Shapewriter!!! I found you!!!
The greatest keyboard I've ever used on an android device has been Shapewriter. I mentioned it here a few years ago. It's one of those keyboards similar to Swype (it was actually developed before swype). If you've never gotten used to one, you are missing out. Far more efficient and speedy to type on them.
Unfortunately, it was a great app that was discontinued and the makers of the app unlocked the full version for all users before they did. And I made sure I kept the APK all this time, so that no matter how many times I rooted and modded my phone, I continued to have Shapewriter.
Alas, with my Nexus Prime (I mean... Galaxy Nexus... lame name-change), the higher resolution and bigger screen made Shapewriter's locked, default view much more difficult to use. I was saddened that I had to resort to another sliding keyboard. But, there is no Swype availability on the GNex (they won't even let you sign up for beta with this phone). And SlideIT? What a joke. It works... kinda. But any app that will not auto-space after single-letter words is no app of mine. Besides that, I've used Swype on my wife's phone. It's fine, but it's word prediction and correction isn't nearly as good as Shapewriter's.
Then I stumbled upon someone mentioning that Shapewriter was bought and incorporated into the
FlexT9 keyboard by Nuance. I looked at it in the marketplace... started reading some reviews. Saw one that said it worked great on his GNex.... There was no free version to try, so I shrugged and paid the 4.99 on a gamble.
It's a different skin, but it's Shapewriter (with a few more options, even)! And, it fits my GNex screen! I showed this to a coworker who also misses Shapewriter and begrudgingly has accepted Swype. After letting him try it out a few minutes, his eyes lit up too. There was just something better about Shapewriter. It was just overall a better keyboard experience.
I am glad that it's back and better than ever.