Should you build a product in this niche? An answer from the numbers: search demand, competitors, napkin economics and what to build first.
Updated · How TGGET measures a niche
Verdict · confidence: medium
The keyboard app niche is a 'maybe' due to high competition in app stores (crowded) but open search opportunities (weak SERPs). Demand is growing, and CPC is affordable. However, the market is dominated by giants with high ratings, making organic growth difficult. The entry point 'keyboard for iphone app' has low product competition, suggesting a gap for a privacy-focused, user-friendly alternative that addresses specific complaints about existing apps.
| Factor | Value | Level | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demand | 8,100 searches a month | medium | 0 |
| Change over a year | +50% over a year | growing | +1 |
| App store | 26 of 49 apps with 10,000+ ratings, median 11,129 ratings | held by large apps | -1 |
| Search results | 2 of 3 checked search results are weak, 0 strong | open | +1 |
| Paid traffic | $1.55 a click, people pay in this niche | affordable | +1 |
Sum of scores: +2. The verdict is computed by rules from the numbers of the research; its explanation is written by the model.
Source: TGGET, researched on 27 September 2026.
Entry point: "keyboard for iphone app": 5,400 searches a month, weak search results.
Positioning
A privacy-first, customizable keyboard app for iOS that prioritizes user control, ease of use, and aesthetic flexibility without aggressive monetization or data tracking.
For whom: iOS users frustrated with ad-heavy, data-tracking, or difficult-to-manage keyboard apps; users seeking larger keys for accessibility; privacy-conscious individuals.
Main job: Enable fast, private, and customizable typing on iOS without compromising user experience or privacy.
Platform
IOS
Monetization: Freemium with optional premium features. · Top competitors are free, but users are willing to pay for ad-free experiences (complaints about ads).
1Users cannot easily delete or uninstall the app, feeling trapped. strong
Evidence: 3 complaints about inability to delete the app (Facemoji AI Emoji Keyboard).
What the product does: Ensure seamless uninstallation and clear settings for app management.
2Excessive ads and hidden costs frustrate users. strong
Evidence: 4 complaints about ads and costs (Facemoji, Fonts Art).
What the product does: Offer a clean, ad-free experience or transparent, non-intrusive monetization.
3Privacy concerns due to data tracking and logging. strong
Evidence: 2 complaints about unsafe data logging (Fonts Art).
What the product does: Implement strict privacy policies, no data tracking, and transparent permissions.
4Lack of customization options, such as key size or emoji styles. medium
Evidence: 5 phrases for 'big keyboard' and complaints about forced emoji styles.
What the product does: Provide customizable key sizes, themes, and emoji toggles.
5App instability, such as disappearing or requiring frequent reinstallation. medium
Evidence: 1 complaint about app disappearing (GIF Keyboard).
What the product does: Ensure app stability and reliable performance across iOS updates.
| Feature | Pain | Priority | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy-focused architecture with no data tracking. | №3 | must | Addresses top privacy complaints from competitors. |
| Easy uninstallation and app management. | №1 | must | Resolves user frustration with trapped apps. |
| Ad-free or transparent monetization model. | №2 | must | Counters complaints about excessive ads and costs. |
| Customizable key sizes and themes. | №4 | should | Meets demand for accessibility and aesthetic preferences. |
| Stable performance and compatibility with iOS updates. | №5 | should | Prevents issues like app disappearing. |
| Competitor | Type | Pricing | App | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| makeuseof.com MUO - Technology, Simplified. | SaaS | yes | no | — |
| gboard-go.en.uptodown.com Gboard for Android - Download the APK from Uptodown | SaaS | yes | no | — |
| gboard.en.divxland.org Gboard APK for Android - download | site | no | yes | — |
| GIF Keyboard Tenor, Inc. | App Store | free | yes | 4.7 · 1,422,129 |
| Facemoji AI Emoji Keyboard NEXILEAP PRIVATE LIMITED | App Store | free | yes | 4.7 · 489,613 |
| Fonts Art: Cool Keyboard Maker AIBY Incorporated | App Store | free | yes | 4.6 · 469,585 |
| Kika Keyboard: Custom Themes Beijing Xinmeihutong Technology Co., Ltd. | App Store | free | yes | 4.6 · 324,084 |
| Fonts - AI Stickers Fonts ApS | App Store | free | yes | 4.5 · 287,267 |
Price
$2.99/month or $19.99/year for premium features.
Competitors offer free apps with in-app purchases; users complain about hidden costs, suggesting willingness to pay for transparency.
Does it add up
Payback period of ~3 months, making it viable if retention is maintained.
Customer acquisition cost
$15.50 (assuming 10% conversion rate from paid search).
Paid search: CPC $1.55 · bids $0.35–$1.60 · competition: Low
Revenue per customer
$50 (assuming 3-month retention and $2.99/month subscription).
Assumptions to validate:
Product · 34 · 50,870
keyboard for iphone app (5,400) · gboard keyboard app for iphone (3,600) · gboard keyboard app (12,100) · gboard keyboard app for android (1,600) · keyboard app for android (1,300) · big keyboard app for iphone (880)
Commercial · 2 · 890
free app keyboard (720) · free keyboard app for iphone (170)
Comparisons · 4 · 1,510
best keyboard app android (480) · best keyboard for iphone app (480) · top android keyboard app (480) · best free keyboard app for iphone (70)
home · Core
title: Privacy-First Keyboard App for iOS (34)
H1: Type Privately, Customize Freely
description: A secure, ad-free keyboard app for iOS with customizable themes and key sizes. (78)
keyboard app for iphone · privacy keyboard app · ios keyboard app
Compete with Gboard and Facemoji by emphasizing privacy and customization.
feature · Product
title: Big Keyboard for iOS - Customizable Key Sizes (45)
H1: Easier Typing with Larger Keys
description: Customize your keyboard with larger keys for better accessibility and comfort. (78)
big keyboard app for iphone · large keyboard app for iphone · bigger keyboard app for iphone
Target users seeking accessibility features.
comparison · Comparisons
title: Best iOS Keyboard Apps - Privacy vs. Features (45)
H1: Compare Top iOS Keyboard Apps
description: Find the best iOS keyboard app that balances privacy, customization, and performance. (85)
best keyboard app android · best keyboard for iphone app · top android keyboard app
Capture comparison traffic from users evaluating options.
| Topic | Format | When | Phrases |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Choose a Privacy-Focused Keyboard App | article | February | privacy keyboard app · ios keyboard app privacy |
| Customizing Your iOS Keyboard for Better Accessibility | guide | March | big keyboard app for iphone · large keyboard app for iphone |
Yes, our app does not track or log any personal data. We prioritize your privacy.
Yes, you can adjust key sizes to suit your comfort and accessibility needs.
No, our app is ad-free. Premium features are available via a subscription.
Name: PrivacyKey (10/30)
Subtitle: Secure & Customizable (21/30)
Keywords: keyboard,ios,privacy,custom,themes,accessibility (48/100)
Category: Utilities
Promotional text: Experience a secure, customizable keyboard that respects your privacy.
Screenshots:
Name: PrivacyKey - Secure Keyboard (28/30)
Short description: A privacy-first, customizable keyboard app for iOS. (51/80)
Key phrases: keyboard, ios, privacy, custom, themes, accessibility, secure, ad-free
PrivacyKey is a secure, ad-free keyboard app for iOS that prioritizes user privacy and customization. Enjoy customizable key sizes, themes, and a user-friendly interface without data tracking. Perfect for users seeking a reliable, privacy-focused typing experience.
The research has no Google Play data: recommendations rely on queries and the App Store.
Benchmarks: 4.5+ (targeting top competitors' ratings) · 10,000+ (aiming for median ratings of top apps) · Localizations: en, es, fr, de
| Name | .com | .app | App Store | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PrivacyKey privacykey | — | — | free | Emphasizes privacy and simplicity. |
| SecureType securetype | — | — | free | Highlights security and typing functionality. |
| CustomKey customkey | — | — | free | Focuses on customization features. |
| SafeKeys safekeys | — | — | free | Conveys safety and reliability. |
| PrivateTyping privatetyping | — | — | free | Directly addresses privacy concerns. |
Domains checked via RDAP, names via the App Store. Check trademarks before registering.
Type Privately, Customize Freely
A secure, ad-free keyboard app for iOS with customizable themes and key sizes.
Yes, our app does not track or log any personal data. We prioritize your privacy.
Yes, you can adjust key sizes to suit your comfort and accessibility needs.
No, our app is ad-free. Premium features are available via a subscription.
| Channel | What the data supports | First step | Effort | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Ads Organic search | Low CPC and weak SERPs offer an entry point. | Launch campaigns for 'keyboard for iphone app'. | low | now |
| App Store Optimization App stores | High competition requires strong ASO to stand out. | Optimize title, keywords, and screenshots. | medium | at launch |
| Reddit & HackerNews Communities | Users discuss keyboard app frustrations and privacy concerns. | Engage in threads about iOS keyboard apps. | medium | at launch |
| Blog & Guides Content and video | Informational queries about privacy and customization. | Publish articles on privacy-focused keyboard apps. | medium | later |
| Social Media Ads Paid traffic | Target privacy-conscious users on Facebook and Instagram. | Create ad campaigns targeting iOS users. | high | later |
Metrics:
Interview questions:
| Risk | What to do |
|---|---|
| High competition from established apps. | Focus on niche differentiation (privacy, customization). |
| User churn due to lack of perceived value. | Offer free trial and highlight unique features. |
| Apple's strict App Store guidelines. | Ensure compliance with all App Store policies. |
| Difficulty in acquiring users organically. | Invest in content marketing and community engagement. |
The report was written by a language model from the collected research data and may be inaccurate; each recommendation cites its source, verify it against the raw data. Generated 2026-09-27T18:04:04+00:00.
Data: search demand, search results, the App Store, public-interest and developer community signals. The verdict is computed by rules from these numbers; the explanation and the plan are written by a language model. Both are evidence to check, not a promise.
There is demand, but not everything is in its favour. TGGET scored “keyboard app” +2 on a scale from -6 to +5. In its favour: interest is growing, search results are open, paid traffic is affordable. Against it: the app stores are crowded with large apps. The verdict is “Needs validation”.
TGGET measured 8,100 monthly searches for “keyboard app” in the United States in September 2026. Search interest grew by 50% over a year.
2 of 3 checked search results are weak and 0 are strong. 49 competing apps were found in the App Store; 26 of them have more than 10,000 ratings, and the median app has 11,129 ratings.
A click in paid search costs about $1.55, and competitors in this niche charge for their products.
Through “keyboard for iphone app”: 5,400 searches a month and weak search results.
TGGET computes the verdict by rules from five measured factors: demand, its change over a year, competition in the app stores, the strength of the search results and the cost of paid traffic. Each factor adds or takes away points and the sum decides, so the same numbers always give the same answer. A language model writes the explanation and the plan; it does not choose the verdict.
Three full researches are free: demand, sub-niches, competitors, App Store and community signals, and a report like this one. Type a phrase or describe the idea in your own words.
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