What is keyboard SDK and why your company needs it?

As personalization becomes a cornerstone of user experience, businesses are exploring innovative ways to enhance engagement and retention. A customized keyboard is a powerful tool in this endeavor, providing users with a tailored typing experience that meets their unique needs.

For instance, integrating a specialized keyboard SDK can lead to a 20% increase in typing speed due to intuitive layouts and predictive text features. Advanced error correction algorithms can reduce typing errors by up to 35%, resulting in smoother communication and less user frustration.

These enhancements not only make the user interface more intuitive but also differentiate the application in a competitive market. By offering a seamless and efficient typing experience, companies can significantly boost user satisfaction and foster long-term loyalty.

How does a keyboard SDK work?

A keyboard SDK operates by providing developers with a suite of tools and libraries that allow seamless integration of custom keyboard functionalities into their applications. It interfaces with system-level events to capture and handle user input, such as keystrokes, touch gestures, and voice input, in real-time.

On Android, the keyboard SDK integrates with the InputMethodService, which manages the interaction between the keyboard and the system. It allows the custom keyboard to replace the default input method editor (IME). The SDK processes user input events, applies features like autocorrection, predictive text, and gesture typing, and then communicates the processed input back to the application through the Android input framework.

On iOS, the integration is done through a Keyboard Extension. Due to the platform’s security protocols, the custom keyboard runs in a sandboxed environment, ensuring user data privacy. The SDK handles user input within this extension, processes it using custom algorithms for features like autocorrect or context-aware suggestions, and then passes the input to the host app using the iOS input infrastructure.

By hooking into these system-level events, the keyboard SDK can manage low-level input handling while offering high-level functionalities. Developers can customize the keyboard’s layout, design, and behavior without worrying about the underlying complexities of input processing. This includes implementing features such as:

• Multilingual support: Dynamically switching between languages and providing accurate suggestions based on the selected language.
• Custom gestures: Incorporating swipe or tap gestures for actions like deleting words or accessing special characters.
• Contextual predictions: Offering word or emoji suggestions based on the context of the conversation or user typing habits.
• Platform-specific features: Utilizing unique capabilities of the operating system to enhance user experience, like haptic feedback on iOS or dynamic theming on Android.

By abstracting these complex processes, the keyboard SDK enables developers to create a more personalized and efficient typing experience, enhancing overall user engagement within their apps.

How to Install a Keyboard SDK

Integrating a keyboard SDK into your application varies depending on the platform you’re developing for. Below are platform-specific instructions to guide you through the installation process, along with tips on managing permissions and avoiding common pitfalls.

For iOS Applications

Implementing Keyboard Extensions on iOS:

• Create a Keyboard Extension Target: In your Xcode project, add a new target by selecting Keyboard Extension from the available templates. This will set up a separate extension where your custom keyboard code will reside.
• Configure the Extension: Update the extension’s Info.plist file with necessary keys, such as NSExtensionPointIdentifier set to com.apple.keyboard-service. Ensure you’ve specified the correct executable and bundle identifiers.
• Design the Keyboard Interface: Use UIInputViewController to create your keyboard’s user interface. Keep in mind the limited screen space and design appropriately for different device sizes and orientations.
• Request Necessary Permissions: If your keyboard requires network access or needs to share data with the main app, enable Allow Full Access in the settings. Be transparent with users about why these permissions are needed.

Tips and Potential Pitfalls:

• Memory Management: Keyboard extensions have strict memory limits. Optimize images and resources to prevent the system from terminating your extension.
• User Privacy: Apple’s App Store guidelines enforce strict privacy rules. Avoid collecting user typing data unless absolutely necessary and always inform users about data usage.

For Android Applications

Implementing Keyboard Extensions on Android:

• Extend Input Method Service: Create a new class that extends InputMethodService. This class will handle the input events and manage the keyboard view.
• Define Keyboard Layouts: Use XML files to define your keyboard’s layout in the res/xml directory. These files specify the keys and their behaviors.
• Modify the Manifest File: Update AndroidManifest.xml to register your input method. Include the <service> element with an <intent-filter> for android.view.InputMethod.
• Handle Permissions: Include necessary permissions like android.permission.VIBRATE for haptic feedback. Android handles keyboard permissions differently, so ensure your app complies with the latest permission models.

Tips and Potential Pitfalls:

• Compatibility: Test your keyboard on various Android versions and devices to ensure compatibility and a consistent user experience.
• Security Considerations: Be cautious with user input data. Follow best practices to protect user privacy, especially if your keyboard processes sensitive information.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Incomplete Testing: Failing to thoroughly test can result in crashes or poor user experience. Always perform extensive testing across different devices and scenarios.
• Ignoring Platform Guidelines: Each platform has specific guidelines for keyboard behavior and appearance. Non-compliance can lead to rejection from app stores.
• Poor Performance Optimization: Inefficient code can lead to high memory usage and slow response times. Profile your keyboard’s performance and optimize as needed.
• Neglecting User Experience: A keyboard is a critical input tool. Ensure that your custom keyboard is intuitive, responsive, and enhances the overall user experience.

By following these platform-specific instructions and being mindful of common pitfalls, you can effectively integrate a keyboard SDK into your application, providing users with a seamless and enhanced typing experience.

How Keyboard SDK Enhances In-App Functionality Through Technical Features

A keyboard SDK like Fleksy’s offers a suite of technical features that significantly enhance in-app functionality by improving the typing experience. Understanding how these features work can help appreciate their practical advantages in usability and accessibility.

Advanced Auto-Correct Algorithms

The auto-correct feature utilizes sophisticated algorithms to predict intended words based on context and common typing patterns. By analyzing the input in real-time, the SDK can correct misspellings and typos, allowing users to type quickly without worrying about errors. This not only speeds up the typing process but also reduces frustration caused by manual corrections.

Tap Location Analysis and Error Tolerance

Tap location analysis is a technique where the keyboard interprets touch inputs based on their position relative to the keys. Instead of relying solely on the exact key pressed, the SDK considers the proximity of taps to surrounding keys. This approach provides a higher tolerance for drifting errors, which is particularly beneficial for users with motor impairments or those typing on small screens. It enhances accuracy without requiring the user to be precise with each tap.

Predictive Text Models

The predictive text feature leverages machine learning models to suggest words or phrases that the user is likely to type next. By learning from the user’s typing habits and common language patterns, the SDK can offer accurate predictions that expedite the typing process. This not only improves efficiency but also makes the keyboard more intuitive over time.

Integration with Mini Apps

Integrating mini apps within the keyboard allows users to access additional functionalities without leaving the typing interface. For instance, users can search for information, share content, or perform other app-specific actions directly from the keyboard. This seamless integration enhances the user experience by reducing the need to switch between apps, keeping the conversation or task uninterrupted.

Enhanced Usability and Accessibility

By combining these technical features, a keyboard SDK significantly improves usability and accessibility. Features like error-tolerant typing and predictive text reduce the cognitive and physical effort required for typing, making it easier for all users, including those with disabilities, to interact with the app. This leads to a more inclusive user experience that can cater to a wider audience.