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The stock keyboard doesn't have speech-to-text... what you've seen is a modified version:
[MOD] HTC_IME (8th June) v27: Small fix - xda-developers
Oh and yes you can install it without being rooted. You just have to go to Settings >> Applications >> Unknown sources and make sure it's allowed, then you can install the .apk file from a file manager (Astro, EStrong, etc).
Get this one:
http://www.hallerud.se/htc_ime_jonasl_lowres_27.zip
I believe that's the one I am using, and it does have the mic.
There is an option in the settings to turn it off. When it's on, the mic key takes the place of the settings key. To access settings, you hold the mic key until it changes to settings. When it's off, that key is just the settings key.
Also, there is an option to turn off the smileys key. When that is disabled, the key returns to the original "hide keyboard" function.
Actual Resolution: Install Google Voice Search.
I know what you're thinking. "No, you idiot! I'm not missing search anything! I'm missing the Microphone icon on my keyboard for Speech to Text!"
Seriously. Install Google Voice Search and your precious microphone will be back. I had this problem, found the resolution elsewhere, but this thread was the first result when googling "android keyboard missing microphone".
Hopefully this helps point folks in the right direction.
Problem is google voice search is for android 2.2, so that doesn't help those with 2.1.
Any thoughts?

Google voice search is for all versions. Go to the market and download it. POOF! microphone will be back on your keyboard.![]()
To switch the keyboard to Android Multi-touch keyboard or Swype, touch and hold a blank spot in any text box. A menu opens, touch Input method.
Actually, it requires 2.2.
See https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.voicesearch&feature=search_result


Actually, there is a version for Android 2.1 as well. I know this because the OEM Android 2.1 HTC Sense ROM that my Sprint HTC Hero was rocking, before I rooted so long ago, had it.
Here is a link to the Android 2.1 version of Google Voice Search: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.voicesearch.x&feature=search_result .![]()
Thanks. Nice correction. I was thinking about the Voice Actions part of Voice Search, which are Froyo and above.
To switch the keyboard to Android Multi-touch keyboard or Swype, touch and hold a blank spot in any text box. A menu opens, touch Input method.



Actual Resolution: Install Google Voice Search.
I know what you're thinking. "No, you idiot! I'm not missing search anything! I'm missing the Microphone icon on my keyboard for Speech to Text!"
Seriously. Install Google Voice Search and your precious microphone will be back. I had this problem, found the resolution elsewhere, but this thread was the first result when googling "android keyboard missing microphone".
Hopefully this helps point folks in the right direction.