The definitive comparison: Why keyboard-level encryption provides superior security, control, and independence.
You control everything
Companies control your security
You generate and control 100% of your encryption keys
App/company controls your encryption keys
Mathematically impossible to provide backdoors
Companies can be forced to add backdoors
Your security never depends on company policies
Privacy can change overnight with new terms of service
Works with ALL apps - WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, email
Limited to one platform/app
Text encrypted BEFORE any app sees it
Text visible to app before encryption
Apps only see encrypted text - no patterns visible
Apps see who you message, when, and message patterns
How each approach handles critical privacy threats
A government demands access to encrypted communications
Impossible to comply - keys are user-controlled, no central access point exists
Company faces legal pressure and may be forced to provide backdoor access
Platform updates privacy policy to allow message scanning
Your messages remain encrypted regardless of any policy changes
Your previously 'private' messages become scannable under new policy
Hackers breach the company's servers and systems
No encryption keys on servers to steal - your messages stay secure
Encryption keys may be compromised, exposing all your communications
Your messaging platform shuts down or blocks you
Switch to any other app instantly - your encryption moves with you
Lose access to all your encrypted communications and contacts
| Technical Aspect | Keyboard Encryption | App Encryption |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Standard | AES-256-GCM (Military grade) | Varies (usually AES-256, but implementation differs) |
| Key Storage | Local device only - never transmitted | Company servers or encrypted but still controlled by company |
| Encryption Timing | Real-time at keystroke level | After message is composed and sent |
| Vulnerability Surface | Minimal - only your device | Large - app, servers, networks, policies |
| Upgrade Control | You control when and how to upgrade | Forced updates can change security model |