Comparison

VimKey vs Pocket Board

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 Editing code and managing SSH sessions on a mobile device can be painful. The default magnifying glass cursor is imprecise, and fingers often block the exact characters you need to select. VimKey brings desktop level cursor precision to your iPhone and iPad. Key Features Dedicated Arrow Keys and Joystick Navigation Move the cursor step by step with dedicated arrow keys or the touch joystick pad. Navigate across lines effortlessly without obscuring the screen. Vim Style Navigation Fly through documents with classic Vim navigation and essential modifier keys designed for developers and terminal users. Select Mode and Quick Copy Toggle Select Mode on and navigate with directional keys to highlight text with ease. Copy selected text straight to the clipboard with one tap. Dual Layouts Switch seamlessly between the navigation layout and a standard QWERTY keyboard. Unlock QWERTY temporarily by watching a short ad, or unlock forever with a one-time purchase. Privacy First Your input belongs to you. Full Access is requested exclusively for haptic feedback and click sounds. We never collect, store, or transmit your keystrokes. Important Note Due to iOS browser limitations, modifier keys such as Esc, Tab, Ctrl, and arrow keys do not function in browser-based WebSSH clients. For the best experience, please use a native Terminal app. Contact Feedback and suggestions are welcome. Email: mozhenbear@zodic.dev

About

Pocket Board

Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone into a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse and trackpad. Type text and numbers, turn pages or move the pointer on devices that support the relevant Bluetooth input. No companion software is needed on the receiving device. Arrow keys and the number pad are free. Pro includes full keyboards with 59, 67 or 81 keys, a trackpad, Video Browsing and exclusive themes. Claim a 7-day trial, then unlock Pro with a one-time purchase if you choose. No auto-renewal or automatic charges. Move the pointer with one finger, tap to left-click, scroll with two fingers, and hold to drag. Dedicated left and right buttons and adjustable pointer sensitivity help you stay in control. Customize key sounds and haptic feedback to suit your preferences. Keep the app in the foreground and follow the pairing guide. The receiving device must support the relevant Bluetooth keyboard or mouse input. Compatibility and shortcuts depend on the device, operating system and software. For a PS5 or TV that accepts keyboard input only, enable Compatibility Mode in Settings; mouse, trackpad and Video Browsing are unavailable in this mode. Video switching and volume control depend on the receiving device and app. After an update, you may need to forget and re-pair Pocket Board.

Screenshots

VimKey3 screens
Pocket Board4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: VimKey at 3 against Pocket Board's 1. VimKey also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 Pocket Board sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VimKey ships an update every 4 days, Pocket Board every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
VimKey versus Pocket Board: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVimKeyPocket Board
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 daysEvery 3 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerchuncheng suCheng Ji

In-app purchases

1 purchases

VimKey

One-time1
  • qwert Layout$2.99
2 purchases

Pocket Board

One-time2
  • 7-Day Pro TrialFree
  • Pocket Board Pro$4.99

Questions

Is VimKey free?
VimKey is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pocket Board free?
Pocket Board is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do VimKey or Pocket Board have ads?
Neither VimKey nor Pocket Board shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VimKey or Pocket Board?
VimKey ships an update every 4 days, and Pocket Board every 3 days. Most recently, VimKey was updated on October 24, 2026 and Pocket Board on October 24, 2026.

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