A Nostalgic Hit in 2024: Clicks, An iPhone Keyboard Case Inspired by BlackBerry for Content Creators

Are you feeling the same way as we do: We all seem to be embracing the things in the past with a nostalgic feeling, and this can be seen in the music, games and social media trends nowadays. A new company, Clicks Technology, are also embracing this nostalgic trend with the release of a brand new product specifically for iPhone users — a case named Clicks. Let’s delve deeper to see what nostalgic feels Clicks bring.

About Clicks Technology: A Very Brief One

Clicks Technology, or in short Clicks (Same as the product name) was started by Michael Fisher (Known as Mr. Mobile on YouTube) and Kevin Michaluk (CrackBerry Kevin on YouTube). The individuals behind the development of Clicks comprise former staff members from Apple, BlackBerry, and Google, as per the company’s official statement.

What Is Clicks?

Clicks is a phone case keyboard specifically designed for iPhones 14 and 15. The phone case keyboard connects to your iPhone like a Backbone controller. Offered with either Lightning (for iPhone 14) or USB-C (for iPhone 15) connections, the keyboard seamlessly integrates into a protective case.

Insert the phone, align the phone’s power port with the USB-C or Lightning connector on the inside edge, and securely snap the case around the top, and you can start typing. The backlit keys also facilitate night typing. Clicks operates without Bluetooth and lacks an internal battery, drawing power directly from the phone. eliminating the need for separate charging. As per Clicks’ website, the case enables pass-through fast charging for the iPhone 15 Pro.

Characteristics of Clicks (Pros and Cons)

The phone case keyboard is reminiscent of Blackberry, the full physical keyboard phone that rolled out the trend in the late 90s when touchscreen phones like the first iPhone in 2007 hadn’t been released. Besides, it also evokes recollections of the Typo Keyboard by Ryan Seacrest from a decade ago.

Incorporating a physical keyboard beneath the phone extends the overall size, potentially making pocket storage challenging, and it remains uncertain whether the added length could impact the device’s ease of handling during typing. However, dedicated keyboards offer clear advantages, such as faster and more accurate typing compared to digital keypads.

Additionally, the inclusion of a command button allows for convenient shortcuts to the home screen or search bar. An often overlooked benefit is the preservation of the full screen without the interference of a digital keyboard when typing.

Fisher pointed out several downsides in his video review of the new case. The primary concern is its size, as Clicks gives the iPhone a remote control-like appearance, which might initially feel awkward. Additionally, Fisher noted the absence of a built-in magnet, affecting the attachment of MagSafe accessories such as chargers and wallets. However, wireless charging functionality should remain unaffected.

You Might Be Interested: Top 10 Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming

Colours

Clicks have announced that a companion app, set to be available soon on the Apple App Store, will introduce additional features to the keyboard progressively. Initially offered in two colours —Bumblebee (Yellow) and London Sky (A greyish-blue) — early purchasers will receive “Founders Editions” of the case, granting them “VIP support” and early access to upcoming colour options, as mentioned by Fisher in his video review.

Price and Release Date

Priced at $139, the iPhone 14 Pro version of Clicks begins shipping on February 1st, while the 15 Pro version is set for mid-March. Reservations for the iPhone 15 Pro Max model, priced at $159, are being accepted, with availability expected in early spring, as per the website. The decision to purchase depends on personal considerations and preferences. Besides, the phone case keyboard Clicks will be showcased at the CES 2024 next week.

Clicks for Content Creators

iPhone meets Blackberry 👀
Meet Clicks creator keyboard for iPhone. Costs $139. pic.twitter.com/XgO84vpYJ9

— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) January 5, 2024

The company asserted that they designed the keyboard with creators in mind, aiming to address the perceived oddity of smartphones abandoning hardware keys, especially when creators commonly use keyboards on various devices. According to Fisher, the product brings the tactile feel and precision of a physical keyboard to the iPhone, enabling users to create and communicate with the satisfying feedback that physical buttons uniquely provide, eliminating the need to wait until they return to their desks.

The phone case keyboard, as stated in the company’s press release, addresses the issue of smartphone keyboards occupying considerable screen space. By incorporating physical keys, the case aims to return screen real estate to users, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in apps and content.

Final Say

Clicks seem to bring those glory days back, which gives us the reminiscent feel of the Blackberry phone in the past and embracing the physical typing fun on phones back then. The idea of such a phone case keyboard is an interesting one, which may prompt many to try the product out. As the phone case keyboard is still new and may have quite some flaws as mentioned by the Co-founder of the company, Fisher, it is believed that future improvements will be made to make the product better suited for the use of the audience.

2024 is a new nostalgic hit for Clicks, and the announcement of this new product is also a fresh start for them to collect more ideas and feedback on enhancing the product.

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