I finally replaced Gboard with this underrated keyboard app; it's been a game-changer

I always assumed Gboard was the obvious keyboard choice on Android, even on a Samsung phone. It was familiar, reliable, and good enough that I never questioned it.

But after switching to Samsung Keyboard, I noticed the little things that made typing feel better.

I expected to switch back to Gboard within a few days. Instead, Samsung Keyboard has become one of those One UI apps I wish I had taken seriously much sooner.

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Posts By  Stephen Radochia

The typing experience feels smoother

Just notice those smooth next-word suggestions

The biggest difference I noticed after switching to Samsung Keyboard wasn't a flashy feature.

It was how smooth the keyboard feels when I type quickly. This didn't jump out at me during the first five minutes, either.

I started appreciating it after a few days of use, typing longer messages, emails, and notes at my usual pace.

One small detail that stands out is the way next-word suggestions appear above the keyboard.

Instead of feeling like the prediction bar is constantly refreshing or jumping between words, Samsung Keyboard transitions between suggestions more fluidly.

It is subtle, but when I type fast, those tiny animations make the experience feel more polished and responsive.

The same applies to key presses and general movement across the keyboard.

Nothing feels dramatically different on paper, but the overall experience feels better tuned to One UI.

Galaxy AI is actually useful inside the keyboard

Writing Assistant takes the stage

Galaxy AI's Writing Assistant is another reason Samsung Keyboard has stayed on my phone.

With all the aggressive push around Gemini, I still can't believe Google hasn't implemented a similar feature in Gboard.

I can check spelling and grammar, rewrite text in a different style, summarize a paragraph, turn longer text into bullet points, and convert information into a table without leaving the app I am typing in.

That convenience matters because I don't have to copy text into a separate AI tool every time I want to clean up something.

The feature I use most, though, is Writing Style. I often type a message quickly and then use Galaxy AI to adjust the tone before sending it.

If I am replying to someone from work, I can make the message sound more professional.

If a sentence feels too blunt, I can switch to a more polite version.

For casual chats, the emoji style can make a plain reply feel more expressive, while the social option works well when I am preparing something short and punchy for Instagram or X.

I still prefer writing the original message, but these tone controls in Samsung Keyboard make polishing it much faster.

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Samsung Pass makes autofill feel more integrated

Surprisingly useful addition

Samsung Pass is another small advantage that makes Samsung Keyboard feel more tightly connected to my Galaxy phone.

When I need to enter a saved login, payment detail, or other stored information, the experience feels like it belongs inside the same ecosystem.

I still need to authenticate with biometrics before Samsung Pass fills anything sensitive, which is exactly how I want it.

That extra fingerprint check adds another step, but it also means my saved credentials aren't inserted without verification.

This is one area where I think Google could take note. Google Password Manager is excellent at storing and autofilling passwords, but I would love to see it integrated more visibly and directly into Gboard.

Samsung Pass is not a massive feature on its own, but after using it regularly, it is one of those conveniences I quickly started missing when I used another keyboard.

Samsung Keyboard isn't perfect, though

There are still some limitations, but not a dealbreaker for me

Samsung Keyboard has won me over in several areas, but it isn't perfect.

Its biggest weakness, at least for me, is voice typing. Gboard is better here, period.

When I dictate a longer message quickly or speak in a more natural conversational tone, Gboard tends to understand what I am saying accurately and requires fewer corrections.

If voice typing is a major part of how you use your phone, I would advise sticking with Gboard for now.

I found my new default keyboard on Android

I didn't switch away from Gboard because it suddenly became bad. It is still one of the best keyboards on Android.

Samsung Keyboard simply fits my Galaxy S25 Ultra better. The smoother animations make typing feel more polished, Writing Assistant adds useful tools, and Samsung Pass integration makes everyday autofill feel seamless.

Gboard still does plenty of things well, but I no longer feel like I am missing out by leaving it behind.

After getting used to Samsung Keyboard, switching back now would feel like a downgrade in the areas I care about most.