Google just added haptic feedback to Gboard’s iOS keyboard

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Vibration nerds, rejoice! The day has come.

Haptic feedback is finally coming to Gboard’s keyboard today. First spotted by 9to5Google, version 1.40 of Google’s Gboard for iOS now gives users an option to feel vibrations anytime they press down on a key.

To put things in perspective, Apple’s own built-in iOS keyboard doesn’t even offer this.

Sure, this isn’t the first third-party keyboard to offer haptic feedback, but most of the ones that offer them are ones you have to pay for. And if you’re like me, throwing away real hard-earned money on a stupid keyboard that vibrates anytime I press a key is just plain ridiculous.

Haptic feedback on Gboard’s iOS app isn’t turned on by default; you’ll have to turn it on manually. To do this, head into the app and under “Keyboard Settings” toggle on “Enable haptic feedback on key press.”

I just turned it on a few hours ago, and I really like it so far. It’s a real subtle vibration – you barely feel it – but it’s enough that you know you’re pressing down on a key, which is always nice.

Some users might find this useful, but I’m sure others will avoid the new feature. Try it out for a few hours and see if it’s a good fit for you. If you’re someone who types on a physical keyboard all day, this might be for you.

The Gboard keyboard app can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Royole made a rollable keyboard to flex on Samsung
• Razer’s first Xbox keyboard and mouse combo is a big ‘no’ from me
• The first keyboard and mouse built for Xbox was just teased by Razer
• You’ll soon be able to own the noobs with a keyboard and mouse on your Xbox One
• This keyboard makes your iPad Pro look even more like the laptop it’s supposed to replace

Kevin Raposo

Kevin is KnowTechie's founder and executive editor. With over 15 years of blogging experience in the tech industry, Kevin has transformed what was once a passion project into a full-blown tech news publication. Shoot him an email at kevin@knowtechie.com.