When Apple released iOS 8, one of the standout features was the ability to use third-party keyboards. This may not seem much, but this is a major form of customization to iOS users. Customized keyboards can deliver various features, such as easier shortcuts, a different way of using your keyboard or even a different keyboard look.

To start using a third-party keyboard, you need to first download a keyboard. When it finishes downloading, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards > Add New Keyboard > Third Party Keyboards. From here, you should be able to see all the new third-party keyboards you have downloaded. Keep in mind, you can only use one keyboard at a time. Tap on the keyboard you want to use, and then toggle Full Access on. You will now be able to use the new keyboard.

Now that you know how to customize your iOS 8 keyboards, here are some fun keyboards to try out.

Swype

Tapping on your iPhone’s screen may be a little too much, so why not start swiping with Swype? This mobile keyboard has been around for some time now but has only been recently available for iOS users. What makes it unique is that you just need to swipe on the letters you need, and then it suggests words for you to use. It may take some time getting used to the new interface and more time adding words to the dictionary, but you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

PopKey Animated GIF Keyboard

If you’re addicted to GIFs and you think you can hold a normal conversation with others using just these animated images, then you should give PopKey a try. Choose from thousands of GIFs, with the most recently used ones readily available for you to use again. Make your messages interesting with cute kittens or create and upload your own GIFs.

SwiftKey

A keyboard that knows what word you are trying to type is one thing, but a keyboard that knows what word you want to type next is another, and that’s what SwiftKey is offering. It learns the words you type, how you type and the words in your own language.

Kiwi

Colorful keyboards or a keyboard that you can put your face onto may be appealing to some people, and that’s what Kiwi offers. What’s more customizable than having your face on a keyboard, right? If you’re not into putting a photo of you, your SO, your pet or whatever your interest is on a keyboard, you can browse keyboards shared by other users. Kiwi is available for free and in a paid version. The free version doesn’t allow you to put images on the keyboard, only to customize the color of it.

Ginger Keyboard + Page

This app not only allows you to customize the keyboard with pre-made themes or by creating and sharing your own themes with the Ginger community, but it may be the perfect tool so you never have to worry about spelling things wrong again. The app allows you to access the Ginger Page app, which reviews your written text for grammar, spelling and punctuation. It also offers text translation, text to speech, personal dictionary and more.

One thing you should know about third-party keyboards is that they need full access to whatever it is you are typing. By having full access, it can learn about us, like the words we frequently use, and then make better suggestions and shortcuts. But it can be a bit creepy knowing that another company knows what you’re typing every time you use your phone.