Ice Cream Sandwich Keyboard

A Detailed Review of the Ice Cream Sandwich Keyboard for Android

Many third-party keyboard applications promise enhanced functionality but often compromise on core typing mechanics or become bloated with unnecessary features. The Ice Cream Sandwich Keyboard by developer johntanmi addresses this by focusing on a refined, highly customizable input experience rooted in a classic Android aesthetic. This review examines its operational framework, feature set, and practical utility for users seeking a balance between advanced customization and reliable, everyday typing performance.

Core Functionality and Customization Analysis

The application presents itself as a comprehensive input tool, structured around a freemium model. The free version provides a substantial foundation, including multitouch support for faster typing and a dual-dictionary system comprising both a built-in dictionary and a user-editable personal dictionary for adding specialized terminology. A configurable auto-correction engine operates in the background, designed to adapt to individual typing patterns over time. The layout has been re-engineered from earlier versions, resulting in a visually distinct key design and spacing intended to reduce input errors and improve tactile accuracy.

Premium functionality, unlocked via a one-time purchase, significantly expands visual and operational control. Users gain access to a library of built-in themes, including support for legacy Better Keyboard themes, and the ability to set any image as a keyboard background. A key practical feature for premium users is the adjustable keyboard height in portrait mode, allowing for a tailored fit to thumb reach and screen size. Additional premium tools include an advanced user dictionary editor and a tap-to-correct word prediction system, reminiscent of the Gingerbread-era keyboard behavior, which provides alternative word selections upon tapping a typed word.

Technical Specifications and User Experience

Beyond aesthetics, the keyboard supports several alternative layouts—AZERTY, QWERTZ, and Dvorak—catering to specific regional preferences or ergonomic typing styles. It incorporates standard Android security protocols for third-party keyboards, which require explicit user permission to enable and operate, ensuring data privacy is managed through the operating system's established safeguards. Language support is extensive, covering English, French, Hebrew, Arabic, and others, with corresponding dictionaries to aid prediction and correction. The free version also includes speech-to-text input for supported languages, configurable keypress vibration intensity, and hidden shortcuts, such as long-pressing the '/' key for quick domain selections during URL entry.

• Multitouch & Dictionary System: Enables fast, simultaneous key presses and combines a standard dictionary with a fully customizable user dictionary for specialized vocabulary.
• Advanced Visual Customization: Premium users can apply built-in themes, import legacy themes, or set custom images as the keyboard's background for complete personalization.
• Ergonomic & Functional Adjustments: Includes adjustable portrait-mode height, alternative keyboard layouts (AZERTY, QWERTZ, Dvorak), and a tap-to-correct prediction engine for efficient editing.

For users dissatisfied with the limited options in stock keyboards or the complexity of some modern alternatives, the Ice Cream Sandwich Keyboard offers a viable middle ground. Its strength lies in providing granular control over the typing experience—from visual design to functional mechanics—without overwhelming the user. Consider downloading the free version to evaluate its core typing performance and layout, with the clear option to upgrade for deeper aesthetic and functional control.

Download the Ice Cream Sandwich Keyboard now to configure your ideal typing interface.
Internet required. IAP available.