Ever since Apple broke free of the keyboard shackles restricting users for years, developers have been flocking to iOS8 to port their keyboard apps. Some have been bad, but the majority offer a new and unique experience to the user, something iOS users have never been able to try out.

To test out new keyboards, download the app, go to keyboard and change the default keyboard to the name of the app. Remember to give the third party keyboard full settings, otherwise Apple's first party keyboard will override it.

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SwiftKey

The King of Android, SwiftKey has been the dominant player when it comes to third party keyboards for a few years now. Recently, SwiftKey went free and started selling themes to make revenue, perhaps in preparation for a big move onto iOS8.

SwiftKey has a few notable advantages, an interface that is different from Apple's normal keyboard, but still looks great and responds faster. The cloud system added onto SwiftKey offers more personalisation, smarter predictions and auto-correct.

The one thing SwiftKey is missing is the swiping function on iPad - it also doesn't work particular well on iPhone. If you don't like the idea of swiping to make words, then SwiftKey is the keyboard for you.

Swype

Nuance is the secondary competitor, lagging just behind SwiftKey on numbers, but making up for it with features. Swype was one of the first keyboards to introduce the swiping letters to make words, a new dictation that has spread across Android.

The swiping feature is not all that stands out on Swype, predictions and autocorrect are both excellent on the service as well, thanks to Nuance's many years of dictation and recognition. The interface is close to Apple's regular keyboard, without looking like a carbon copy.

Swype does have a price tag connected to it, unlike SwiftKey. It costs $0.99, but we would say its worth it, if you want to try out the swiping gestures.

Flesky

For the user who just wants to type quickly. Flesky has a simple user interface and works with gestures like swiping back to delete a word or swiping down to access autocorrect. The keyboard is minimalist and is for the user who wants to write two page letters on their phone.

As a bit of trivia, the Gusiness World Record holder for faster typer on a mobile keyboard uses Flesky.

Minuum

Another interesting concept for mobile devices. Minuum's keyboard can be small or large, depending on how the user wants it, and works off predictive text and a simple, clear interface.

Some have not found Minuum to be all that interesting, due to the keyboard being even smaller, but given some time it is easy to get used to. The smaller keyboard gives more room to see text on the screen.

TagsiOS8, iOS keyboards, SwiftKey, Swype, Flesky, Minuum, apps, third party keyboards