Comparison

Forethumb vs JongKey

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Morse code input (single key or paddle)
  • Sound feedback on input
  • Swipe gestures for delete/space
  • Customizable gap length
  • Supports alphabets, numbers, symbols, Japanese
Features
Read full description

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.

About

JongKey

Features
Read full description

JongKey is a custom keyboard app that makes it easy to input mahjong tiles. Perfect for recording mahjong games, "What to discard?" discussions, and sharing on social media - making mahjong communication more enjoyable and convenient! 【Key Features】 • Easy input for all 34 types of mahjong tiles and tile backs • Supports two output formats: Unicode emoji and MPS notation • Quick input with intuitive tap operations • Supports Japanese, English, and Chinese (Simplified & Traditional) 【How to Use】 1. Add "JongKey" to keyboards in Settings app 2. Switch keyboards by tapping the globe icon in messaging apps 3. Tap mahjong tiles to input 【Output Formats】 • Unicode: Mahjong tile characters (displayed as emoji) • MPS notation: E S W N, 1m 2m 3m etc. (displayed as text) ※Full Access not required. Your input is not transmitted externally.

Screenshots

Forethumb4 screens
JongKey1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: JongKey at Free against Forethumb's $0.99. JongKey also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 2 weeks). Forethumb's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

JongKey is free to download; Forethumb costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Forethumb ships an update every 2 weeks, JongKey daily. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Forethumb versus JongKey: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterForethumbJongKey
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (8 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews64.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings8 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeksDaily — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.4 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size71 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTakuto NakamuraYuki Takeda

In-app purchases

None

Forethumb

No in-app purchases

None

JongKey

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Forethumb free?
Forethumb costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is JongKey free?
JongKey is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Forethumb or JongKey have ads?
JongKey shows ads; Forethumb does not.
Which is updated more often, Forethumb or JongKey?
Forethumb ships an update every 2 weeks, and JongKey daily. Most recently, Forethumb was updated on October 24, 2026 and JongKey on October 11, 2026.

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