Best On Screen Bangla Keyboard Tools for Fast Bengali TypingBengali (Bangla) is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 250 million speakers. For many users—students, professionals, content creators, and casual typists—typing quickly and accurately in Bangla on computers and mobile devices matters. On-screen Bangla keyboard tools remove the need for a physical Bengali keyboard, letting you type using a mouse, touch screen, or your existing Latin-keyboard layout. This article reviews the best on-screen Bangla keyboard tools, compares their strengths, and offers practical tips to boost your Bengali typing speed.
Why use an on-screen Bangla keyboard?
An on-screen Bangla keyboard is useful when:
- You don’t have a physical Bangla keyboard.
- You’re using a public or shared computer where installing software isn’t possible.
- You prefer typing with a mouse or touchscreen.
- You need to type in Bangla on devices with different operating systems without changing hardware.
On-screen keyboards vary: some mimic physical Bengali layouts (InScript, Bijoy), others transliterate (you type phonetically in Latin letters and get Bangla), and several offer predictive text, autocorrect, and customizable layouts.
Top on-screen Bangla keyboard tools
Below are popular, reliable tools that cover desktop and mobile needs. They are grouped by type and include their standout features.
- Google Input Tools (Online & Chrome extension)
- Overview: Google Input Tools supports Bangla transliteration and virtual keyboard input. Type Bangla phonetically in Latin letters (e.g., “ami banglay gan gai”) and it converts to Bengali script.
- Strengths: Fast transliteration, large dictionary, simple UI, works across websites via browser extension, offline desktop versions exist for some platforms.
- Limitations: Extension support varies by browser; full desktop installers are no longer officially maintained by Google for every OS.
- Avro Keyboard (Desktop & On-screen)
- Overview: Avro Keyboard is a free, open-source Bangla typing software with a powerful on-screen keyboard, multiple typing modes (Avro Phonetic, Probhat, Unijoy, InScript), and layout switching.
- Strengths: Highly configurable, robust predictive typing, supports custom layouts, widely used in Bangladesh, can switch between layouts on the fly.
- Limitations: Primarily Windows-focused; macOS/Linux versions exist but may require extra setup.
- Bijoy Onscreen Keyboard (Commercial)
- Overview: Bijoy is a long-standing Bangla typing solution adopting the Bijoy layout popular among many typists and publishers.
- Strengths: Industry-standard in some publishing circles, accurate mapping to traditional Bijoy users, professional support.
- Limitations: Paid software; transliteration features are less emphasized than layout fidelity.
- Ridmik Keyboard (Mobile)
- Overview: Ridmik is a popular Bangla keyboard for Android and iOS that offers a touch-friendly on-screen keyboard with phonetic typing, themes, emoji support, and swipe input.
- Strengths: Fast mobile typing, many customization options, modern features (themes, emoji, clipboard).
- Limitations: Mobile-only; some users prefer alternative phonetic mappings.
- Bangla Typing (Web-based)
- Overview: Several web services (e.g., banglatyping.com and similar sites) provide simple on-screen Bangla keyboards and transliteration boxes that work in any browser.
- Strengths: No installation, works on any OS with a browser, useful for quick typing or when software installation is restricted.
- Limitations: Feature set limited compared to dedicated apps; dependent on internet access for some services.
Comparison table
| Tool | Platform | Typing Method | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Input Tools | Web/Chrome | Transliteration & keyboard | Easy cross-site typing | Free |
| Avro Keyboard | Windows (others available) | Phonetic, Probhat, InScript, Unijoy | Power users; customization | Free |
| Bijoy | Windows | Bijoy layout (onscreen) | Traditional/Publishing workflows | Paid |
| Ridmik Keyboard | Android/iOS | Touch keyboard; phonetic | Mobile users | Free (in-app purchases) |
| Web-based Bangla Typing | Any (browser) | On-screen keys/transliteration | Quick use, no install | Free |
Tips to type Bengali faster
- Choose the right input method: Phonetic/transliteration is easiest to learn; InScript or Bijoy might be faster for trained touch-typists.
- Practice with typing tests: Use online Bengali typing tests to track WPM and accuracy.
- Customize layouts: Tools like Avro let you remap keys and add shortcuts—tailor the layout to your habits.
- Learn common ligatures and conjuncts: Bengali has conjunct consonants; familiarity helps you anticipate and correct outputs quickly.
- Use predictive text and autocorrect: Many tools suggest whole words, reducing keystrokes.
- Use clipboard managers and templates for repeated phrases (e.g., signatures).
Setup quick-starts
- Windows (Avro): Download Avro Installer → Install → Open Avro Control Panel → Choose typing mode (Avro Phonetic recommended) → Use the on-screen keyboard from system tray.
- Browser (Google Input Tools/online): Install extension or open the web tool → Select Bangla → Start typing transliterated Bangla in any textbox.
- Mobile (Ridmik): Install from Play Store/App Store → Enable Bangla keyboard in system settings → Select Ridmik as active keyboard → Switch between Latin and Bangla layouts with the globe/icon.
Accessibility and privacy considerations
On-screen keyboards can improve accessibility for users with limited mobility because they allow mouse/touch input. When using web-based and cloud-enabled tools, be mindful of privacy—avoid typing sensitive personal data in third-party online editors unless you trust their policies.
Conclusion
For most users wanting to type Bangla quickly without hardware changes, Avro Keyboard (for desktop) and Ridmik Keyboard (for mobile) offer the best combination of speed, features, and flexibility. For occasional users or cross-device typing, Google Input Tools or simple web-based on-screen keyboards are convenient. Choose based on whether you prefer phonetic transliteration (fast to learn) or a traditional layout (faster once mastered).
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