This guide explains how to add, edit, and customize layouts for a customizable, privacy-conscious open source keyboard.
Open source
24 alternativesThumb-Key
Thumb-Key supports thumb-based text input through an Android keyboard designed with privacy-conscious handling.
About Thumb-Key
Thumb-Key is an open-source Android keyboard designed for typing with the thumbs. It uses a 3x3 grid of large keys with fixed positions, and swipes on some keys provide less common letters. The project describes it as privacy-conscious and states that it is a follow-up to the discontinued, closed-source MessagEase Keyboard.
The keyboard does not rely on word or sentence prediction. The project presents this as a deliberate choice, in contrast to popular keyboards such as Gboard and SwiftKey. Typing accuracy depends on learning the key positions. The project's own description says that key positions become ingrained over time, which allows faster typing. Voice input is available only through a separate app, such as FUTO Voice Input, Transcribro, or Whisper IME.
Key features
- 3x3 thumb-friendly grid layout with large keys and fixed positions
- Swipe gestures for less common letters, punctuation, and cursor control
- Configurable key sizing, ThumbKey and MessagEase layouts, and themes
- Haptic and audio feedback options
- Slide gestures for moving the cursor and selecting text, enabled in settings
- Swipe gestures for select all, cut, copy, paste, undo, and redo
Best for: Android users who prefer a thumb-operated keyboard with fixed key positions and are willing to learn its layout.
Good for
- Open source under the AGPL license
- Designed with privacy-conscious handling, according to the project
- Highly configurable layouts, sizing, and themes
Watch out for
- Does not use word or sentence prediction
- Voice input requires a separate app such as FUTO Voice Input, Transcribro, or Whisper IME
- Slide gestures and spacebar swipes must be enabled in keyboard settings
Thumb-Key at a glance
- Category
- Mobile Apps › Android Apps
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Android
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Thumb-Key FAQ
Does Thumb-Key use word prediction?
No. The project states that it uses large keys with predictable positions instead of word and sentence prediction.
What is needed for voice input?
Voice input works with FUTO Voice Input, Transcribro, or Whisper IME, which must be installed separately.
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