Top Keyman Alternatives: Expanding Your Multilingual Typing Options

Keyman, with its impressive support for over 1000 languages, has long been a go-to solution for typing in languages not natively supported by Windows. It even allows users to create custom keyboards with Keyman Developer. However, the free version limits you to just two languages, which might not be enough for everyone. If you're looking for a Keyman alternative that offers more flexibility, different features, or broader platform support, you're in the right place. This article explores several excellent substitutes that can help you type in your preferred language seamlessly.

Best Keyman Alternatives

Whether you're a polyglot, a developer, or simply need more extensive language support, these Keyman alternatives provide robust solutions for your multilingual typing needs. Let's dive into some of the best options available.

Uosk

Uosk is a lightweight, open-source tool for Windows that serves as an excellent Keyman alternative for those who frequently work with text files in various encodings. It opens ASCII, ANSI, UTF-8, and UTF-16 text files, converting words into clickable buttons for easy input. Key features include its customizable nature, on-screen keyboard functionality, and robust support for Unicode, making it highly versatile.

Azhagi+ (AzhagiPlus)

Azhagi+ (AzhagiPlus) is a fantastic free Keyman alternative, particularly for users interested in Indian languages. Available on Windows and Android, this software enables typing in numerous Indian languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Telugu. It also provides a convenient phonetic keyboard, making it easy to type even if you're not familiar with traditional keyboard layouts for these languages.

Sinhala Keyhelp

For those specifically looking to type in Sinhala, Sinhala Keyhelp offers a streamlined and efficient Keyman alternative. This free Windows application runs in the background, expertly managing modifiers (pillam) as you type, providing a smooth and natural writing experience. It focuses on delivering a seamless Sinhala input method without unnecessary complexities.

Sellinam

Sellinam is a prominent free Keyman alternative for mobile users, specifically designed for Tamil text input on Android, iPhone, and iPad devices. First developed in 2003, it has evolved to include support for a Tamil phonetic keyboard, making typing in Tamil intuitive and accessible on the go. Its long-standing presence and mobile focus make it a strong contender for anyone needing Tamil language support on their smart devices.

PolyglotKeyboard

PolyglotKeyboard stands out as a unique free Keyman alternative, particularly for those working with African languages. Available as both a PC (Windows) and Android application, it allows users to type characters not typically found on standard keyboards. Its specific focus on African languages makes it an invaluable tool for researchers, linguists, and native speakers who require specialized character input.

Choosing the best Keyman alternative depends heavily on your specific language needs, platform preference, and desired features. Whether you need broad Unicode support, specialized Indian or African language input, or a mobile-first solution, the options above provide excellent alternatives to Keyman. Explore them to find the perfect fit for your multilingual typing endeavors.