I was asking myself, with all the sandboxing and security/privacy features of G-OS, if it would be OK tu use the GBoard Google keyboard on my device? I hate to say this but no other keyboard I tried ever came close to the efficiency of this one... What do you think?
GBoard on GrapheneOS?
ultome Hi there! You'll find people on both sides of the issue. Many on this forum are anathema to installing any Google apps or services on their GrapheneOS device. This is more the purist view to completely dis-intermediate from Google. I find it's an absolutely respectable position, and it's adequate for some.
For me, however, I agree with you that no keyboard is as easy to use and accurate as Gboard. So, what I do is to use it as a daily driver, but I deny all permissions to it, except Sensors. That way, Gboard is still functional, i.e., you can type and glide to to type, but you likely eliminate Google's ability to collect your information.
Hey, if you want to give the forum search a chance, you will probably find some answers to your questions - the topic has already been covered in several variations.
For example, I found particularly helpful:
[(https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/8400-revoking-network-access-from-gboard)]
[(https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/3469-keyboard-with-swipeflow)]
[(https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/412-using-google-keyboard-privately)]
Well, I'm giving a go to Fleksy right now. Switching back to GBoard or not will depend on wether or not I get used to this one 🙂 btw if anyone has experience with it, I'm all ears!
lordiont Some fear that collecting the Data would be done through Play Services if the keyboard has the network disabled (Personally, I am wondering if Google will go this length just for some users).
IMO if you disable all permissions and if you don't have Google Play Services, there's no reason to be afraid of Google collecting data, I don't see how they could.
If you do switch to Gboard, keep in mind that you do need to enable network permissions at least for the first few minutes, so that it can download your languages' dictionaries. (Or don't if you don't care about that)
I would not risk it until GrapheneOS has a "app communication" permission.
Gboard is okay but Openboard is just as good I would say. Personally I love Florisboard but it has no autocorrection which some people need for some reason.
Gboard is huge, completely overkill as most features dont work when offline. Openboard can use slide typing somehow, if you want that.
I would second openboard, its nearly identical and has most of the same features
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ultome if disabling the network is not enough for you (its not for me), an option I am considering is installing google play and gboard and a whole host of other google and nongoogle apps (recorder, speech services, camera, phone, sms, contacts calender, etc.) And letting them update and get all their features functional, and then cut internet access to all of them at the same time permanently, including google play itself. This way i think all functions are retained and i can be sure of no data leak. Downsides are no push notifications on this profile and no other google or corporate apps to be installed with internet access after, never to be reconnected to internet without profile reset (for those apps).
If you are ok with the downside, this is i think a doable and good solution.
I have been using open board without auto correct and suggestions and recommending the app. However after using it for 1 year i have to admit the typos and fixing them are too much of a pain and i just cant type fast. I am now looking to switch to one of the "pro level" keyboards like gboard or swiftkey.
There is glide type in openboard if you need that. Not sure what "pro keyboard" means. Try ThumbKey, its definetly made for thumbs
Florisboard as it has swiping feature. Take note it hasn't been updated since 2022 so use at your own risk