Clicks Technology, co-founded by tech enthusiasts Michael Fisher and Kevin Michaluk, known as MrMobile and CrackBerry Kevin, has made a significant leap in smartphone accessories with their latest product - the Clicks iPhone case. The Clicks case is set to revolutionize iPhone usage, particularly for those missing the physical keyboard of devices like the BlackBerry. The innovation offers a unique blend of noatalgia and modern convenience.
“Clicks brings the tactility and precision of a physical keyboard to iPhone,” Fisher said, “so people don’t have to wait until they get back to their desks to create or communicate with the satisfying feedback only real buttons can provide.”
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Product Launch and Pricing
The product will be available for the iPhone 14 Pro from February 1st, with the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max versions following in mid-March and early spring, respectively.
Priced at $139 for the standard models and $159 for the Pro Max variant, Clicks offers two color options: BumbleBee Yellow and London Sky Gray. The decision of whether any of these products are a sensible purchase is a personal one.
Design and Features
Designed to reintroduce the tactile sensation of physical keyboards, Clicks is an innovative case that incorporates a full QWERTY keyboard into the iPhone.
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The traditional QWERTY keyboard includes keys for enabling dictation, accessing emojis, and more. Additionally, it comes equipped with a built-in backlight that can be activated for nighttime use.
The creators of Clicks for iPhone have gone the extra mile by incorporating keyboard shortcuts and specialized task keys that smoothly incorporate with Apple's iOS features. For instance, you can type CMD + H to quickly return to the home screen or CMD + the space key to initiate a search. Also, the physical space bar can be utilized for scrolling purposes.
What sets Clicks apart is its seamless integration with the iPhone. It extends the device by 1.65 inches, is slightly over 3mm wider than the iPhone and 2.50mm thicker. In terms of weight, the case weighs 62 grams, which is just under half of the 187-gram weight of the iPhone 15 Pro. Despite this, it ensures a natural extension of the iPhone's design. Furthermore, the keys are meticulously designed to offer optimal click resistance and tactile feedback, ensuring swift and precise typing.
The connection between an iPhone and the keyboard is established through a Lightning port for the iPhone 14 Pro and a USB-C port for the iPhone 15 Pro. Moreover, the case supports passthrough charging. While it is compatible with wireless charging, it does not include MagSafe technology.
Clicks for iPhone eliminates the need for separate charging, as it derives power directly from your Apple device. In low-light conditions, a dedicated keyboard backlight ensures visibility, allowing users to either type with modern speed-thumb touch-type or revert to an old-school approach. Removing the keyboard when you're done is a straightforward process, as it comes off as a single unit.
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Potential Drawbacks
In Fisher's video discussing the new case, he pointed out a few drawbacks worth considering. The most evident one is the increase in size that Clicks will add to the iPhone, potentially making it feel somewhat unwieldy initially, similar to the proportions of a TV remote. Another limitation he mentioned is the absence of an integrated magnet, which means that MagSafe accessories like chargers and wallets may not securely adhere to it. Nevertheless, wireless charging functionality should remain unaffected and functional.
Upcoming Updates
Clicks has announced the upcoming release of a companion app on the Apple App Store, promising ongoing enhancements and features for the keyboard. Additionally, as mentioned in Fisher's video, the initial purchasers will receive "Founders Editions" of the case, entitling them to "VIP support" and early access to upcoming color options.
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The Team And Vision
The Clicks team comprises individuals who have previously worked at prominent tech companies such as Apple, BlackBerry, and Google, as stated in the company's official announcement. Clicks emphasizes that their keyboard is designed with creators in mind. Fisher terms the trend of phasing out of hardware keys on smartphones "kind of odd", particularly given that creators frequently rely on keyboards for their laptops and other devices.
Clicks introduced this case, as mentioned in their press release, because conventional smartphone keyboards often occupy a significant portion of the screen, limiting the available content space. By providing physical keys, Clicks aims to empower users to fully engage with apps and content without constant interruptions.
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Clicks Debut At CES 2024
If you've yearned for the return of a physical keyboard on the bottom of your smartphone, it appears that the physical keyboard has made a comeback to address these concerns (perhaps using CMD + H to navigate back to its origins).
Clicks for iPhone is set to make its debut at CES 2024, the world's largest technology show, beginning on January 8th. The founders of Clicks aim to captivate the interest of both existing and new audiences. So, whether you're nostalgic for the retro BlackBerry-style keyboard experience on your iPhone or see this physical keyboard concept as a glimpse into the future for your needs, it's poised to be one of the standout successes at the show.
