Mechanical Keyboard

1. Introduction & Publisher Details

This Privacy Policy describes how Mechanical Keyboard ("we", "our", "us", or "the app") handles information when installed and used on Android mobile devices and tablets.

We believe typing should be personalized, creative, and completely secure. We design our keyboard so that your regular typing, keystrokes, and text input remain private and on your device.

2. Keyboard Input and Clipboard

The keyboard receives what you type and information about the active text field from Android so it can provide core input, word suggestions, and editing features.

Clipboard Shortcuts & Paste Tools

The keyboard can read the current clipboard text solely to offer an on-screen shortcut or allow you to paste it into the active text field at your request.

Privacy Best Practice: Clipboard content may contain sensitive details (such as account codes, tokens, or personal identifiers). Avoid copying sensitive information when using clipboard shortcuts, and consider clearing your device clipboard when done.

3. Online Services & Third-Party SDKs

Mechanical Keyboard is designed as an offline-first input tool, but includes specific components for companion features, updates, and monetization:

A. Online Translation Client (MyMemory)

The project contains an online translation client configured to send requested text and language selections to MyMemory (api.mymemory.translated.net) if invoked.

• This translation client is not currently connected to a visible keyboard action in standard typing.
• If it is enabled or triggered in translation tools, users should never submit confidential, private, or sensitive text for translation.
• Translations sent to MyMemory are governed by Translated's terms and privacy policies.

B. Google Mobile Ads (AdMob)

The app includes the Google Mobile Ads SDK to display advertisements:

• The app uses Google's test ad identifiers in debug builds and live ad identifiers in release builds.
• The Google Ads SDK may receive device identifiers, IP addresses, network information, and advertising-related interaction data when initialized or when ads are requested.
• Google handles this data under the Google Privacy Policy and Google Ads settings.

C. Google Play Services

Google Play Services may process basic device information, app version data, and network status to facilitate app distribution, security checks, and in-app updates. These providers handle data under their own respective policies.

4. Photos, Settings, and Local Storage

Mechanical Keyboard offers DIY custom styling and personal theme building. Here is how media and preferences are managed:

Custom Theme Photos & Camera Capture

If you choose or capture a photo for a keyboard background:

• The app uses your chosen image solely to create a local background theme for your keyboard.
• Camera capture uses a temporary cache file to stage the image during capture.
• The cropped, optimized image is stored strictly in the app's private files on the device.
• Your photos are never uploaded to developer servers or shared with any advertising networks.

Theme Configurations & App Preferences

Custom theme configurations, color palettes, RGB animation preferences, mechanical sound choices, volume levels, and vibration strengths are stored on the device using modern Android architectural libraries:

• Jetpack Room (SQLite): For fast, reliable offline storage of keyboard themes and custom layout profiles.
• Jetpack DataStore: For structured, encrypted preference management.

Device Transfer & System Backups

Android system backup or device-to-device transfer may copy eligible app data (such as saved theme configurations and preferences) according to device settings configured by the user. Other apps and the Android operating system manage data under their own system policies.

5. Device Permissions & Rationale

Android controls all permission requests and access. Mechanical Keyboard requests only the permissions necessary to provide its features:

Permission	Type	Purpose & Usage
INTERNET	Network	Required for online translation requests (MyMemory) if invoked and for Google Mobile Ads delivery.
ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE	Network	Allows the app to check whether an active Wi-Fi or cellular network connection is available before making requests.
VIBRATE	Hardware	Provides tactile haptic vibration feedback when pressing mechanical keys, customizable in app settings.
CAMERA	Optional	Used only if you choose to take a real-time photo to create a DIY custom keyboard background. Never accessed in the background.
POST_NOTIFICATIONS	Optional	Used in Android 13+ to deliver optional app updates, setup notifications, or sound pack notifications.

You can review, grant, or revoke permissions at any time through your Android device's Settings > Apps > Mechanical Keyboard > Permissions.

6. Data Retention, User Choices & Deletion

Because Mechanical Keyboard is an on-device application:

• Local Data Retention: Local settings, custom themes, color choices, and app-private background images generally remain on your device until you remove them, clear app data, or uninstall the app.
• Cache Cleanup: Temporary camera capture files are short-lived cache items that may be removed automatically by Android storage management.
• Third-Party Retention: Backups and data processed by third parties (such as Google Mobile Ads or Google Play Services) are subject to their own retention practices.
• Switching Keyboards: You can switch keyboards at any time via Android device settings or the keyboard switch key in your navigation bar.
• Complete Deletion: To completely wipe all local settings, custom images, and preferences, open Android Settings > Apps > Mechanical Keyboard > Storage > Clear Data, or simply uninstall the app.

7. Children's Privacy

Mechanical Keyboard is a general-audience keyboard customization utility. It does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If you believe any minor has provided personal information to third-party services through the app without parental consent, please contact us immediately.

8. Changes to This Policy & Privacy Contact

The publisher may update this policy as the app evolves, new features are introduced, or regulatory requirements change. Any revisions will be published on this page with an updated "Last Updated" timestamp.