Are you guys actually using your keyboard

[mikachu]

Title says it all. Now i didnt get this phone for the keyboard, but the onscreen keyboard and swype are just amazing. I love the haptic feedback, once of the best. Swype is so good I honestly rarely using my Physical Keyboard, just wondering if anyone else in the same boat?

Now, I do use it occasionally when entering passwords. And im sure soon when i start writing long messages Ill use the it, unless swype is good for long messages too.

 

[hybrid85]

I use it for some games, I like swype alot though. Still getting used to it...

 

[Andrew Ruffolo]

I don't like swype cause it doesn't recognize much of what I type to log-in to things. I use the keyboard almost exclusively. Just not when apps don't support landscape mode.

 

[zeravla531]

I use Swype for short texts and such. I use the keyboard for longer messages and log-in things which is a nuisance on Swype.

 

[MissJennell#IM]

I use it most of the time. It is why I got the epic. I had the evo and the on screen keyboard and I just don't get along well.

 

[ejohnnyk]

It's funny, I really haven't been using the hard keyboard that much.

The virtual keyboard is quite intuitive and responsive and gets the job done nicely.

I did have to compose a few lengthy e-mails today -- and the hard keyboard was a must -- glad I have it even though I doubt I'll use it for texting that much.

 

[sndplace]

i use it 80% of the time . main reason for getting this phone too for me... i like swype but sometims its a pain. but its also my first time with it si need to get use to it....

 

[punzada]

I've been splitting it up around 50/50 it's more situational if I use it or not at this point (entering case-sensitive password or lots of data - hardware, typical quick use, on-scree/swype).

I've shocked myself at how much I've used the onscreen stuff, made me realize I *could* of dealt with not having the physical keyboard but I still like it for when I'm chatting on meebo or irc.

 

[Monsterr]

I use the hard keyboard constantly.

I don't really like the capacitives on the Epic to much, so the 4 side buttons are SO useful.

Not to mention the application shortcuts which i LOVE.

I like swype and use it when i am walking or dont feel like popping the keyboard out.

 

[madlaw1071]

Between Swype and the extra real estate compared to the iPhone, I find the virtual keyboard to be more than adequate. I am also using Google Voice for short messages. I keep forgetting there's a full blown boss keyboard under the hood!

 

[liquidxit2]

The virtual keyboard is OK, and by saying OK that means its one of the best I have used being as I HATE virtual keyboards. Swype on the other hand is not my friend and I dont think it ever will be. For some reason no matter how much I try it always comes out with typos. As for usage % I would say 95% physical keyboard and 5% portrait virtual. Sometimes Im just to lazy to type in small sentences (5 words or less) so I use the virtual keyboard for those short texts or data entry. Still not a virtual fan AT ALL.

 

[kc8flb]

I have been using keyboard smartphones for about 10 years. I loved the treo form factor and I was very efficient at typing on those keyboards. I purposely waited for the epic because of the keyboard.

I am actually shocked at how much I am using swype. I use the real keyboard for longer posts, but I use swype for text messaging and other stuff. Manually using the on screen keyboard(without swype) really sucks. I am glad I waited for the physical keyboard. Swype plus a physical keyboard is an awesome combo.

 

[anon(47734)]

I use the keyboard 90% of the time. I'm just not that great with the Virtual Keyboards... and I can't seem to get used to swype yet.

 

[m3lover1]

Actually I'm using the keyboard quite a bit more than i thought I would, like 70% keyboard, 30% swype. Swype is awesome, but because I tend to text in landscape mode, I use the keyboard often. I use swype exclusively when I text in portrait mode.

One thing I miss from the Evo is HTC's version of the android keyboard.

 

[HAAS599]

Swype is the king of 1-handed typing and the slide-out keyboard dominates the 2-handed realm.

I love when you start typing on the slide-out keyboard it automatically goes into google search on the home screen or in the market

 

[rldev]

I have been using keyboard smartphones for about 10 years. I loved the treo form factor and I was very efficient at typing on those keyboards. I purposely waited for the epic because of the keyboard.

I am actually shocked at how much I am using swype. I use the real keyboard for longer posts, but I use swype for text messaging and other stuff. Manually using the on screen keyboard(without swype) really sucks. I am glad I waited for the physical keyboard. Swype plus a physical keyboard is an awesome combo.

Have you tried Smarter keyboard from the market. It is actually very good.

 

[Cory Streater]

One of the major reasons I bought this phone was because it has a physical keyboard. However, for whatever reason, I make far mistakes with the on-screen keyboard with this phone, than I did with both the Droid X and the EVO. The only thing I can think of is that the extra thickness is more ergonomic for me and makes it easier to type. I prefer the stock keyboard vs Swype, which is also something I thought I'd never say. Again I have a higher level of accuracy with this keyboard.

 

[dragonol2]

I'm about 70-30 in favor of the virtual keyboard (usage wise)... I'm actually a little surprised (pleasantly) in how great the VK is... very responsive, and Swype works pretty well when I actually remember to try it out...

 

[elbaso]

I was very surprised by how good Swype turned out to be, especially after watching the tutorial videos.

Much to my surprise, I'm using Swype around 90% of the time. I basically use it anytime I'm typing real words, and using the hardware keyboard for passwords and non-English words.

 

[bevorules]

This is my first touchscreen phone. With that being said, I was able to master Swype quickly, and now I love it! Maybe it's just the novelty of wiping my finger around the screen to type the messages.

For long emails and logins, I use the keyboard. Ultimately, I use the touchscreen about 90% of the time. The keyboard is slightly faster, but for texting and short notes, the time it takes to pop the keyboard in and out makes up the difference.