[Discussion] Input methods on computer#
Introduction#
I believe that today's input methods are very different from the offline input methods of the past, such as "Smart ABC" and "Microsoft Pinyin". Nowadays, emerging input methods like "Xunfei Voice Input Method" are gradually taking over the market. But for me, what does a good input method mean?
Speed#
Speed is the first priority. Only when the input method responds fast enough can it capture the fleeting thoughts as much as possible. Microsoft Pinyin is fast, QQ Pinyin is also fast, and Sogou Input Method is fast too. However, compared to them, input methods like Xunfei appear to be very bloated.
Synchronization#
Since it's already 2021, synchronizing some content and word libraries across multiple devices is not difficult. Moreover, for users, it's not easy to easily delete the word libraries that they have painstakingly built up over hundreds of thousands or even millions of words. Therefore, synchronization or backup of word libraries becomes particularly important.
Microsoft Pinyin is very clumsy in this aspect. Because it can only be used smoothly on Windows, especially Windows 10, its multi-device synchronization is almost wishful thinking.
In comparison, domestic input methods like QQ and Sogou stand out with their excellent multi-device synchronization logic, which keeps their user base from declining.
Advertising#
For me, an ad-free operating environment is very important. No one wants their computer to become a gathering place for inappropriate content. Therefore, "ad-free" has become my top priority.
There's no need to say much about Sogou Input Method. Its programs like SGTool.exe may seem like tools, but they are actually ad downloaders. It's well-known to everyone. For detailed reports, please refer to this article
In comparison, QQ Input Method, produced by the same company, shows more restraint. Although it was sold to Sogou by Tencent, Sogou is now a subsidiary of Tencent, so it is essentially Tencent's.
Conclusion#
In summary, if you need an input method that can synchronize across multiple devices and input quickly, I highly recommend QQ Input Method. Although it hasn't been updated for a year, all its features are very complete, and there is nothing that can't be used.
One more Thing#
If you don't have high synchronization requirements but need your own word library, I recommend downloading Rime Input Method here.
[2021-08-14] Update#
Why I use Rime Input Method#
Actually, I have been using Rime Input Method for a while. Previously, I struggled because I didn't know how to configure it. YAML files are indeed highly readable, but it is quite difficult to write them without knowing the syntax.
However, today I found a pre-configured content on the Github homepage, which can be directly used. So I decided to reinstall the Rime input engine (this is just an input engine, not an input method).
How do I synchronize then?#
Speaking of the difficult problem of synchronization, I first used the export + conversion method. That is, I exported the content from Sogou Input Method, then converted it into a word library that can be recognized by the Rime engine using the DeepBlue Input Method Converter, and then backed it up to Telegram (Note: VPN is required). So every time I need to synchronize the input method content, I just need to download my latest word library from Telegram and import it.
What are the problems with this input method?#
Speaking of the problems with this input method, I can talk about it endlessly for three days and three nights.
- The first problem is the inability to dynamically update word frequency. For example, when I'm typing this paragraph, the first character when I press the "D" key is always "道" instead of the one I use most frequently, "的". This is probably due to a problem with the word library's word frequency.
- The second problem is the configuration. Although there are pre-configured contents available, I always want to make some modifications myself, such as the number of candidate words, the font size of the input method, and so on. Although YAML files are relatively readable, it is not easy to find the corresponding location for modification.
- The last problem is the inability to use it out of the box. This is related to configuration, but not entirely a configuration problem. First of all, this input engine is designed for traditional Chinese users, not simplified Chinese users, so many settings need to be modified and explored by oneself. After configuring simplified Chinese input, the next hurdle is the habit. We are used to directly typing English after pressing the uppercase key, but Rime is not like that. It requires you to first press Shift to switch to English input, and then press Caps Lock (uppercase key) to switch to uppercase.
What's good about this input method?#
After talking about so many drawbacks, what's good about this input method? The most important point is privacy. We all criticize Google Input Method for not respecting user privacy, but on the computer, there is no need to develop such a thing just to monitor simplified Chinese users because it has not been updated for 7 years. Moreover, how can the input method on mobile phones not monitor us? Doesn't the first request for permission to use the address book prove everything?
Another point is speed. The most important thing an input method can do to impress me is to be fast. When I switch to it by pressing Alt+Shift, the first keystroke should give me what I want. That's the characteristic of a good input method. However, Rime doesn't quite achieve this, but it doesn't matter. Just maintain and update the word library.
[2023/3/26] Update#
Shortly after writing this article, I found that the biggest problem with input methods like Rime is that the word libraries I built cannot be synchronized after reinstalling the system (because I couldn't find the corresponding location). Microsoft Input Method is indeed very good, but like Rime, the word library cannot be synchronized, and it can't even be used with services like OneDrive (Microsoft? Hello?). Therefore, in the end, I chose Sogou Input Method, an old version without ads. Even with the synchronization mode, there won't be any ads, and there won't be any background processes. With the help of IObit Unlocker, it can be uninstalled cleanly.
Cloud synchronization is the way to go