Comparison

PLKeyboard vs ShanKeyboard

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

Head to head
About

PLKeyboard

Type in various Southeast Asian scripts with this Unicode keyboard. It offers multiple layouts, word suggestions, and handwriting input. Customize appearance and enjoy on-device processing for privacy.

Highlights
  • Multiple Southeast Asian keyboard layouts
  • Word suggestions for Shan and Burmese
  • Handwriting-style input
  • Customizable themes and appearance
  • On-device privacy processing
  • Open-source project
Features
Read full description

PLKeyboard is a Unicode keyboard for Southeast Asian scripts that are often underserved by other keyboards. Type naturally in Shan, Burmese, Khmer, and many Tai-family languages — all from one keyboard. KEYBOARD LAYOUTS Switch between layouts with a single tap on the in-keyboard globe key: 1) PangLong (Shan) 2) Shan (SIL) 3) Burmese 4) Khamti 5) Tai Le 6) Tai Ahom 7) Tai Lue — with native digits 8) Tai Dam 9) Sgaw Karen 10) Pa-Oh 11) Khmer 12) Mon 13) Lao You choose which layouts appear in your rotation, so the globe key only cycles through the ones you use. TYPING FEATURES - Word suggestions for Shan and Burmese with an on-device dictionary - Handwriting-style input: type prefix vowels in natural order and the keyboard arranges them correctly - Double-tap a vowel key for its alternate form, smart typing - Native digit rows for scripts that use their own numerals APPEARANCE - System Default keeps the familiar iOS keyboard look - Color themes including Gold, Midnight Blue, and Forest Green - A custom color builder to design your own theme - Each theme adapts to light and dark mode - Optional key sound and haptic feedback PRIVACY PLKeyboard processes everything on your device. Your typing is not collected, stored, or sent anywhere. The keyboard automatically disables suggestions in password, payment, and one-time-code fields. PLKeyboard is an open-source project, built on the MIT-licensed ShanKeyboard, and made for communities whose scripts deserve first-class keyboard support on iOS. PLKEYBOARD PREMIUM Premium unlocks all color themes, the custom color builder, and removes ads. Available as monthly, or yearly plans. - Payment is charged to your Apple ID at confirmation of purchase. - Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. - Your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours before the period ends, at the same price. - Manage or cancel anytime in your Apple ID Account Settings. Privacy Policy: https://pldev.top/ios/privacy.html Terms of Use: https://pldev.top/ios/terms.html

About

ShanKeyboard

This app provides a native-feeling keyboard experience for the Shan language on iOS. It offers two layout options and basic text auto-completion, prioritizing simplicity and privacy.

Highlights
  • Native iOS keyboard feel
  • SIL Standard layout
  • Panglong layout
  • Basic auto-complete
  • Auto-suggestion for Shan language
  • Privacy-focused design
Features
Read full description

This project aims to make customizing the Shan language keyboard layout for iOS much easier—until native support by Apple becomes available. **Just Type** This project aims to replicate the native iOS keyboard layout experience for the Shan language. It prioritizes simplicity: - No fancy themes (though they could be added later). - No cluttered settings buttons (which can also be added later). - No privacy concerns—just type! **Features** - Two available keyboard layouts: SIL Standard, Panglong - Feel native - Basic text auto-complete, auto-suggestion for Shan language

Screenshots

PLKeyboard4 screens
ShanKeyboard4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ShanKeyboard at 100% against PLKeyboard's 0%. ShanKeyboard also leads on rating (4.4 vs 2.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 2). PLKeyboard's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, 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

Both are free to download. PLKeyboard sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. ShanKeyboard asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ShanKeyboard holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShanKeyboard has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of PLKeyboard's written reviews are positive against 100% of ShanKeyboard's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PLKeyboard ships an update every 2 weeks, ShanKeyboard every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
PLKeyboard versus ShanKeyboard: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPLKeyboardShanKeyboard
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.0 (1 ratings)4.4 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings15 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size35 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSai Tawng PhaNorhsangpha Boonhse

Customer experience

PLKeyboard

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

ShanKeyboard

All ratings5 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PLKeyboard

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly$1.991 Month
  • Yearly$9.991 Year
None

ShanKeyboard

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PLKeyboard free?
PLKeyboard is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ShanKeyboard free?
ShanKeyboard is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, PLKeyboard or ShanKeyboard?
ShanKeyboard is rated higher. PLKeyboard averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while ShanKeyboard averages 4.4 from 5 ratings.
Do PLKeyboard or ShanKeyboard have ads?
PLKeyboard shows ads; ShanKeyboard does not.
Which is updated more often, PLKeyboard or ShanKeyboard?
PLKeyboard ships an update every 2 weeks, and ShanKeyboard every 2 months. Most recently, PLKeyboard was updated on October 17, 2026 and ShanKeyboard on October 24, 2026.

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