T9 Keyboard

T9 Keyboard

Mobile software keyboard for quick word typing, using predictive text to suggest complete words after initial key presses

What is T9 Keyboard?

T9 Keyboard is a software keyboard developed in the 1990s for use on mobile phones and devices with a numeric keypad. It allows users to type words and phrases quickly using predictive text and by pressing each key a number of times to input different letters.

The software works by having an internal dictionary of words that users are likely to type. As the user presses numeric keys, the software matches the key presses to possible letter combinations and offers predictions of the complete word the user intends to type. For example, pressing "2" once enters an "a", twice for a "b", and three times for a "c".

By only requiring a single keypress for each letter, words can be typed very rapidly. T9 keyboards greatly improved text entry speed compared to multi-tap interfaces common on early mobiles. The software continues to be used on numeric keypad devices today.

Key benefits of T9 Keyboard include:

• Faster typing than multi-tap interfaces
• Word predictions reduce key presses
• Works well on numeric keypads
• Helpful for users prone to typing errors
• Supported on older mobiles and specialty devices

While less common with the prevalence of touchscreens, T9 remains useful for efficient text input without a full keyboard.

T9 Keyboard Features

Official Links