Choosing the Right Keyboard: Phone-Pad vs. Numeric in React Native

Craig Gazimbi
3 min readJul 13, 2023

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Hey there, fellow React Native enthusiasts! Are you tired of the same old boring keyboards in your apps? Well, fret not, because today we’re diving into the exciting world of keyboard customization. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between two intriguing keyboard types: Phone-Pad and Numeric. Get ready for a fun-filled adventure that will make your app’s input fields shine like never before!

Phone-Pad Keyboard — Dialing Up the Fun 🚀

Have you ever wanted to add a touch of telephone nostalgia to your app? Look no further than the Phone-Pad keyboard. With its retro charm and phone-specific features, it’s perfect for input fields that require phone numbers. Imagine your users dialing away with joy as they input their digits! From parentheses to hyphens, this keyboard has got it all. Spice up your UI with a vintage flair by opting for the Phone-Pad keyboard.

Numeric Keyboard — Crunching Numbers with Style

If you’re building an app that deals with numbers, the Numeric keyboard is here to save the day. Sleek, elegant, and solely focused on digits, this keyboard brings a touch of sophistication to your input fields. Whether it’s PIN codes, age input, or any other numeric values, the Numeric keyboard has you covered. Prepare to impress your users as they glide through the digits with precision and grace.

Choosing the Perfect Keyboard for Your App⌨️

Now that you’re acquainted with both keyboard types, how do you decide which one to choose? Fear not, dear developer, for we have some tips to help you make the right decision. Consider the following factors:

  1. Functionality: Think about the specific input requirements of your app. If you’re dealing with phone numbers or need special characters, Phone-Pad is your go-to. For strictly numerical input, Numeric is the way to roll.
  2. User Experience: Take into account the overall user experience you want to create. Phone-Pad adds a nostalgic touch, while Numeric provides a sleek and modern vibe. Align your keyboard choice with your app’s design aesthetic and target audience.
  3. Context: Consider the context in which the input fields are used. If your app is heavy on phone-related functionalities, Phone-Pad adds a cohesive feel. On the other hand, Numeric might be more appropriate for financial or data-heavy applications.

As you embark on your React Native app development journey, don’t underestimate the power of the keyboard. Whether you opt for the retro charm of the Phone-Pad or the numerical elegance of Numeric, remember that a well-chosen keyboard enhances the user experience and adds a touch of fun to your app. So go ahead, experiment, and let your creativity flow!

Now, go forth, dear developers, and choose the perfect keyboard type for your React Native apps. Happy coding, and may your input fields be filled with joy, nostalgia, and style!

_new new Tim Cook

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Craig Gazimbi

I build highly-scalable applications based on microservices architecture for web and mobile.