I recently discovered something surprising: WeChat Keyboard's voice-to-text is actually better than the dedicated desktop voice input tool I've been using.
A Pleasant Discovery
I've been using a desktop voice input tool called ShanDianShuo for a while. It's an AI-powered input method that uses local LLMs for voice-to-text conversion. Initially, I thought it was great, but over time I noticed various issues:
It couldn't remember words I frequently used, like inBox Notes. Mixed Chinese and English recognition was often inaccurate. I frequently had to manually correct the output.
But after WeChat Keyboard's recent upgrade, all these problems were solved. Even when I don't speak clearly, it accurately transcribes my words.
I found out that last December, WeChat Keyboard released an update with significant AI optimizations for voice input. I can genuinely feel the improvement in transcription accuracy.
Using it is simple: just hold the spacebar on the WeChat keyboard to start voice input.
WeChat Keyboard is Now TopTier
I've actually recommended WeChat Keyboard before.
Looking at the current landscape, it has truly become the number one input method in China. It has quietly surpassed both Sogou and iFlytek former leaders where iFlytek was known for voice recognition and Sogou for user experience. I've seen user experience surveys placing WeChat Keyboard firmly in the first tier.
I've even recommended it to my family my wife, my dad, and my mom all use it now.
After recommending it to my dad, his favorite feature turned out to be the emoji integration: when typing in WeChat, entering words like haha or really automatically suggests relevant emojis that can be sent with one tap. He loves using this feature when replying in group chats.
As for me, my favorite feature is crossdevice copypaste.
Text copied on my phone can be pasted directly on my computer using WeChat Keyboard, and vice versa. As long as both devices are on the same network, this feature works seamlessly.
Another plus: WeChat Keyboard has no account system. No login required, no cloud sync to configure. Many people dislike being forced into account systems on their phones. With WeChat Keyboard, you just use it simple as that.
One Wish: Voice Input on PC
As great as WeChat Keyboard is, there's one regret: voice input only works on mobile, not on desktop.
If the desktop version supported voice to text, I'd switch to it immediately.
The demand for desktop voice input is strong. Many developers, engineers, and creators today have a greater need for voice input than typing. I hope the WeChat Keyboard team will add this feature to the PC version soon.
From a technical perspective, it shouldn't be too difficult it's already implemented on mobile. I'll be among the first to use it when desktop voice input becomes available.
I'm writing this hoping the WeChat Keyboard team sees this need.
Good Tools Deserve to Be Seen
WeChat Keyboard has no ads, feels lightweight, and is hard to switch away from once you're used to it.
With the recent AI optimizations for voice to text, it's gotten even better. I recommend everyone give it a try.
By Gudong, indie hacker building inBox Notes
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