The 8 best free virtual on-screen keyboards for Windows

Top 8 Free On-Screen Keyboard Software: - On-screen keyboards are what we usually see on smartphones and tablets with which no keyboard is provided. On smartphones, on-screen keyboards are the only way you can type, but that's not the case with computers. So why would anyone require an on-screen keyboard for their PC or laptop? In fact, there can be many reasons for this. For example, computer keyboards are usually in English characters, and a particular user may wish to always type in their native language or in a language they are most comfortable with. They may not want to go through a complicated procedure to download that particular font. If so, an on-screen keyboard that offers the full alphabet of their language might be appreciated. Security is another reason why users may prefer on-screen keyboards. On-screen keyboards protect users when they are on an unknown or public network, prevent damage from viruses and other malicious sources, and protect user credentials from being tracked and stored by keyboard detection sources. There are many onscreen keyboards available on the internet, but each offers specific functions, so the user must decide whether they want an onscreen keyboard that focuses more on user protection or multifunctionality. Below we list our 8 best free on-screen keyboards:

Read also: The best keyboard apps for your android phone

1. Free virtual keyboard

This app is completely free and very useful as it can be stored in a pen drive and simply plugged in and used whenever you want. It offers a standard keyboard display on the screen and allows you to type in any window just like a physical keyboard does. The app is capable of resizing quickly and easily, so a user can resize it to suit their needs. The user can also change the keyboard color with a single click on the title bar. The app is easy to install and stays on top of all other open windows, so the user can access it easily. The user can reposition the keyboard to any part of the screen and disable the numeric keypad if necessary. The only drawbacks of this app are that it doesn't support all languages; you are offered only the most popular or well-known ones and limited options to customize your on-screen keyboard experience. Otherwise, this app is worth a try.

You can download the free virtual keyboard here: http://www.mediafreeware.com/free-virtual-keyboard.html

1. Laptop on-screen keyboard

This app isn't particularly attractive, but it offers basic keyboard functions and is easy to reposition on the screen. Portable On-Screen Keyboard also remembers the settings you set when you use the keyboard and keeps those settings for your use next time you want to use it, which is a really cool feature. As far as security is concerned, however, this app cannot protect you from malicious software or tracking sources that obtain and store user credentials such as passwords. However, it does provide protection from hardware keylogging sources. Furthermore, this app is quite light on the system and can be easily stored in USB, which justifies the claim "portable" in its name. Another nice thing about the app is that it is compatible with all versions of Windows, even the rather old Windows 95, so many Windows users can use it.

You can download the portable on-screen keyboard here: http://on-screen-keyboard-portable.en.softonic.com/

1. Comfortable on-screen keyboard Lite

This on-screen keyboard allows the user to use the mouse pointer like a traditional keyboard. The convenience allows you to customize the on-screen keyboard and actually display text suggestions and certain characters typed in various other languages, so there's no need to download a separate keyboard for a specific language if you only want to use a few words or characters from that language. This allows the user to save a lot of space on their system and avoid the confusion that comes with having too many apps for the same purpose. One major drawback of this software, however, is that it is not compatible with all versions of Windows. It is particularly incompatible with previous versions. Also, not all the options offered are available on Comfort Lite, they are only available on the Pro version, which you can try in a 30-day trial or purchase. However, Comfort Lite is free, so that's definitely a plus.

You can download Comfort On-Screen Keyboard Lite here: http://download.cnet.com/Comfort-On-Screen-Keyboard-Lite/

1. Microsoft on-screen keyboard

This is the integrated on-screen keyboard that comes with the Windows system. Offering a clean interface with the blue title bar and Windows background, this app is, of course, free. This keyboard is super easy to use and is much preferred by all Windows users who don't want to download any additional software. It comes in two layouts, standard and extended keyboard. In the extended keyboard layout, all keys including the numeric keypad are displayed, while in the standard layout some keys are omitted to save space. However, one major drawback of this on-screen keyboard is that it cannot be resized except in the Windows 7 version.

To activate the Microsoft On-Screen Keyboard, here are the steps to follow:

• Click on the Start menu and select “All Programs” from the Start menu.
• Click Accessories and then select Accessibility.
• Select the "On Screen Keyboard" option.

1. Click-N-Type

Known for its excellent functionality, Click-N-Type is a free on-screen keyboard app that allows the user to type in any window and any application using the cursor. This app offers cool features like Word Prediction, which any smartphone user would be familiar with and be comfortable with. Even if the user has no experience with a smartphone keyboard, this app makes it easy. Multilingual function is supported and a keyboard is available that is designed to meet the keyboard needs of each individual user. Advanced features like spell checking aren't offered, but the app is reliable and works well. Built with the typing needs of people challenged in mind, this app is truly one of a kind.

You can download Click-N-Type from here: http://cnt.lakefolks.com/

1. TouchIt Virtual Keyboard

This free on-screen keyboard has a very simple layout but offers keyboard customization according to the user's wishes. The app offers features such as switching activities so that the user can switch between windows and type one without having to repeatedly open the on-screen keyboard. The app also allows the user to use the keyboard as a kind of control panel, allowing interaction with other apps via Windows messages. The user can add images to the keyboard layout while customizing and also change the fonts. Some users have complained that the app is constantly crashing which could be a scam if it continues to happen in the long run. Another downside might be that the options that TouchIt offers can get a little tricky to understand and use, so it's downright mind-boggling for novice users.

You can download TouchIt Virtual Keyboard here: http://chessware.ch/virtual-keyboard/

1. SafeKeys in Neo

Focused more on security than offering a large number of features, this app offers excellent protection against screen loggers. Whenever the keyboard opens on the user's screen, it opens in a different part of the screen and the app makes sure that the exact size of the keyboard varies slightly each time so that malicious sources cannot track its movement . Since the SafeKeys user does not have to click while using the SafeKeys keyboard, it is not possible to track mouse movement. Neo's SafeKeys also ensure that user passwords are always protected. This security-oriented app has a neat layout and friendly interface, it's worth it if you're aiming for high security as your first priority in an on-screen keyboard.

You can download Neo's SafeKeys here: http://www.aplin.com.au/

1. Hot virtual keyboard

This app only offers a free trial version; you have to pay if you want the full version. But it's always good to be able to try something and rate it satisfactorily before having to pay and commit, especially when it comes to software and applications. Hot Virtual Keyboard supports various languages ​​and offers autocomplete as a tool to speed up typing, completing words for you. Although some users find this tool a hindrance and highly annoying, other users have blessed it for saving time and increasing efficiency. When it comes to keyboard layouts, Hot Virtual Keyboard is not left behind - it offers over 70 keyboard layouts that the user can choose from or mix and match to create their own custom keyboard. The app also allows you to use it to control many other Windows functions, such as assigning keys to connect or disconnect to a network, turn the monitor off and on, etc. The only disadvantage is that only the trial version is free, but if the user likes it, they can consider the purchase as a long-term investment, as once purchased the app no ​​longer requires payments and offers full services .

You can download Hot Virtual Keyboard from here: http://hot-virtual-keyboard.com/