Comparison

Valiance Backbone for CW vs Forethumb

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

Head to head
About

Valiance Backbone for CW

Decode Morse code signals in real-time using your device's microphone. This app employs advanced FFT technology to accurately distinguish transceiver signals from noise, offering a high success rate for radio communications. It features a range of tools for signal analysis and log management.

Highlights
  • Real-time Morse code decoding via microphone
  • Advanced FFT technology for signal detection
  • Minimizes false decodes from noise
  • Morse Sound Recorder & Player
  • Export text logs and audio data
  • Predictive decoding for difficult codes
  • Tone and sound pressure measurement
Features
Read full description

Morse Decoder: Valiance Backbone for CW (VBC) VBC is the No. 1 Morse code decoder in the Japanese market, encompassing both paid and free categories. This app allows you to decode Morse code using the built-in microphone of your iPhone or iPod touch. VBC utilizes the world's fastest FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) technology to detect and decode carriers. It is specifically designed to minimize false decodes from atmospheric noise, voices, or beep sounds (square or trapezoidal waves). While it will not decode vocalized "dit-dah" sounds, it offers an extremely high success rate for decoding actual transceiver signals. (Please check our videos of real DX station communications). We believe its decoding capability surpasses that of many expensive dedicated hardware units and PC software. The carrier detection mode is highly effective, making it a truly practical tool for active hunting and pouncing in real-world radio operations. The default settings are optimized for the best performance balance. We recommend testing it with an actual radio (800Hz tone) at a short distance using the default configuration. Key Features: Morse Sound Recorder & Player Export text logs, audio data, and history via email Timestamp and cancel stamp insertion in logs Predictive decoding for difficult or connected Morse codes Zero-in Tone Indicator / Shift-in Indicator Tone frequency measurement (±5Hz) Sound pressure measurement (dB) Audio frequency response measurement & automatic correction Peak search / Manual frequency setting (double-tap screen) Automatic speed tracking / Manual speed setting (double-tap screen) Auto Level / Auto Threshold / Manual Threshold (double-tap screen) Noise reduction & waveform shaping via carrier detection Japanese (Wabun) Morse support Signal level adjustment Input Level Over-Range Indicator When the input level exceeds the range (Over-Range), the waveform becomes distorted, leading to poor decoding accuracy. If this happens, please move your device further away from the radio. (Avoid placing the device directly on a vibrating radio; maintain a sufficient distance. The app is designed to decode accurately even from a significant distance.)Supports decoding speeds from 5 to 40 WPM For more information and to see the app in action, please visit our YouTube channel for Real-DX videos and more: http://goo.gl/ALXAqH http://goo.gl/yEu3d1 http://goo.gl/7gp4yw Note: Due to scrolling issues on the decode screen since iOS 8, we utilize the following library for text display. Our sincere thanks to the developer: SECoreTextView Created by kishikawa katsumi on 2015/03/25. Copyright (c) 2013-2015 kishikawa katsumi. All rights reserved.

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.

Screenshots

Valiance Backbone for CW4 screens
Forethumb4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Forethumb at 4.8 against Valiance Backbone for CW's 2.0. Forethumb also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 11 months). Valiance Backbone for CW's advantage is review sentiment (73% vs 64%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.4). On ads, monetization model and device support 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

Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99 and Forethumb $0.99 up front. Valiance Backbone for CW sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Forethumb asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Forethumb holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Forethumb has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 73% of Valiance Backbone for CW's written reviews are positive against 64% of Forethumb's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Valiance Backbone for CW ships an update every 11 months, Forethumb every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Valiance Backbone for CW versus Forethumb: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterValiance Backbone for CWForethumb
Price$3.99$0.99 — better
Rating2.0 (1 ratings)4.8 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews72.7% of reviews — better64.3% of reviews
Number of ratings18 — better
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB71 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNobTakuto Nakamura

Customer experience

Valiance Backbone for CW

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive72.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative27.3%

Forethumb

All ratings8 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive64.3%
Neutral7.1%
Negative28.6%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Valiance Backbone for CW

One-time4
  • Tip for the Developer$0.99
  • Standard Support$4.99
  • Premium$9.99
Show 1 more
  • Ultimate Supporter$29.99
None

Forethumb

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Valiance Backbone for CW free?
Valiance Backbone for CW costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Forethumb free?
Forethumb costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Valiance Backbone for CW or Forethumb?
Forethumb is rated higher. Valiance Backbone for CW averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Forethumb averages 4.8 from 8 ratings.
Do Valiance Backbone for CW or Forethumb have ads?
Neither Valiance Backbone for CW nor Forethumb shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Valiance Backbone for CW or Forethumb?
Valiance Backbone for CW ships an update every 11 months, and Forethumb every 2 weeks. Most recently, Valiance Backbone for CW was updated on November 6, 2026 and Forethumb on November 8, 2026.

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