Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Hacker's Keyboard VS MessagEase

Compare Hacker's Keyboard VS MessagEase and see what are their differences

Hacker's Keyboard logo Hacker's Keyboard

Are you missing the key layout you're used to from your computer when using an Android device?

MessagEase logo MessagEase

The Smartest Touch Screen keyboard
  • Hacker's Keyboard Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-03
  • MessagEase Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-21

Hacker's Keyboard features and specs

  • Full Keyboard Layout
    Hacker's Keyboard offers a full 5-row layout, including arrow keys, numbers, and punctuation, which is beneficial for users requiring more than the standard mobile keyboard functionality.
  • Customizable Key Settings
    The keyboard is highly customizable, allowing users to tweak key sizes, colors, and functions to suit their specific needs and preferences.
  • Multiple Language Support
    It supports a wide range of languages and layouts, making it a versatile choice for users around the world who need to type in different languages.
  • ASCII Control Characters
    The keyboard allows easy access to ASCII control characters, which is particularly useful for developers and tech enthusiasts.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, it allows users to inspect the code, contribute to development, and ensure no unwanted data collection or malware is present.

Possible disadvantages of Hacker's Keyboard

  • Complexity
    The extensive options and settings may be overwhelming for some users who prefer a simpler keyboard with fewer features.
  • Interface Design
    The default design and layout might not be as polished or aesthetically pleasing compared to other modern keyboards, potentially impacting user experience.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might need some time to get used to the full 5-row layout and extensive functionality, especially if they are accustomed to simpler keyboards.
  • Performance
    On some devices, the keyboard might not be as responsive or fast compared to other lightweight keyboard alternatives, possibly lagging during intensive typing sessions.
  • Battery Usage
    Due to its extensive features and customization options, the Hacker's Keyboard might consume more battery than simpler, less feature-rich keyboard apps.

MessagEase features and specs

  • High Efficiency
    MessagEase offers a unique input method that allows for faster typing speeds as users become accustomed to the layout, which is particularly beneficial for those who frequently engage in mobile typing or productivity tasks.
  • Minimal Finger Movement
    The design of MessagEase minimizes the need for large finger movements. Users can type more comfortably with less strain, which can be particularly advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods.
  • Accessibility
    The keyboard can be customized significantly, making it a valuable tool for users with accessibility needs who may require specific layouts or larger key targets.
  • Compact Design
    Its compact design saves screen space, providing more room for viewing content while typing, which is ideal for devices with smaller screens.
  • Customizability
    MessagEase allows for extensive customization options, enabling users to tailor the keyboard to their preferences and maximize their typing comfort and speed.

Possible disadvantages of MessagEase

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New users may find it challenging to adapt to the radically different key layout, which can require a significant time investment to achieve proficiency.
  • Limited Mainstream Adoption
    Due to its unconventional design, MessagEase has a smaller user base, which may result in limited community support compared to more widely used keyboards.
  • Compatibility Issues
    MessagEase may not be compatible with all systems or applications, potentially limiting its functionality in certain scenarios.
  • Initial Slowness
    Users transitioning from a traditional QWERTY layout might experience slower typing speeds initially as they become accustomed to the new input method.
  • Aesthetic and Design Preferences
    The design might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer more traditional keyboard layouts for aesthetic or functional reasons.

Analysis of Hacker's Keyboard

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Hacker's Keyboard is considered a good choice for users who need a more versatile and feature-rich mobile keyboard. It has received positive feedback for its customizability and for providing a familiar keyboard layout for those who frequently switch between desktop and mobile devices.

Why this product is good

  • Hacker's Keyboard is highly regarded because it provides a complete keyboard experience similar to a desktop keyboard. It includes arrow keys, function keys, and other special keys that are typically absent on mobile keyboards. This makes it especially useful for tasks that require command-line input or precise text editing on mobile devices.

Recommended for

    Hacker's Keyboard is recommended for power users, developers, IT professionals, or anyone who frequently uses terminal applications on their mobile devices. It's also a great option for those who prefer a traditional keyboard layout or need additional keys for specific tasks.

Hacker's Keyboard videos

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MessagEase videos

MessagEase Fundamentals

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Hacker's Keyboard and MessagEase)
iPhone
79 79%
21% 21
iOS Tools
72 72%
28% 28
Tool
100 100%
0% 0
Productivity
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Hacker's Keyboard seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 6 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Hacker's Keyboard mentions (6)

  • No Alternative of Google keyboard in Dictionary, word prediction and Autocorrect
    I use 3 different keyboards 1. For the daily stuff Android Keyboard (AOSP) 2. For when I need Ctrl-C, maths symbols and operators when SSHing into my RPI's Unexpected keyboard https://github.com/Julow/Unexpected-Keyboard. - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • iPhone physical keyboard from ex-Crackberry guy
    I've tried all kinds of portable physical keyboards but for programming on android you can't beat Hackers Keyboard https://github.com/klausw/hackerskeyboard I've got a fork working with Android 14. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Does any one know where I can download a mobile Na'vi keyboard
    I forked the Hacker's Keyboard app on GitHub tweaked it, and compiled it. (using Android Studio). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • A pocket sized open-source AR device for the imaginative hacker
    Does not work with Hacker's Keyboard (https://github.com/klausw/hackerskeyboard). It closes itself after a few deciseconds, whereas usually the permanent notification feature can be tapped to open and use a keyboard anywhere. Or maybe I haven't tried using it on the new Android 11 yet and yet another of my favorite hacks broke.... Now that I try it elsewhere,... - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Using your phone as a software development platform
    I used to code NodeJS services on my phone quite a lot when I was commuting to an office. I used Termux - https://termux.dev/en/. It was brilliant, and worked far better than you'd think it would. The main problem was the keyboard because the stock Android one doesn't support a lot of symbols. I solved that with https://github.com/klausw/hackerskeyboard. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
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MessagEase mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of MessagEase yet. Tracking of MessagEase recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Hacker's Keyboard and MessagEase, you can also consider the following products

AnySoftKeyboard - Android (f/w 1.5+) on-screen keyboard for multiple languages.

Gboard - Google-powered keyboard with search, GIFs, emojis and more!

Multiling O Keyboard - Super lightweight (~ 1/3 MB) yet flexible and powerful soft keyboard.

Fleksy - Fleksy is the #1 private, white-label virtual keyboard SDK, enabling companies to create unimaginable products.

Love Keyboard - Love Keyboard developed and published by launcher 2018.

Swiftkey - SwiftKey keyboard allows for seamless typing and adapts to the way you type, so you can spend less time correcting typos and more time saying what you mean.