Keyboard programs for writing applications. How to add spell checking in Russian to Android? Click-N-Type on-screen keyboard is an excellent analogue to commercial offers
The Android platform is developing by leaps and bounds, but some nuances of the operating system still remain unclear. For example, Android still does not have a built-in spell checker, which is sorely lacking for many smartphone and tablet users who write a lot of text.
By default, Android 4.4 KitKat, Android 5.1 Lollipop, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow completely lack spelling and spelling capabilities. It is worth noting that iOS has such capabilities, but support for the Russian language is so poor that checking spelling in the Apple mobile platform is practically of no use, since in Cupertino they apparently do not even suspect the existence of cases, declensions and other features, characteristic of the Russian language.
If you take a closer look at the situation with spell checking in Android, then a solution to this problem exists, and from Google. To activate the system for correcting errors in words, you will need to download a program called from the Google Play application store.
After installing it on a smartphone or tablet running Android, you need to go to "Settings", then almost at the very bottom of the list select "Language and input", and a new item called "Spelling". That's what we need.
By opening this section, you can find one single verification method, the capabilities of which are sufficient for most people. We switch the toggle switch to the “On” position and launch some application. Spell checking will work in Russian, English and other languages that are installed in the system by default.
Having written several words with errors and missing letters, tap once (lightly press) on the highlighted word and see a list of options for correction. To replace an incorrect word with a correct one, just select the correct option from the list and tap on it again.
Google's spelling system has three main disadvantages. The first is that spell check does not store words on the user's device, so it can only work when connected to the Internet. The second minus is more significant since Google's spelling still does not reach the level of the ORFO system for Windows and Mac, but it is significantly superior to that of iOS.
The last disadvantage is that not all third-party applications are supported. Most likely, the problem is in the “crooked” hands of software developers, since in most programs from Google Play the spell check system works correctly.
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It was noted that keyboard simulators help speed up text entry and, accordingly, significantly save time. One more aspect needs to be taken into account: “communication” with the computer is possible thanks to hot keys, which, in fact, are designed to increase performance.
However, not every sequence of commands is executed with one click, and not every command has hot keys. This guide includes programs that, in general, can be described as hotkey managers, although their capabilities are much broader. Software in this category helps automate repetitive actions and unify key presses on a keyboard or other input devices in various ways. In addition, separate programs will help solve problems that arise when changing layouts and correct typical typos.
During the review, special attention was paid to the following main functions:
- Setting up hot keys and expanding standard system keyboard capabilities
- Automatic correction of input errors, including when changing layouts
- Recording macros and scripts
- Pasting text from the Clipboard, working with templates, supported text formats
AutoHotkey
The AutoHotkey utility is designed for writing scripts that solve problems such as:
- Creating and reassigning hotkeys for input devices (mouse, keyboard or joystick)
- Creating abbreviations (abbreviations) for subsequent autocompletion
- Building input forms, menus, user interfaces
Scripts are compiled manually; there are no tools for recording them in graphical mode, although the program contains a utility for determining mouse coordinates, the position of the active window (Window Spy) and a script converter to an EXE file (Ahk2Exe).
Information for learning the scripting language is contained in, there is also an unofficial Russian translation of expressions, functions, commands, etc. The section contains all the necessary information that will help at the initial stage of getting to know AutoHotkey.
The simplest example of an AutoHotkey script is to launch an application using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + C: ^!c::Run calc.exe
Where "!" - this is Alt, "^" is Control, "c" is the C key. The script can be created on the Desktop (“Create → AutoHotkey Script” in the context menu) and edited in any editor. The script takes effect after running the file.
Thanks to AutoHotkey scripts, you can not only run programs or open documents, but also transfer keystrokes and clicks to the active window, manage windows, operate with data (for example, create and delete files, Registry entries), program shells, dialogs, buttons that require participation from the user's side. Theoretically, any error, intentional or accidental, can lead to unpredictable consequences, including data loss. However, such functionality will only be of interest to a fairly experienced user.
Scripts support environment variables; these tools can be used to use the clipboard. As proof, there are ready-made scripts and programs posted on the forum. Other examples are published in the section.
Summary. A powerful tool for automation, applicable both for implementing simple tasks (reassigning hotkeys, working with text, templates) and quite complex ones (automation, creating shells). But in the context of the review, the important thing is that AutoHotkey really expands the capabilities of the keyboard and other devices.
[+] Ample opportunities for writing scripts
[+] Documentation, examples available
[+] Support for various input devices
[−] Requires learning syntax to create scripts
Punto Switcher
Punto Switcher analyzes and corrects errors that are made “automatically” and regularly take up time to correct: accidentally holding Caps Lock, incorrect layout, two capital letters at the beginning of a word, and similar cases.
Two layout languages are supported - Russian and English. Punto Switcher “randomly recognizes” other languages, but we cannot talk about full-fledged work with alternative layouts. According to the developers, they have such plans.
Corrections are made automatically or manually using hotkeys. Combinations are not as widely represented as in other keyboard managers. They relate to correcting the above errors and general program settings. For example, you can enable or disable options for automatically correcting abbreviations, capital letters, and accidental keystrokes. Punto Switcher monitors the Clipboard, allowing you to convert, transliterate or spell check text. That is, it is clear that there is no way to assign a combination for launching applications or system commands.
The program does not cause conflicts with other applications, but in practice it can slow down input in text fields, etc. In this case, you can create a list of exception applications, add switching rules, and deactivate auto-switching layouts. One of the manager's recent innovations is automatic recognition of the password input field (previously it was necessary to temporarily limit the action of Punto Switcher). At the moment, compatibility with Windows 8 and higher is not guaranteed (beta status); for full operation the program must be run as an administrator.
An additional feature of Punto Switcher is keeping a diary. It would seem that an irretrievably lost record can be easily restored, just play it safe by activating the appropriate option and adjusting the length of the words recorded in the journal.
Summary. To give a brief definition, Punto Switcher is a keyboard manager, not a hotkey manager. Therefore, the program has a wider application, with less functionality than other participants. It is indispensable when conducting correspondence and editing texts - especially multilingual ones. Ideally, Punto Switcher requires expanded support for hotkeys, autocompletion and custom dictionaries, recognition of languages other than Russian or English.
[+] Correction of input errors
[+] Journaling
[+] User friendliness
[−] Relatively low functionality
[−] Supports only two keyboard languages
Key Switcher
The Key Switcher program is the “successor” of Keyboard Ninja, a well-known alternative to Punto Switcher in its time. Key Switcher also analyzes text input and corrects errors that may occur while typing. Mainly, the “third generation switch,” as the author calls the program, attracts attention with its support for 24 switching languages.
The program operates in one of 4 modes: full, safe, manual and inactive mode. Depending on this, Key Switcher reacts to text input in different ways. If autocorrection needs to be canceled, smart cancellation of switching using backspace helps out; in any case, switching layouts is easy to deactivate.
It is possible to train Key Switcher; you can independently determine the list of exceptions, but, alas, you cannot create a list of exception programs. Autocorrection rules are supplemented manually, plus it is worth noting autocorrection, which allows you to create abbreviations for entering words.
A special storage facility is provided for entering passwords, where they are stored in encrypted form. There is no journal for storing text in the program. In general, there are not so many options in Key Switcher (there were many more in Keyboard Ninja), especially the weak support for hot keys.
Summary. Compared to Punto Switcher, Key Switcher has such advantages as a wide range of supported languages and the presence of several operating modes. Punto Switcher, however, has a more flexible system of exceptions, customization of hot keys, and a larger number of settings in general. Although, in general, both programs are interchangeable.
[+] Support 24 languages
[+] Operating modes to choose from
[+] Autocorrect and autocorrection
[−] It is impossible to create a list of exception programs
[−] Weak support for hotkeys
Key Manager
Key Manager is a wrapper program for assigning actions to mouse buttons, wheel scrolling, keyboard shortcuts, creating pop-up menus and other call methods.
The Key Manager interface is extremely simple, and creating actions is not particularly complicated. Instead of writing scripts - visual settings, categories and profiles are used to organize actions, available for selection in the main program window. Action names are assigned automatically and have a completely readable format.
When adding a new action, the input action is indicated in the settings window: these can be all sorts of variations of presses, clicks of different press durations. You can also create custom modifiers and pop-up menus displaying commands. The actions performed can be characterized as simple: sending a letter, opening a website, inserting text, launching a program, calling a system command, controlling power, sound, etc. Key Manager supports inserting simple or RTF text, using variables and templates, as well as imprinting.
Working with data (copying, deleting files) in Key Manager is not possible - but for a keyboard manager, by definition, these are already freelance functions. Macros are needed here, rather, to record a sequence of button and key presses. The recording is made in the “Sequence of clicks” section using the action editor.
The program allows you to fine-tune exceptions that will not be affected by hotkeys from programs and windows.
Summary. Thanks to convenient settings, Russian-language interface and , the program is intuitive for the user. Key Manager lives up to its name as a hotkey manager, and the most remarkable thing here is the use of all kinds of keyboard (and not only) combinations to execute commands.
[+] User-friendly interface and easy setup of actions
[+] Working with text templates
[+] Creating custom modifiers
Comfort Keys
Comfort Keys is a set of applications consisting of an automation utility, an on-screen keyboard, a clipboard manager, a template manager and an alternative layout switcher.
The initial setup wizard is used to determine the basic parameters of the program. In it, in particular, you can activate hotkeys for common actions: working with the manager, sound control, monitor control, keyboard options, system actions.
More fine-tuning is carried out in the “Setting up shortcut keys” section of the main Comfort Keys parameters. Here you can select a key combination and type of action from the list: launching a program, opening a file, managing devices, and much more that is not in the wizard. It seems convenient to create sets of hot keys; you can distribute them at your discretion and switch between profiles as needed.
You can record a keystroke macro and assign a combination to it. Drawing parallels with Key Manager, it is worth noting that you cannot use the mouse when calling, and in general the scripting capabilities are very limited.
Automatic error correction functions are not implemented in Comfort Keys, but many operations are available using hot keys, such as: changing the input language of the last typed characters, switching the input language, converting selected characters to upper or lower case, inverting text and others. A useful feature that allows you to significantly save time is auto-completion of words from the drop-down list. Moreover, it is possible to connect one from a list of Russian-language dictionaries or about two dozen foreign-language ones.
When listing other program modules available in the notification panel and through the context menu, we need to mention the clipboard manager (see on the topic) and the text template editor. Templates are another way to unify the entry of repeated words or phrases, for example, in correspondence. The template editor allows you to connect macros, and there is a choice of text formats. Templates located on a network resource are convenient to use in workgroups - and the files can be encrypted.
Using the entire Comfort Keys toolkit at the same time is not very convenient, since the program, along with its add-ons, takes up a considerable part of the screen. But you can disable the additional toolbar in the main settings.
Summary. Comfort Keys, if we talk about the Pro edition, is a very functional solution for speeding up typing and computer work. The program will be useful when working with templates, editing, and in everyday work. There are functions common to Punto Switcher and Key Switcher that allow you to quickly correct text. Flexible reassignment of hotkeys and a wide range of actions.
[+] Excellent functionality
[+] Wide range of actions for hotkeys
[+] Working with templates
[−] Inconvenient interface
Hot Keyboard
Hot Keyboard is a program for creating macros, assigning hotkeys to them, as well as the conditions under which they will be executed. In this case, a macro is an action that can be easily configured using options.
The main window of the program is a list into which you can add the desired set of actions. There are similarities to the Key Manager interface, although Hot Keyboard doesn't allow you to group actions into manually created categories or select profiles.
Macros are divided into 3 categories. The general category includes actions such as opening pages, creating menus, applications, files, search functions, and recording button presses. Separately, it is necessary to note the insertion of text - as expected, with a choice of format and support for special content: dates, times, variables and even files. Using macros, you can configure text auto-replacement.
The settings for each macro are available in a separate window. To perform an action, you can set a condition or set it to run on a schedule. Hot Keyboard has a fairly powerful scripting system. Variables, functions, operators are described in. In AutoHotkey, writing scripts was practically the only way to implement capabilities, but here “all means are good”, and scripts can be used in addition to actions. Actually, the third category of macros affects specific scripting functions: setting the execution delay, working with expressions, running another macro.
Summary. The Hot Keyboard utility is located at the user's disposal through setup dialogs with options. Learning the syntax language is not at all necessary. However, if you need more flexibility and functionality, scripts will provide significant help.
[+] Creating scripts
[+] Flexible action settings
[+] Defining conditions for running macros
Pivot table
| Program | AutoHotkey | Punto Switcher | Key Switcher | Key Manager | Comfort Keys | Hot Keyboard |
| Developer | Chris Mallet and others | Yandex | InteLife Solutions | Atnsoft | Comfort Software Group | Imposant |
| License | Free | Free | Free/corporate | Paid (from 920 rub.) | Paid (from 390 rub.) | Free (non-commercial) / paid (business, from $29.95) |
| Russian-language localization | − | + | + | + | + | + |
| Writing scripts (macros) | + | − | − | + | + | + |
| AutoCorrect | + | + | + | − | − | + |
| Clipboard support | + | + | − | + | + | + |
| Hotkey assignments | + | + | + | + | + | + |
| Automatic layout switching | − | + | + | − | − | + (macro) |
| Automatic error correction | − | + | + | − | − | − |
15/01/2020
BotMek is a brand new free macro keyboard and mouse emulator. Using this software, you can automate actions in various online games and more. The program has a convenient built-in macro editor, as well as a database of ready-made macros. A simple and intuitive interface will allow you to understand all the features of the program in the shortest possible time; the study will be accompanied by a neutral design that will suit most users. BotMek can become your indispensable assistant in games and at work and supports operating systems from Windows XP to 10.
15/11/2017
KDWin is a program designed for people who need to constantly type text in different languages. It is known that on almost any keyboard only 2 languages are indicated, i.e. English, as well as the language where the keyboard was purchased. The KDWin program allows you to change the keyboard layout, and also allows the user to type certain words without knowing the layout. The program automatically replaces all letters that the user types with similar characters in the language you need. For example, Russian F will be replaced with English F, or vice versa. In addition, the KDWin program has a built-in envelope...
18/10/2016
MediaKey (Mkey) is a utility created specifically to provide conventional keyboards with various multimedia functions. This means that you can now assign hotkeys to perform certain actions. For example, pressing the Ctrl and - keys simultaneously will decrease the sound, and the combination of Ctrl and + will, on the contrary, increase the volume. This will be much cheaper than purchasing an expensive keyboard in a store with buttons that control play, pause, stop songs, etc. The MediaKey utility has many useful features. With its help you can control players such as Media Player Classi...
20/07/2016
Punto Switcher is a convenient program for automatically switching keyboard layouts. It is designed for the convenience of manual typing on the keyboard. So you can type without being distracted by the layout. The new version adds support for Windows 8 as well as automatic password detection. The program is the best in its class and has no competitors. The program has a built-in function for remembering certain words you often use. There are hotkeys to cancel switching layouts. The big advantage of the program is that it increases productivity and convenience of working at the computer. The program is absolutely free to use.
24/11/2015
AutoHotkey is a program for creating scripts and macros. Allows you to do whatever your heart desires with a keyboard, mouse and joystick. With its help, you can change the value of hot keys and enable selected buttons, such as mice. All scripts are created using their own language and are usually saved in a text file. Also included is a compiler with which you can create exe files. The utility is useful mainly in computer games, but its functionality does not end there. Scripts allow you to manipulate windows, files, folders, the system registry and much more. She can simulate any action...
18/03/2015
ReGen KeyCode is a functional utility that does the job of determining the encoding of a pressed key on any keyboard. The program shows the encoding that is assigned to the pressed key. Shows options such as ASCII and brCode (browser encoding). In addition to these parameters, the application automatically converts the entered code into hexadecimal as well as binary systems. The resulting code in any form can be copied to the clipboard and then pasted into the desired location. The application automatically checks for any available updates. Has a wide range of interface language options. Allows you to quickly, simply, conveniently receive any...
26/02/2015
Key Switcher is a convenient utility designed to automatically reassign keyboard layouts. Triggers when text is entered incorrectly. The program itself corrects typos. Corrects the case of letters. If the user accidentally put two capital letters, Key Switcher will fix that too. Any action taken by the application can be rolled back simply by clicking on the Backspace key. The utility will evaluate all user actions and remember what not to do. When correcting errors and typos, the program always focuses on the text type. Allows you to assign other keys to change and switch languages. In some moments...
Free Virtual Keyboard is a convenient utility designed primarily for owners of tablet computers, as well as laptops that have a touch screen. This utility is useful in cases where your keyboard is too inconvenient for you, or it is missing altogether for some reason. It is in such cases that you can use the Free Virtual Keyboard utility. The program differs in that it allows you to resize the virtual keyboard so that you see the information you need in a window in addition to the keyboard. Also, the program allows you to easily adjust the transparency of this window. There is a symbol auto-repeat function.
For most people, the default keyboard that comes with a new device is quite passable. This is usually a traditional Android keyboard or an upgraded version like Samsung or LG. However, these are not all your options. There are a number of third-party keyboard apps for Android that include advanced features. If you want to change your typing, let's take a look at the best keyboards for Android right now.
AI Type Keyboard Plus
(downloads: 2278)
AI Type Keyboard Plus is a fairly old and reliable alternative keyboard option. The app comes with a lot of standard features, including predictions, auto-fill, emoji, and keyboard settings. Moreover, you will find more than a thousand themes to fit your keyboard into your design. The free version has a trial period that lasts 18 days, then you'll have to fork out 250 rubles or lose a few features, but you can try out all the keyboard features before you buy the app. It's also one of the few keyboard apps that comes with a number bar.
Chrooma Keyboard
(downloads: 735)
Chrooma Keyboard is new to the keyboard app market but meets all the needs you would want in a smartphone keyboard. The app includes swipe typing, resizing, night mode and you can also change the keyboard color to suit your tastes. The app also includes a number line, emoji and support for 60 languages. The keyboard looks and acts very similar to a traditional Android keyboard, and it's a good solution. This is a cheap and good option if you are looking for a customizable and simple keyboard.
Flexy Keyboard
(downloads: 864)
Fleksy Keyboard is one of the must-see Android keyboards. It includes one of the best prediction engines of any keyboard on this list, and also uses a rather unique prediction method, along with a swipe input form, to speed up your typing. The keyboard comes with 40 themes, three customizable sizes, and you can customize the actual keyboard to suit your needs and even create a custom theme for it. The keyboard also has GIF support, which can be useful. It's free to download with in-app purchases that come in the form of theme packs. It often appears in any discussion of the best keyboards for Android.
GO Keyboard
(downloads: 611)
GO Keyboard carries the same stigma as other GO products, some people love it, others think it's overhyped. Either way, GO Keyboard has been a reliable keyboard for Android for a long time. The keyboard comes with a ton of features including emojis, support for various key layouts including QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY and more. It also supports swipe input and fonts that you can choose from. It's not the most minimalist option, but if you don't mind bulky apps, it's a good keyboard.
Google Keyboard
(downloads: 710)
Of course, we couldn't pass up the traditional Android keyboard. This is the basic option from which the evaluation of any other keyboard is based. It's a minimalistic keyboard that doesn't have a lot of features, but remains fast and reliable. Here you'll find gesture input, several customization options when it comes to input prediction, corrections, and of course, a custom dictionary. There are several theme options, as well as swipe typing and one-handed typing mode. You can also sync your dictionary between devices for quick setup if you buy a new device. This is a completely free app without any in-app purchases.
Multiling O Keyboard
(downloads: 608)
Multiling O Keyboard is an essential solution if you need language support. In fact, this keyboard app supports over 200 languages as of this writing, which is far more than any other Android keyboard can offer. In addition to enhanced language support, you get gesture typing, the ability to customize the keyboard to your PC layout, change the keyboard size, themes, emoji, different layouts, and the all-important number bar. This is an underrated app, especially if you plan to write in different languages, and best of all, it's completely free.
Minuum Keyboard
(downloads: 226)
Of all the Android keyboards on this list, Minuum Keyboard will probably take the award for thinking beyond boundaries. The app comes with a standard keyboard that supports easy customization, but the main feature is the Mini mode, which makes the keyboard no taller than your thumbnail. The keyboard offers to enter text with errors, with excellent edits. There is some learning curve and it will take time to get used to, but it is definitely a unique and rewarding solution once you get the hang of it. You can get a free 30-day trial before they ask you for RUB 180.
Smart Keyboard PRO
(downloads: 753)
The Smart Keyboard Pro app has been on the Google Play store shelves for quite some time, and it is one of the few older Android keyboards that still receives regular updates. This is a simple keyboard that provides a basic typing experience with some modern features. You get emojis, auto-correct, predicted text, and more. The keyboard also supports themes, T9 mode, compact mode, and hardware keyboards. It's not the most dazzling app on the list, but it's a good option if you need something simple that will work. You can use the demo version before you buy the keyboard.
SwiftKey Keyboard
(downloads: 686)
SwiftKey is definitely one of the best keyboards for Android. It has monstrously intelligent text prediction and amazing auto-correction, plus gesture typing and cloud syncing so all your devices can stay up to date with settings, keyboard themes, and more. The keyboard also offers wide language support, around 100. The keyboard and all its features are free, but you will have to pay for most themes. The app was recently purchased by Microsoft, which has caused many users to turn away from SwiftKey, but for now the app works as usual.
Swipe
(downloads: 291)
Swype was the first really good third-party Android keyboard, so good that some OEMs used it as a base on their devices. Today the keyboard is not as popular as it used to be, but the developers have done a good job on the application. The keyboard comes with better gesture input, with themes, text prediction, auto-correction, cross-device syncing, and some unique gesture controls that let you select everything, copy, paste, or search. You can use the free version for 30 days before paying RUB 65, after which you can purchase unique themes separately.
Even if your job is not directly related to typing, you still most likely have to work with the keyboard quite a lot. Write a letter, leave a message on the forum, just chat on ICQ - all this requires a keyboard. For now, unfortunately, computers cannot dictate like a secretary or transmit your thoughts to them at a distance, so the keyboard remains the main means of input. You may have repeatedly wondered how to type faster. In addition to the most obvious solution - mastering the touch typing method - there are others. They are based on automating some of the operations that need to be performed when entering text. Programs to speed up keyboard input can automatically or at the user's command switch the layout of typed text, correct typos in words, offer options for completing words when the user has just started typing, replace several entered characters with entire phrases or even sentences. It is precisely such programs that will be discussed in today’s review.
Punto Switcher 3.0
Developer: YandexDistribution size: 2 MB
Spreading: for free
Interface: Russian Punto Switcher is perhaps the most famous and popular program for automatically switching keyboard layouts. However, not everyone knows that in addition to switching layouts, Punto Switcher can do a lot more. For those who work a lot with text, the program can be a good helper. Firstly, it’s worth talking about compiling an autocorrect list. Autocorrect in Punto Switcher works in much the same way as in MS Word - when you enter certain characters, they are replaced with a preset word or entire phrase. But if Word's autocorrect works only within this text editor, then the list of frequently typed words and phrases saved in Punto Switcher can be used in all Windows applications, for example, in a browser or email client. In addition, you can save this list when reinstalling the system or transfer it to another computer. The list of autocorrects is stored in the replace.dat file, which in previous versions of Punto Switcher was placed in the program installation folder, and is now located at c: Documents and SettingsUserApplication DataYandexPunto Switcher3.0 (for Windows XP).
The autocorrect list has two main purposes. First, you can use it to automatically correct typos for the words you miss most often. Secondly, you can include in this list some words or phrases that you often need to type. You can even use paragraphs when creating AutoCorrect elements, so you can store, for example, email response templates in this list. Depending on your preferences, you can ask the program to replace entered characters after you press the spacebar, Enter, or Tab. In addition, Punto Switcher can take into account characters typed in a different layout. In most cases, this feature is very convenient, as it allows you not to think about what layout you are typing in. For example, if you need to insert a template for replying to a letter for which the “letter” characters are specified in the program settings, you can enter “dueuk”, after which Punto Switcher will automatically switch the layout and auto-correct. Some users don't work with the AutoCorrect list because they have trouble remembering which characters they need to enter for the program to replace them. “I’d rather take the time to type the entire phrase than remember what abbreviation I came up with for autocorrect,” they say. For such users, Punto Switcher provides a display of the autocorrect list on top of all windows. This window can be translucent and located anywhere on the screen. Working with it is very simple: you place the cursor in the place where you want to insert the text and click on the desired phrase in the autocorrect list box. However, it should be noted that this method of working with the autocorrect list will be convenient only if there are not very many elements in it, otherwise you will have to spend a lot of time searching for the desired phrase, scrolling through the list.
The second convenient feature of the program, which will help save a lot of nerves while working, is a diary. The program can record everything you type on your computer in a diary. By the way, because of this function, some programs for detecting spyware perceive Punto Switcher as a malicious utility, because in fact it works as a keylogger program. However, unlike real keyloggers, it does not send the contents of your diary anywhere. Moreover, you can set a password to view it. The diary can save all the phrases you typed, containing at least a certain number of words (this number must be at least two and is set in the program settings). In addition, the contents of the clipboard can be saved in the diary.
What is the practical application of this function? It is guaranteed to save your work in the event of a software or system failure. Closing your text editor or browser unexpectedly, freezing your computer, or doing a hot reboot can all cause the text you typed in the original program to not be saved. Over many years of working with Punto Switcher, we have not had a single case where in such a situation we could not “pull out” something missing from the diary. The only thing worth remembering when working with a diary is the need to clean it from time to time, since with active work this file can grow to a considerable size. However, the cleaning function is provided in Punto Switcher. Despite the fact that Punto Switcher cannot check spelling on the fly and automatically correct typos, the program can still help you point out errors. If a typo was made while typing, the program changes the color of its icon in the system tray. In addition, if the sound is turned on on the computer, it will also notify you of the error with a special signal. Punto Switcher also has some clipboard capabilities that you may find useful in your daily work. Firstly, the program can translate a piece of text that is on the clipboard to another layout. Secondly, using Punto Switcher you can transliterate text from the clipboard. After Punto Switcher was acquired by Yandex, some other features were added to the program. For example, for a word placed on the clipboard, you can quickly find a definition in Yandex online dictionaries, get its translation into another language, look at an article about it in the Russian or English encyclopedia Wikipedia, and also perform a search in Yandex. All these features are available from the context menu, which is called up by clicking on the Punto Switcher icon in the system tray.
Finally, it’s worth saying a few words about the main purpose of the program - automatically switching layouts from Russian to English and back. The program has many settings that help adapt it to the needs of a specific user. For example, if the Punto Switcher dictionary doesn't have a particular word that you type often, you can add it there manually. For example, the program does not automatically switch the words “wooser” and “mukeuch” to the English layout when typing, despite the fact that in Russian they sound like abracadabra, and in English they sound like “depth” and “vertex”. It also happens the other way around - switching to another layout occurs when it is not needed. When you add a word to a custom dictionary, you can specify whether it should be translated to another layout, and whether it should be case-sensitive. In some programs, Punto Switcher may not help, but hinder. An example is working in AutoCAD, where you often need to work with the command line, entering commands that do not look like ordinary words and therefore may be interpreted incorrectly by the program. For such cases, Punto Switcher has the ability to specify applications in which the program will automatically turn off. In addition, the program can be disabled manually by unchecking the box next to the "Auto switch" command in the context menu of the tray icon. If you work with other languages besides Russian and English, then be sure to pay attention to the “Consider input only in Russian and English layouts” checkbox in the program settings. If you install it, Punto Switcher will not appear when another layout is active. Perhaps one of the main inconveniences that Punto Switcher users complain about is that the program does not accept characters that have been typed previously. That is, if you typed part of a word earlier, and then added the missing characters, Punto Switcher will process only the letters you just entered. This often causes errors when automatically switching layouts, because the part of the word you typed, for example, may begin with “b”, and therefore Punto Switcher will instantly change the layout to English. The easiest way to edit previously typed words is to use the left and right arrows on your keyboard. When you do not need the program to switch the layout, you simply press these keys before entering characters, after which you can enter any characters without any problems. In the program settings, you can specify other keys, after pressing which Punto Switcher should not switch the layout - Delete, BackSpace, manual change of layout.
Orfo Switcher 1.22
Developer: Oleg DubrovDistribution size: 1 MB
Spreading: shareware
Interface: Russian The main purpose of Orfo Switcher is to check the spelling of the typed text during the input process. The program works in all Windows applications, including chat windows of IM clients, browsers, etc. As soon as you make a mistake in a word, Orfo Switcher displays a menu next to it, which offers several options for correcting it. In addition, it is possible to immediately add a word to the dictionary. You can select the desired option from the menu either using the keyboard arrows or using the mouse. If you don't want to do either one or the other, you simply continue typing and the error correction options window will automatically disappear from the screen. The program works with both Russian and English languages.
The second function of Orfo Switcher is to switch the keyboard layout. Like Punto Switcher, the program can monitor the text you type and automatically switch layouts. Switching can be done both while typing a word, and after pressing the "Space" key. The program provides lists of exceptions - words for which you do not need to change the layout, and words for which you must change it when entering. These lists are presented as text files and can be easily edited in Notepad.
It should be noted that, unlike Punto Switcher, which works in both Windows XP and Windows Vista, this program allows you to automatically switch the keyboard only in Windows XP. In Windows Vista, to switch typed text to another layout, you need to select it and use a predefined keyboard shortcut. Using the context menu that appears when you click on the program's tray icon, you can disable Orfo Switcher or temporarily disable it for 10 minutes. These commands can also be executed using hotkeys. Orfo Switcher also has the ability to create a list of applications in which the program will not work. Orfo Switcher also implements some capabilities for working with the clipboard. The program saves the last 40 elements that were entered into the buffer, and makes it possible to quickly paste them into the place where the cursor is positioned. To open a window with a list of text fragments, you must press and hold the middle mouse button. After this, just select the desired fragment using the cursor or arrows on the keyboard. Using this menu, you can also transliterate characters stored on the clipboard, or convert them to another layout.
The program also has a function similar to the autocorrect list in Punto Switcher. Using the "Presets" tab in the program settings, you can make a list of frequently used words and phrases. You can insert such blanks using the same menu, which is called up by pressing the middle mouse button. Interestingly, using this menu you can quickly create new templates, and by default the text that is on the clipboard will be inserted into them.
Comfort Typing 3.2
Developer: Comfort Software GroupDistribution size: 2 MB
Spreading: shareware
Interface: Russian The Comfort Typing program, unlike other utilities discussed in this review, is not an automatic keyboard layout switcher. As its developers say, it was created for those who do not trust automatic switches to change the input language. Switching layouts can only be performed by user command. Comfort Typing can switch the input language of the text you just entered, as well as the characters that have been highlighted. To change the layout, use the Win+Shift key combination. In addition to changing the input language, Comfort Typing helps you quickly perform operations with selected text such as changing the case of characters (you can convert all characters to upper or lower case, invert the case of characters, set the case as in sentences, or make all words begin with capital letter). To perform these operations, keyboard shortcuts are used, which can be assigned in the program settings.
Comfort Typing offers several tools to speed up typing. Firstly, the program has an auto-prompt function when typing. As soon as you start typing a word, it displays a small menu that offers one or more options for completing the word. You select the appropriate one using the arrows on the keyboard and proceed to enter the next word. You can also use numbers to select the desired word, which is very convenient if there are several completion options in the list. All words that Comfort Typing suggests for replacement are numbered. It is enough to enter the number that corresponds to the desired option, and the word will be automatically typed. If you enable the corresponding option in the program settings, a space will also appear after it. Comfort Typing automatically replenishes its vocabulary with the words you type, so the more you use the autosuggest function, the more likely it is that the desired word will be found in the program's dictionary for substitution. The auto-suggest function will be especially convenient for those users who cannot boast of a high typing speed. If you don’t see any hints while typing, simply reduce the delay time for their appearance. By default it is quite large, so you may be typing faster than Comfort Typing can display the hint. If you reduce the delay time to the minimum value, then prompts will appear.
The second tool for speeding up typing is text templates, which are something similar to the autocorrect list in Punto Switcher. Text templates work like this: you type the sequence of characters that was specified for the template and press the NumLock key, after which the program replaces the entered characters with the corresponding piece of text. If you don't remember the sequence of characters, you can simply press NumLock. In this case, a window will appear on the screen with a list of all templates. You can select the one you need and insert it.
Working with templates in Comfort Typing has a number of advantages compared to similar programs. First, templates can use macros, such as the current date and time. Secondly, templates can be saved in RTF format, that is, when creating them, you can use a variety of formatting tools that are not available for regular text: lists, alignment, superscript and subscript, different styles, typefaces and font size. All templates created in the program can be protected with a password. It is also possible to use common templates within a local network, where several users work with the program.