Forethumb vs azooKey
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Forethumb
This keyboard app allows users to input text on their iOS devices using Morse code. It offers single-key or paddle input methods, with options for sound feedback and customizable gap lengths. It supports alphabets, numbers, some symbols, and Japanese characters.
- Morse code input (single key or paddle)
- Sound feedback on input
- Swipe gestures for delete/space
- Customizable gap length
- Supports alphabets, numbers, symbols, Japanese
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Forethumb enables you to input characters on your iOS device with morse code. You can type sentences blindfold, if you memorized morse code for forethumb. [Function] - Character input is possible by single key type or paddle type Morse input. - The sound is played when you input the morse code. - In the case of the single key type, swiping the key to the left will "delete" and swiping to the right will "enter space". - You can change the default gap length. [Functional Limitations] - The characters that you can enter are alphabets, numbers, some symbols, and Japanese. [Attention] - You have to do the additional procedure of Forethumb to use it (Settings -> General -> Keyboard). - Then, you also have to turn on the "Full Access" for Forethumb. * Please don’t worry; The developer does not collect your data at all. [Support] - Please do not hesitate to contact the developer for any defect reports or questions/requests. - The developer will consider any requests about additional function. - The developer may end support for older iOS without notice.
azooKey
This app offers a highly customizable Japanese keyboard with advanced conversion and typing assistance. It features offline processing, user-defined layouts, and privacy-focused design. Enjoy effortless Japanese typing with personalized shortcuts and smooth cursor control.
- Neural kana-kanji conversion engine
- Customizable key layouts and tabs
- Live, real-time text conversion
- Cursor movement and one-handed mode
- Clipboard history and user dictionary support
- Offline processing for privacy
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—— azooKey - A Fully Customizable Japanese Keyboard —— High-accuracy conversion, deep customization, and live conversion—all in one app for effortless typing. Open-source, completely free, and built with a privacy-first design so you can use it with confidence. ▶ Cutting-Edge Conversion System ・Powered by “Zenzai,” our neural kana-kanji conversion engine ・Smarter, context-aware conversion that runs entirely offline ▶ Customization ・Edit anything from a single key to entire layouts ・Call up symbols, kaomoji, and snippets instantly with Custom Tabs ・Create GODAN or your own layouts with just a few taps ・Personalize the keyboard’s appearance with easy theming ▶ Live Conversion ・macOS-style real-time conversion optimized for iOS ・Our lightweight engine delivers fast, accurate text conversion ▶ Smooth Typing Assistance ・Hold the spacebar to move the cursor; hold Delete for one-stroke delete and undo ・One-handed mode, adjustable height, and text size for comfortable use on large screens ・Enlarge conversion candidates for quick confirmation of complex kanji ・Cursor movement by flick and a convenient Paste button are also supported ▶ Power-User Features ・Clipboard history saved automatically ・Full support for the iOS user dictionary ・Unicode conversion, half-width kana, random conversion, date insertion, and more advanced options ▶ Privacy & Trust ・Completely offline design that never collects your input ・Source code available on GitHub for anyone to inspect and improve ・No ads, no in-app purchases—every feature is free Supported OS: iOS / iPadOS 17.6 or later (latest version recommended) How to use: Download → Enable in the app → Select azooKey from the globe icon Try a typing environment tailored to you with azooKey.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: azooKey at Free against Forethumb's $0.99. Forethumb's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.2). On review sentiment, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
azooKey is free to download; Forethumb costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Forethumb holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 5 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of Forethumb's written reviews are positive against 71% of azooKey's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Forethumb ships an update every 2 weeks, azooKey every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Forethumb | azooKey |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (8 ratings) — better | 4.2 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 64.3% of reviews | 71.2% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 8 — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 71 MB | 179 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Takuto Nakamura | Keita Miwa |
Customer experience
Forethumb
azooKey
In-app purchases
Forethumb
No in-app purchases
azooKey
No in-app purchases









