Comparison

VimKey vs minimalVNC

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

Head to head
About

VimKey

Enhance your mobile editing experience with Vim-style navigation and dedicated arrow keys. This app offers precise cursor control for developers and power users on iOS devices, bringing desktop-level efficiency to your fingertips.

Highlights
  • Vim-style HJKL navigation
  • Dedicated directional arrow keys
  • Dual layout switching
  • Privacy-focused data handling
  • Haptic feedback and click sounds
Features
Read full description

【Master Your Cursor on iOS】 As a developer, I was frustrated with editing code and managing SSH sessions on my iPhone. The native "magnifying glass" cursor is slow, and my fingers often blocked the text I was trying to select. I built VimKey to scratch my own itch. It brings the precision of desktop editing to your mobile device. Key Features: * Vim-Style Navigation: Use the legendary HJKL (←↓↑→) keys to move the cursor. Keep your hands on the keyboard and fly through text. * Dedicated Arrow Keys: Includes a standard directional pad for precise control without blocking the screen. * Dual Layouts: Seamlessly switch between the navigation layout and a standard QWERTY keyboard (Unlock QWERTY for 30 minutes by watching a short ad, or unlock forever with a one-time purchase). * Privacy First: We respect your data. "Full Access" is requested ONLY to provide haptic feedback and click sounds. We strictly do NOT collect, store, or transmit your keystrokes. Important Note: * Due to browser limitations on iOS, special keys (Esc, Tab, Ctrl) and arrow keys do NOT work in browser-based WebSSH clients. For the best experience, please use a native Terminal app. Contact: I'm actively improving this app based on user feedback. Email: mozhenbear@zodic.dev

About

minimalVNC

Features
Read full description

A VNC client that does exactly what it should — connect fast, render fast, type correctly — and nothing else. Native SwiftUI, tiny footprint, no accounts, no telemetry. THE MODERN VNC STACK • RFB 3.8 with Tight + JPEG encoding — smooth at 1920×1080 and beyond • Encrypted by default: VeNCrypt over TLS 1.3, with trust-on-first-use for self-signed homelab certificates • Works with wayvnc, TigerVNC, TightVNC, x11vnc, Xvnc and more MADE FOR TOUCH • Trackpad-style pointer: your screen is the trackpad — tap to click, two-finger tap for right click, two-finger drag to scroll, pinch to zoom • Full keyboard support: Esc, Tab, Ctrl, Alt, Super and F-keys on an accessory bar with sticky modifiers, plus hardware keyboards on iPad • Full UTF-8 clipboard sync in both directions SYNCED WITH YOUR MAC • Favourites sync across iPhone, iPad and Mac via iCloud • Passwords stay in your Keychain and sync via iCloud Keychain • One purchase unlocks Pro everywhere — minimalVNC is also on the Mac App Store FREE TO CONNECT, FOREVER Quick connect, two saved favourites and every encoding and cipher — free. minimalVNC Pro (subscription or one-time lifetime unlock) adds unlimited favourites and more. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://minimalvnc.weinmayr.co/privacy.html

Screenshots

VimKey3 screens
minimalVNC4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: VimKey at 15.6 against minimalVNC's 17.0. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. VimKey sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and minimalVNC sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
VimKey versus minimalVNC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVimKeyminimalVNC
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerchuncheng suChristian Weinmayr

In-app purchases

1 purchases

VimKey

One-time1
  • qwert Layout$2.99
3 purchases

minimalVNC

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Pro Yearly$6.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Lifetime$17.99

Questions

Is VimKey free?
VimKey is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is minimalVNC free?
minimalVNC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do VimKey or minimalVNC have ads?
Neither VimKey nor minimalVNC shows ads.

Other comparisons