The new Google Keyboard application (G-Board / Gboard) works fine, and has a few nice features, such as the ability to search for an animated gif to send when you want to blow through a lot of bandwidth.

You might notice that in the screenshots above, the Gboard power usage is higher than my email client, and even YouTube.   When you take more power than streaming videos, you know you are a power hog.

However, all of these new features come at the expensive of battery life.   As a simple keyboard application, it shouldn’t be using more power than any of the other applications on my phone.   I use the keyboard when sending text messages or email, and for a few search bars, etc…

In my opinion, a keyboard app should never appear in the top power consumers on your phone.