iPad iPad Air 4 and the keyboard

[RodChester]

I have exclusively been using the split keyboard with all of my ipads. However, it looks like that is no longer an option on the Air 4. Does anyone have any recommendations on something that may work similarly or maybe a custom keyboard in the App Store? Typing on the full size keyboard is a real pain with a horizontal iPad.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I have exclusively been using the split keyboard with all of my ipads. However, it looks like that is no longer an option on the Air 4. Does anyone have any recommendations on something that may work similarly or maybe a custom keyboard in the App Store? Typing on the full size keyboard is a real pain with a horizontal iPad.

Maybe take a look at Gboard.

‎Gboard – the Google Keyboard

‎Gboard is the keyboard from Google for your iPhone, packed with features to make typing effortless. On top of GIFs, emoji search, and Glide Typing, the power of Google is at your fingertips with Google Search built in. Forget switching from app to app – just search and send, all from one place...

apps.apple.com

 

[RodChester]

Gboard is better than the stock keyboard, but it still can't be split. At least I can't figure out how to split it. I find it really difficult to reach the keys in the middle of the keyboard when typing in landscape mode.

 

[Blue Hawk]

I miss the split keyboard too. And you cannot even swipe with the huge keyboard. I've switched to Gboard now and I also can swipe with the pencil.

 

[RodChester]

Well, I am somewhat getting used to no more split keyboard. Gboard was better than the stock keyboard, but not by much. I still found it difficult to reach the middle keys in landscape mode. Right now I am using the stock floating keyboard and I think this is what I will have to settle for.

 

[wysiwyg1972]

I was going to post a separate thread, but this one may be appropriate as it’s related.
Is there a way to condense the keyboard so it doesn’t go right to the edge of the screen? When holding landscape, it exhibits strange behaviour like tabing or going to the the next line. I have a feeling my palm may hit some of those keys (like tab or return) when holding and typing. I don’t have a case yet. It’s fine when I don’t hold it with my hands while typing.

Sort of a pain. I’m coming from an air 2 and the smallest bazel may be hard to adjust.

 

[RodChester]

Using the smaller floating stock keyboard would be the only way. Pinch the keyboard together and it will shrink. Then you can move it to where you like it.

 

[wysiwyg1972]

I tried that, but the floating is too small actually and there’s no way to resize it. I may just return the iPad and go back to the air 2.

 

[brilliantthings]

I would love a developer to create a split keyboard for newer iPads. It’s been done before but they haven’t been updated.

 

[b.c.]

I miss the split keyboard too. And you cannot even swipe with the huge keyboard. I've switched to Gboard now and I also can swipe with the pencil.

Note: you can swipe* with the mini "floating" keyboard. works on the Air 4. but yeah no split keyboard
*make sure you enable swipe-to-type, in Settings/General/Keyboard -> Slide on Floating Keyboard to Type = ON

in addition to pinching the big keyboard to get the floating one, you can press/hold the keyboard button at bottom right until you see the word "Floating" pop up

 

[brilliantthings]

I would love a developer to create a split keyboard for newer iPads. It’s been done before but they haven’t been updated.

And there would be such demand. I'd happily pay $10.

 

[RodChester]

I would love a developer to create a split keyboard for newer iPads. It’s been done before but they haven’t been updated.

Yeah, at this point I would gladly pay for a split keyboard. I’m getting used to the mini keyboard on the side, but it’s not great.

 

[kasakka]

The problem is that Apple does not allow using built in prediction together with custom keyboards so every dev would have to roll their own. So a split keyboard would mean it would not support such things. It is pretty ridiculous.

 

[brilliantthings]

The problem is that Apple does not allow using built in prediction together with custom keyboards so every dev would have to roll their own. So a split keyboard would mean it would not support such things. It is pretty ridiculous.

That is ridiculous. Have to get Gboard to do it.

 

[Moyapilot]

Yeah, at this point I would gladly pay for a split keyboard. I’m getting used to the mini keyboard on the side, but it’s not great.

Yeah, I tried the side mini keyboard for 1 hour. Never again. Split keyboard was brilliant. And Apple is really stubborn with these things, so I doubt they bring it back.

This forced me to switch to hardware keyboards on ipads after this, so I guess Apple won in the end (Magic Keyboard $$$$)

 

[RodChester]

Yeah, I tried the side mini keyboard for 1 hour. Never again. Split keyboard was brilliant. And Apple is really stubborn with these things, so I doubt they bring it back.

This forced me to switch to hardware keyboards on ipads after this, so I guess Apple won in the end (Magic Keyboard $$$$)

Using a physical keyboard with my iPad really isn’t an option for me. I’ll just be making do with the mini keyboard for now.

 

[Stoianski]

Is not the stock mini keyboard too small? Is the Gboard bigger - it is adjustable in size on Android devices.

 

[brilliantthings]

I dont think Gboard size is adjustable on iOS/iPadOS

 

[RodChester]

I wasn’t able to adjust the size of Gboard.

 

[Stoianski]

Okay thanks.

See below how is on my Samsung 8.4 inch tablet (don't have other at the moment) in landscape mode.

On the first image is the regular Gboard. Clicking on the keyboard symbol (the fourh from left on the top line) converts the Gboard to mini (second image). Then one can click on the tilted square symbol (bottom in the middle) and the mini board is highlighted in blue. One either can drag it or adjust the size by draging the edge. On the third image is the maximal size. Converting back to a regular keyboard is by clicking the top line crossed keyboard symbol. Perfect, except the split one is also missing.

I don't like the mini Samsung keyboard (too small and crouded on my 8.4 tablet) and playing with a friend iPad found the stock keyboard also very small. The split keyboard on Air 3 was super. It seems Apple push us to buy phisical keyboards.

Edit: I don't use the samsung keyboard much (too crouded on my small tablet), although it has a split mode. But I just found out that the split board is adjustable in size and position. Too bad is not available on iPad. See the fourth picture below.

 

[brilliantthings]

Jealous!

 

[macagain]

Not having the split screen kb is the only thing stopping me getting a new iPad. Really annoying. All I can say is everyone here please go submit a feature request at https://www.apple.com/feedback/ipad.html. I submit one every time a new iPadOS comes out w/o it. I'm probably too optimistic, but maybe if enough people raise their hands, it *might* come back...

 

[UrbanExtant]

Yeah, at this point I would gladly pay for a split keyboard. I’m getting used to the mini keyboard on the side, but it’s not great.

Handy Keyboard hasn't been updated in ages, but it still works well, and is what I use. I hated the loss of split keyboard on my 12.9". Of all the keyboards I tested, this was the best functioning, and one with least amount of compromises. I may create my own at some point in time, since it seems Handy Keyboard

 

[Stoianski]

Handy Keyboard hasn't been updated in ages, but it still works well, and is what I use. I hated the loss of split keyboard on my 12.9". Of all the keyboards I tested, this was the best functioning, and one with least amount of compromises. I may create my own at some point in time, since it seems Handy Keyboard

Can you please post a screenshot of this keyboard?

 

[brilliantthings]

Handy Keyboard hasn't been updated in ages, but it still works well, and is what I use. I hated the loss of split keyboard on my 12.9". Of all the keyboards I tested, this was the best functioning, and one with least amount of compromises. I may create my own at some point in time, since it seems Handy Keyboard

Please create your own. I'll pay for it.