Acti vs Gboard: Agentic Keyboard vs AI Keyboard
Acti is an emerging agentic keyboard that executes cross-app tasks from the keyboard. Gboard is Google's mature AI keyboard focused on text prediction, swipe typing, and optional features that vary by platform and device. They represent two different philosophies of what a smart keyboard should do. Here's how they actually compare.
Acti
A recently launched agentic keyboard for iOS and Android. Triggers searches, connected workflows, and custom skills from the keyboard instead of only improving text.
Full reviewGboard with Gemini
Google's mature AI keyboard with predictions, swipe typing, voice input, multilingual support, and Gemini-powered assistance where available. Best on Android.
Full reviewSide-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Acti | Gboard |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Agentic keyboard (emerging) | AI keyboard with Google ecosystem features |
| Core function | Executes cross-app tasks — search, book, share, compose | Improves typing — predictions, swipe, and supported voice input |
| Platforms | iOS, Android | Android (best), iOS |
| Maturity | Early-stage, features evolving rapidly | Mature, widely used Google keyboard |
| Search | Web search from the keyboard with action-oriented results | Search and sharing where offered; availability varies by platform, device, and app version |
| Text prediction | Context-aware suggestions tied to actions, not just next-word | ML-powered next-word prediction, swipe typing, multilingual |
| Voice input | Not a primary focus | Google voice typing features where available |
| Multilingual | More limited during early rollout | Broad multilingual support with language switching |
| Writing polish | Not designed for grammar or tone improvement | Writing suggestions and proofreading where available |
| Ecosystem | Standalone emerging product | Google typing, voice, and translation features where supported |
| Privacy model | iOS Full Access for networked features; connected-service authorizations vary by skill | On-device and cloud options; incognito mode available |
| Agentic potential | Already executes tasks — the clearest agentic keyboard example | Search and predictions are building blocks, but not fully agentic |
Agentic keyboard (emerging)
AI keyboard with Google ecosystem features
Executes cross-app tasks — search, book, share, compose
Improves typing — predictions, swipe, and supported voice input
iOS, Android
Android (best), iOS
Early-stage, features evolving rapidly
Mature, widely used Google keyboard
Web search from the keyboard with action-oriented results
Search and sharing where offered; availability varies by platform, device, and app version
Context-aware suggestions tied to actions, not just next-word
ML-powered next-word prediction, swipe typing, multilingual
Not a primary focus
Google voice typing features where available
More limited during early rollout
Broad multilingual support with language switching
Not designed for grammar or tone improvement
Writing suggestions and proofreading where available
Standalone emerging product
Google typing, voice, and translation features where supported
iOS Full Access for networked features; connected-service authorizations vary by skill
On-device and cloud options; incognito mode available
Already executes tasks — the clearest agentic keyboard example
Search and predictions are building blocks, but not fully agentic
Head-to-Head: Common Tasks
Which keyboard fits better for everyday tasks? Here is a practical breakdown.
Acti is built for this — search and book from the keyboard without leaving the chat.
Where Gboard offers Search, it can help find a restaurant; completing a booking still uses a browser or supported app.
Caveat: Acti's booking integrations may be limited by region and partner availability during early rollout.
Acti focuses on actions, not swipe typing. Text entry is functional but basic.
Well-refined swipe typing and autocorrect, especially on Android.
Caveat: If you swipe-type most of the time, Gboard is the better daily driver.
Acti does not offer grammar checking or tone adjustment.
Writing suggestions and proofreading where available. For dedicated writing polish, Grammarly Keyboard is stronger.
Caveat: Neither keyboard is primarily a writing assistant. Grammarly Keyboard is the better tool for writing quality.
More limited language support during early rollout.
Broad multilingual support, language switching, and Google Translate integration where available.
Caveat: Acti may add more languages over time, but Gboard has a years-long head start.
Voice input is not a core focus for Acti.
Google voice typing is mature and useful where supported.
Caveat: For dedicated voice dictation, Wispr Flow is purpose-built and may be a better fit than either.
Core value proposition — execute actions inline without leaving your current app.
Search and sharing can save some switching where offered, but they do not provide general cross-app task execution.
Caveat: Acti's action coverage is growing but not universal. Not every workflow is supported yet.
Networked iOS features use Full Access; individual skills may request separate service authorizations.
Basic typing and networked features have different data flows; review the enabled features and privacy settings.
Caveat: Compare the permissions and data handling for the workflow you actually use; neither product is automatically more private.
Feature availability varies by platform, region, and rollout stage. Both products are updated frequently. Check the current app listing for the latest capabilities in your area.
Verdict by User Type
Acti is built for this. Execute search, booking, and sharing actions without leaving your current app. The clearest agentic keyboard available.
Years of swipe typing, prediction, and autocorrect refinement. If typing speed and accuracy are your priority, Gboard is the better daily driver.
Both are available. Choose Gboard for mature everyday typing; choose Acti to experiment with connected skills and keyboard-triggered actions.
Acti is the best way to experience agentic keyboard capabilities on iOS today. Keep Gboard or your default keyboard for general typing.
Gboard has broad multilingual support and language switching. Acti's language support is more limited during early rollout.
Compare current privacy disclosures, enabled cloud features, and connected-service authorizations. iOS Full Access enables keyboard networking; it does not grant general screen access.
Many early Acti users keep Gboard for daily typing and activate Acti when they need to execute tasks. The two keyboards complement each other.
Agentic Keyboard vs AI Keyboard
This comparison reflects a broader distinction in the keyboard market. Acti is an agentic keyboard — it executes tasks. Gboard is an AI keyboard — it improves typing. See our full guide to agentic vs AI keyboards and our best agentic keyboard apps.