Compare software

Google Japanese Input vs macSKK: catalog facts
Google Japanese Input	macSKK
Best for: Anyone typing Japanese on a Windows or Mac computer	Best for: SKK users who type Japanese on a Mac
Free Free to download and use.	Free Free and open source.
Windows, macOS	macOS
Large vocabulary built from web usage Automatic dictionary updates All 4 strengths for Google Japanese Input Large vocabulary built from web usage Automatic dictionary updates Phrase autocomplete with a secret mode Typed text is not sent to Google	SKK-style Japanese input on modern macOS Universal Binary for Apple Silicon and Intel All 3 strengths for macSKK SKK-style Japanese input on modern macOS Universal Binary for Apple Silicon and Intel Actively developed with a long commit history
No Linux build; Mozc fills that role Site and help are in Japanese	Requires macOS 13.3 or later Tested only on Apple Silicon All 3 limitations for macSKK Requires macOS 13.3 or later Tested only on Apple Silicon Documentation mostly in Japanese
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Google Japanese Input google.co.jp/ime Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for macSKK github.com/mtgto/macSKK Catalog checked October 1, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.