Clicks Technology, a startup championing the resurgence of physical keyboards on smartphones, has begun shipping its MagSafe-compatible Power Keyboard this summer. Priced at $99, the accessory experienced some initial delays but has now seen 75% of its first batch pre-orders dispatched to eager customers. This innovative, slide-out keyboard boasts tactile buttons and is engineered to accommodate a variety of phone sizes, offering compatibility in both portrait and landscape orientations. The company states its primary aim is to imbue any smartphone with the familiar, efficient typing experience reminiscent of the iconic BlackBerry devices.
The Return of the Physical Keyboard: A Strategic Move
The Power Keyboard serves as a tangible prelude to Clicks’ much-anticipated full smartphone, the Clicks Communicator. Scheduled for release later this year, this upcoming device is also designed with an integrated physical keyboard, further cementing Clicks’ commitment to this niche market. The underlying philosophy behind both the Power Keyboard and the Communicator is to provide a compelling alternative to on-screen keyboards, catering to a demographic that yearns for the speed, accuracy, and tactile satisfaction associated with physical keypads.
Clicks Technology’s mission to reintroduce physical keyboards into the smartphone landscape is a bold one, particularly in an era dominated by touchscreens. The company’s genesis can be traced back to a perceived void in the market for users who found virtual keyboards limiting for extended typing tasks. The resurgence of interest in retro tech and the enduring loyalty of former BlackBerry users have provided fertile ground for Clicks’ ambitious venture.
Power Keyboard: Design, Functionality, and Early Impressions
The Power Keyboard itself is a testament to meticulous design. Upon unboxing, users are greeted with premium packaging, complete with protective cling films and a comprehensive full-color Quick Start guide. The device is charged via USB-C, though early units were found to ship with a pre-existing charge. Pairing is facilitated through Bluetooth. Initially, users might encounter a slight learning curve when switching between devices, as demonstrated by initial pairing difficulties transitioning from an Android phone to an iPhone. The instructions clarify that holding a number key alongside the power button is the key to initiating a second Bluetooth device pairing. Device removal is managed exclusively through the Clicks mobile app, a deliberate choice to prevent accidental disconnections.
Attachment to the smartphone is achieved through MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic technology. For users whose devices lack these features, Clicks offers an adhesive ring or suggests utilizing a compatible phone case to enable magnetic attachment. This flexibility aims to broaden the accessibility of the Power Keyboard across a wider range of devices.
Navigating the User Experience: Strengths and Limitations
Once connected, the keyboard slides out smoothly for use. A notable design feature is its adaptability to different phone sizes, ensuring compatibility with standard models as well as larger "Ultra" or "Pro Max" variants. The satisfying click as the keyboard locks into place on its sliders underscores the device’s solid construction. An adjustable LED backlight enhances usability in low-light conditions.
The keys themselves offer a pleasingly tactile and responsive typing experience, with well-spaced layouts that facilitate easy reach. While transitioning from years of touchscreen typing requires an adjustment period, the learning curve is reportedly less steep than with Clicks’ earlier keyboard case. This iterative improvement suggests that Clicks has effectively incorporated user feedback and lessons learned from its previous product.
A significant upgrade from Clicks’ earlier keyboard case is the Power Keyboard’s integrated 2,150 mAh battery. Unlike its predecessor, which drew power directly from the phone via USB-C, the Power Keyboard operates independently, thus not draining the phone’s battery. This internal battery also serves a dual purpose: it can wirelessly charge MagSafe and Qi2 compatible devices. Users have the option to fully disable wireless charging via the Clicks companion app, prioritizing battery power solely for the keyboard, or to allocate a specific portion of the battery for wireless charging capabilities.
Dimensions and Ergonomics: A Balancing Act
The physical dimensions of the Power Keyboard are 119.7 x 76.6 x 15.2mm, with a weight of 180 grams. While this is slimmer than some snap-on battery packs, it does add noticeable heft to the phone. The company acknowledges that this added bulk may present challenges, particularly concerning portability in smaller pockets, and suggests the keyboard could snag if a user attempts to quickly insert the phone and keyboard combination into a back pocket.
Advanced Customization and Power-User Features
Clicks has infused the Power Keyboard with a robust suite of customization options, aiming to cater to power users. The "Clicks" key on the keyboard can be reconfigured to function as a Tab button. The "Cursor Mode," activated by Sym + CMD, transforms certain letter keys into directional controls for on-screen cursor navigation.
Furthermore, the Clicks companion app allows for fine-tuning of various settings, including idle timeout, battery reserve allocation for wireless charging, LED backlight intensity, and the behavior of the Return key (hard or soft return). Users can also establish custom shortcuts for the number row. By pressing a number key in conjunction with the Sym button, users can access functions like Esc, volume controls, media playback, and page navigation.
The integration with Apple Shortcuts opens up a vast array of possibilities. Users can assign specific keys to trigger actions such as initiating calls, retrieving weather forecasts, activating the flashlight, receiving AirDrop transfers, or sending pre-written text messages. While the Clicks app provides a selection of popular shortcuts, users are encouraged to create and implement their own.
These advanced features, however, are most beneficial for users who become proficient with the physical keyboard. The initial learning curve for typing can be substantial, and the company suggests that users who prefer smaller, lighter devices, such as the iPhone Air, might adapt more readily. For larger smartphones, operating in landscape mode was found to be significantly more comfortable for initial adoption.
Testing Across Devices: A Comprehensive Approach
Clicks reports having tested the Power Keyboard with a diverse range of devices, including the iPhone Air, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 16 Pro, Pixel 9, Galaxy Fold, and various other Android models. During testing, the reviewer found that using the Power Keyboard with a bulky iPhone case proved cumbersome. Removing the case significantly improved the typing experience, though the overall size of larger phones still presented a challenge.
The Future of Clicks: The Communicator Smartphone
The true litmus test for Clicks’ vision lies with its upcoming smartphone, the Clicks Communicator. Prototypes of this device, showcased at CES in January, were reportedly more ergonomically refined. This is attributed to Clicks having complete control over the technical specifications, allowing for a more integrated and comfortable user experience compared to an accessory designed to adapt to various existing phone architectures.
Broader Implications and Alternative Uses
The value proposition of the Power Keyboard is intrinsically linked to an individual’s nostalgia for the BlackBerry experience and their willingness to embrace a physical keyboard on a modern smartphone. As an interim solution before the full smartphone launch, its $99 price point offers an accessible entry point for this niche market.
Beyond its primary function with smartphones, the Power Keyboard’s Bluetooth connectivity opens up a range of alternative use cases. It can be paired with tablets, smart TVs, and even AR/VR headsets like the Apple Vision Pro. This functionality could prove invaluable for tasks requiring extensive typing, such as setting up new applications or entering login credentials on devices where input methods are typically less efficient.
The decision to purchase the Power Keyboard ultimately hinges on the user’s deep-seated desire for a physical keyboard and their patience with the learning curve. For those who find the keyboard’s ergonomics or portability limitations prohibitive, the path forward may lie in waiting for the Clicks Communicator smartphone, which promises a more seamless integration of physical typing into a dedicated mobile device. The company’s commitment to reviving a beloved input method suggests a long-term strategy to capture a segment of the market that values tactile feedback and typing efficiency above all else.
The potential implications of Clicks’ strategy are far-reaching. If successful, it could signal a broader shift in smartphone design, encouraging other manufacturers to reconsider the inclusion or accessory support for physical keyboards. The company’s success will be a barometer for the enduring appeal of physical input devices in an increasingly touch-centric digital world.
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