7 Best Malayalam Keyboard Apps in 2026 โ Tested & Compared
Looking for the perfect Malayalam keyboard app? We tested 15+ apps and narrowed it down to the 7 best options for Android and iPhone. Here's our comprehensive comparison.
Quick Verdict
- Best Overall: Gboard (free, excellent voice typing)
- Best for Predictions: SwiftKey (learns your style)
- Best for Manglish: Google Indic Keyboard
- Fastest Input: Voice Typing (web)
1. Gboard (Google Keyboard)
Google's keyboard is the most popular choice for Malayalam typing. It offers excellent voice typing, swipe gestures, and seamless integration with all apps.
Pros
- โ Best-in-class voice typing
- โ Swipe typing support
- โ Excellent word predictions
- โ GIF and emoji search
- โ Completely free
Cons
- โ Requires Google account
- โ Privacy concerns (data sync)
- โ Large app size
2. Microsoft SwiftKey
SwiftKey learns your writing style and offers personalized predictions. Great for people who type the same phrases often.
Pros
- โ AI-powered predictions
- โ Learns your vocabulary
- โ Multiple language support
- โ Customizable themes
Cons
- โ Voice typing less accurate
- โ Occasional lag
- โ Cloud sync for predictions
3. Google Indic Keyboard
Designed specifically for Indian languages. Best choice if you primarily use transliteration (Manglish to Malayalam).
Pros
- โ Excellent transliteration
- โ Lightweight app
- โ Works offline
- โ All Indian languages
Cons
- โ No iOS version
- โ Basic features only
- โ No swipe typing
4. Swalekha Malayalam Keyboard
Made in Kerala, designed for Keralites. Offers unique features like "Rachana" layout and local word predictions.
5. Varamozhi
Open-source Malayalam keyboard with focus on traditional Inscript layout. Great for those who learned on government-standard keyboards.
6. Lipikaar Malayalam Keyboard
Simple phonetic keyboard โ type "ma" to get "เดฎ". Easy to learn for beginners.
7. Apple Built-in Malayalam Keyboard
If you have an iPhone, the built-in Malayalam keyboard is solid. Offers dictation and handwriting input.
Full Comparison Table โ All 7 Apps
Here's how every Malayalam keyboard app stacks up across the features that matter most:
| App | Platform | Voice | Swipe | Manglish | Speed | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gboard | Android, iOS | Excellent | Yes | Yes | ~35 WPM | Free | Best Overall |
| SwiftKey | Android, iOS | Good | Yes | Yes | ~30 WPM | Free | Best Predictions |
| Indic Keyboard | Android | No | No | Excellent | ~40 WPM | Free | Best Manglish |
| Swalekha | Android | No | No | Yes | ~25 WPM | Free | Kerala-made |
| Varamozhi | Android | No | No | No | ~20 WPM | Free | Inscript Layout |
| Lipikaar | Android, iOS | No | No | Phonetic | ~20 WPM | Free | Easy to Learn |
| Apple Built-in | iOS only | Basic | No | No | ~25 WPM | Free | iPhone Default |
| Voice Typing (Web) | All devices | Core feature | N/A | N/A | 150+ WPM | Free / Pro | Fastest |
WPM = words per minute, tested with a 100-word Malayalam passage. Voice typing speed measured by speaking rate.
Which Malayalam Input Method Is Right for You?
Keyboard apps are just one way to type Malayalam. Here's how all methods compare:
| Method | Speed | Learning Curve | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyboard App | 20-40 WPM | High | Daily typing, professionals |
| Manglish Typing | 40-60 WPM | None | WhatsApp, social media, short texts |
| Voice Typing | 150+ WPM | None | Documents, long content, legal drafting |
Skip the Keyboard: Try Voice Typing
Even the best keyboard app maxes out at 40 words per minute. Voice typing lets you input Malayalam at 150+ WPM โ just by speaking naturally. No keyboard layout to memorize, no app to install, works on any device.
Type Malayalam 5x Faster
Skip keyboard hunting. Speak naturally in Malayalam and get instant transcription. Works on any device, any browser. All Kerala dialects supported.