Clicks: A Real Keyboard For The iPhone – Bringing Physical Keys Back to iOS

In an era dominated by touchscreens, the return of physical buttons to smartphones might seem like a nostalgic trip. But with the launch of Clicks, the new accessory for iPhones, it’s clear that there’s a space for the tactile satisfaction of a real keyboard in today’s mobile world. Created by MrMobile’s Michael Fisher, Clicks offers a fresh perspective on typing on the iPhone, combining nostalgia with modern technology. Let’s dive into what makes Clicks so special and why it might be the keyboard accessory you didn’t know you needed.

The Evolution of Smartphone Keyboards: From Touchscreen to Clicks

Seventeen years ago, Steve Jobs famously proclaimed that physical keyboards were a thing of the past. He argued that for phones to reach the next level of innovation, the physical keyboard had to go. Yet, sometimes we look back and think about what we might have sacrificed in the process. Was the tactile satisfaction of pressing real keys one of the things we lost? Clicks aims to answer that question by bringing real buttons back to the iPhone.

Michael Fisher, the co-founder of Clicks, introduced the product in a video where he expressed his excitement about the innovation. As a former BlackBerry and Palm enthusiast, Fisher combined his passion for physical keyboards with his experience in the mobile tech industry to create a solution that addresses both nostalgia and practicality. The result is Clicks, a keyboard accessory designed to bring back that classic clicky feel, now for your iPhone.

What is Clicks and How Does It Work?

Clicks is a keyboard accessory encased in a unibody silicone case that attaches to your iPhone via its lightning or USB port. There’s no need to worry about Bluetooth connections or extra batteries—the Clicks keyboard is powered directly by your iPhone.

Key Features:

• No Bluetooth: The device connects directly via the lightning port, ensuring no extra pairing is necessary.
• Powered by iPhone: No onboard battery to drain, making it lightweight and efficient.
• Backlit Keys: Enjoy typing even in low-light settings, thanks to the built-in backlighting feature.
• Pass-Through Charging: Charge your iPhone without removing the Clicks case, thanks to a pass-through port on the bottom.
• Vegan Leather Grip Plate: The back of the case features a stylish vegan leather grip to ensure the iPhone stays in place.

What sets Clicks apart from other keyboard accessories is its ergonomic design. It’s not just about adding keys—it’s about making typing comfortable, efficient, and, most importantly, satisfying.

The Design Process: Collaboration and Innovation

Building Clicks wasn’t an easy task. Fisher, alongside co-founders with backgrounds in BlackBerry and Apple, sought to create a keyboard that felt familiar yet was tailored to the modern iPhone. They engaged one of the designers behind the iconic BlackBerry Bold to ensure ergonomic excellence.

The final product features:

• 36 Polycarbonate Buttons: The keys are made from durable polycarbonate, with a silicone membrane layer beneath and nickel-plated dome switches to provide that satisfying “click.”
• Ergonomic Layout: The buttons are arranged in a layout that mirrors iOS’s virtual keyboard for ease of use. The number buttons, punctuation, and even the microphone button are positioned where you’d expect them to be.
• Portable and Lightweight: Despite the addition of a full keyboard, Clicks doesn’t weigh your phone down. It’s compact, with minimal impact on battery life.

Designing a mobile keyboard in 2024 required balancing the nostalgia of older QWERTY phones with the demands of modern devices, which is exactly what Clicks achieves.

Why Should You Consider Clicks for Your iPhone?

Space: One of the main benefits of using a physical keyboard is the extra screen space it frees up. On modern smartphones, virtual keyboards can take up a huge chunk of the display. With Clicks, you can enjoy an unimpeded view of your screen while typing.

Shortcuts: Clicks leverages the power of keyboard shortcuts, much like on Mac or iPad keyboards. For example, Command + Space opens Spotlight search, and Command + H takes you home. These shortcuts save time and make navigation on your iPhone faster.

Typing Satisfaction: For those who’ve never used a physical keyboard, it’s hard to explain how much more satisfying it is to type on real keys instead of a touchscreen. It’s not just about practicality; it’s about the tactile feedback that many people find more satisfying and less error-prone than typing on glass.

Drawbacks and Considerations

While Clicks offers plenty of advantages, it’s important to consider a few drawbacks:

• Increased Size: Clicks adds some bulk to your iPhone, making it a bit bigger. If you prefer a sleek phone with minimal size, this may not be ideal. However, the extra size offers ergonomic benefits and comfort.
• Learning Curve: It takes a little getting used to. Physical keyboards require muscle memory, so don’t expect to master it in just five minutes. Fisher admits it took time for him to get accustomed to holding the phone in the right position.
• MagSafe Limitations: While you can charge with MagSafe, the Clicks case does not have built-in magnets, so not all MagSafe accessories may work with it.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Clicks aims to make the typing experience better for iPhone users, and as Fisher pointed out, it’s a product made for those who want to experience a keyboard that truly suits the needs of modern smartphones.

Availability and Pricing

Clicks for iPhone 14 Pro is available for pre-order today for $139 USD, and it will begin shipping on February 1st. If you own the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can pre-order the Clicks keyboard for those models as well, with shipments expected in the spring.

Founder’s Edition: Early adopters will receive a special edition of Clicks, available in two colorways: London Sky and Bumblebee. These limited-edition units come with VIP support, a private channel in the Clicks Discord, and a few other perks.

Final Thoughts: Why Clicks is a Game-Changer

Clicks isn’t just a product; it’s a company with big plans for the future. Michael Fisher’s involvement in the project has led to a unique and innovative accessory that bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern functionality. Whether you’re typing long emails, browsing the web, or simply enjoying the tactile satisfaction of pressing a button, Clicks offers a refreshing change from the touch-screen world.

If you’re someone who misses the feel of a physical keyboard and wants to take your iPhone experience to the next level, Clicks might be just what you need. Don’t forget to check out their website for more information, or visit CrackBerry Kevin’s Instagram for updates on this exciting new accessory.

Stay mobile, my friends!