Dev tools · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to iPhone 2005 weird "Blob Keyboard" simulator
Hi HN, I teach tech design history, and one of the key stories I cover is the development of the original iPhone keyboard by Ken Kocienda. Reading about it in his book "Creative Selection" is great, but I wanted my students (and now you!) to actually feel this step in the process. So, I built a web simulator of the "Blob Keyboard", Kocienda's very first attempt at a touchscreen keyboard that actually works, from September 2005: Try the Blob Keyboard: https://juliendorra.github.io/blob-keyboard-simulator/blob-k... - Tap for the middle letter - Swipe left or right for the…
This is an interactive web simulator of the "Blob Keyboard," Ken Kocienda's first touchscreen keyboard prototype from September 2005 during the original iPhone's development. Users can tap the center letter or swipe… Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes.
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Gboard by Google▲1,207Google Search, GIFs, emojis & more—right from your keyboard
2016 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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I bet you didn't knew you can use modelling clay (as opposed to 3d printing) to make nice devices by hand :)
2025 · github.com · its alternatives →
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Anyline Keyboard▲330Phone keyboard that let's you scan text instead of typing it
2020 · anyline.com · its alternatives →
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Next Keyboard▲275A better keyboard for iOS with stickers, themes & emojis 💃
2015 · nextkeyboard.co · its alternatives →
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2021 · stavros.io · its alternatives →
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The keyboard that fixes all the Shift you hate (pre-launch)
2014 · nextkeyboard.co · its alternatives →
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QWANJI▲174Hey HN! I've built this bit of cuteware (software not solving a problem but just for fun) inspired from the patterns made by swipe typing on mobile devices. To me it seemed like the closest thing to an English version of Kanji and it would be cool to consistently recreate those patterns. The implementation is vanilla js to keep things simple (and from a bit of framework fatigue) I'm keen to see how people use qwanji. Any and all feedback welcome!
2024 · byronicalpatrick.github.io · its alternatives →
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Design and test virtual keyboards
2020 · keyboardsimulator.xyz · its alternatives →
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We design and develop custom software solutions and websites for your business with a strong focus on usability, quality, and aesthetics.
2020 · emvi.com · its alternatives →
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Fresh screens from iOS 11 for Sketch & Figma
2017 · iosdesignkit.io · its alternatives →
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Save commonly used texts and phrases inside your iOS keyboa…
2015 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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una mano▲79A familiar iPhone keyboard that moves to your thumb
26d ago · unamanokeyboard.com · its alternatives →
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This post explains why a 2-row, 16-key keyboard structure is a natural fit for mobile environments and how it scales. It also explores the rationale behind key features of QWERTY mini Pro, including the integration of standard and wide layouts, fast switching, and efficient input.
Dec 2025 · k-keyboard.com · its alternatives →
- 21
Your own personal emoji,w/ your fave designer outfits
2015 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
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The world's first all-fingers keyboard for smartphones
2015 · octodon.mobi · its alternatives →
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Typo 2▲60Awesome Blackberry keyboard for your iPhone
2014 · typokeyboards.myshopify.com · its alternatives →
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Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →