretically one
> time access to this password as well, what is better to be
> avoided. Fortunately Xiaomi MI A2 with Android 9 has fast kbd
> switching soft system button.

Yes. That's why I prefer a non-google keyboard that we "think" we can trust
(where the emphasis is on researchers _testing_ that keyboard for flaws).

Pretty much, it takes work to keep private data _off_ the Internet!
o Do people of reasonable technical ability store their private data on the Internet (if so, for what gain?)
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/mBIZ-8jGdmk/aLDJkSJQAAAJ>

Hence, I'm completely with you on keeping my passwords _off_ the Internet!

> I highly recommend to use the Keepass2Android internal keyboard
> for typing the master password to the kbdx PW database !

This is good advice which I will follow as soon as I figure out how to use
the keypass2android keyboard for _just_ entering the passwd.kdbx master
passwd.

Thanks for your astute advice, which I generally try to follow, and, for
keypass2android, I _always_ follow (since you know more than I do).

Let's hope the others benefited from this conversation, where I think I
only repeated what you _already_ knew, but they might not know since most
people, it seems, use the "cloud" for their passwords... (sigh).
o Why do the big marketing organizations offer free cloud storage anyway?
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/T8jyHNmCHoo/_QgyHUn_AwAJ>

[Libor Striz]

Arlen Holder <arlen.geo...@is.invalid> Wrote in message:

> I guess the way it works is that the keepass2android keyboard _only_ worksfor the Keypass2Android app, if properly set up to do that, since you canonly have one system default keyboard, and it's never gonna beKeepass2Android when there are so many other (better) keyboards to make thesystem default.

Keepass2Android keyboard works for any application.
The keyboard switching is very fast in Android One on Android 9,
literally just 2 taps.
As the kbd switch is next to Back/Home/Tasklist buttons, when you
are in text editing mode.

I agree that for general use there are better general keyboards.
But for specific use with Keepass2Android, it has PW manager
specific benefits
of direct working with password record fields.
Also, but not sure here, if it is limited to this keyboard, it
offers saving the password credentials, you just manually created
in the respective dialogue forms.

[Arlen Holder]

On Wed, 25 Dec 2019 08:02:03 +0100 (GMT+01:00), Libor Striz wrote:

> Keepass2Android keyboard works for any application.

Hi Poutnik,
Merry Christmas!

Thanks for always helping out, as I _love_ to learn more about phones!
o It's purposefully helpful people who make Usenet worth sharing on.

You know this, but for others who don't have Android 9 & Keepass, look at
this screenshot to see what Poutnik is speaking about for easy switching:
<https://i.postimg.cc/NMjf6fGd/keyboard00.jpg>

It's been busy so I haven't tested the keepass2android keyboard yet on my
local LAN-based passwd.kdbx file, but I see from what you say that Android
can only set _one_ default keyboard for _everything_, including
Keypass2Android.
<https://i.postimg.cc/SRgBqr3g/keyboard01.jpg>

> The keyboard switching is very fast in Android One on Android 9,
> literally just 2 taps.

Yes. I agree. It's super easy now to switch keyboards.
(I tried to snap the keyboard but keypass2android blocks screenshots.)
<https://i.postimg.cc/wvD8RCLw/keypass01.jpg>

As you noted, on Android 9 (Pie), my new $100 Moto G7 has even faster
keyboard switching than did my 2-year old $130 LG Stylo 3 Plus on Android 7
(Nougat). <https://i.postimg.cc/136096sR/motog700.jpg>

> As the kbd switch is next to Back/Home/Tasklist buttons, when you
> are in text editing mode.

Yup. I snapped this picture so folks can see what you're speaking about:
<https://i.postimg.cc/NMjf6fGd/keyboard00.jpg>

Android 9 (Pie) makes it really easy to switch keyboards at will!

> I agree that for general use there are better general keyboards.

I agree with you, where, interestingly, in my tests, some keyboards kill
the microphone button from working but I haven't figured out why yet so it
may be my setup since I keep permissions to a minimum.

At the moment, I'm using the "hacker's keyboard", which I really like, but
I will test all that were suggested save for Chrooma (which for some reason
just won't install) and the "ai.type" keyboard (which seems to be a trial
version, where, to me, removing functionality after a week or two is not
what I like to happen when I'm testing things out).

NOTE: A bunch of SMS/MMS apps pulled that trick on me, where I had to
remove them instantly they played that trial-ware game on my phone:
o Best free SMS app for Android
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/up2NoEHr9M8/atinCKpaEAAJ>

> But for specific use with Keepass2Android, it has PW manager
> specific benefits
> of direct working with password record fields.

Yup. I agree. For the record, what I do on Windows is I type:
o Start > Run > vipw
And, that brings up the Keepass app, where I maintain passwords.

Then I slide that passwd.kdbx file over USB to Android & merge as per:

o How do you successfully import & merge & overwrite multiple keepass.kdbx files between Windows & Android?
<https://groups.google.com/d/msg/comp.mobile.android/y7CWoAunIOY/8eBx3mXSBAAJ>

Since only _one_ Android keepass app seems to be able to easily merge.

On Android, I just run the Keepass2Android Password Safe" app on the
resulting merged database when I need to set or obtain a password.
<https://i.postimg.cc/wvD8RCLw/keypass01.jpg>

Now I will add the new step of switching keyboards when I type the "Master
Password", as per Poutnik's suggestion above.
<https://i.postimg.cc/NMjf6fGd/keyboard00.jpg>

> Also, but not sure here, if it is limited to this keyboard, it
> offers saving the password credentials, you just manually created
> in the respective dialogue forms.

This is perhaps a good idea, where I have not yet delved into what it means
to "save password credentials" on keypass.

--
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