Clicks – Physical keyboard for iPhone
A new iPhone case called Clicks adds a hardware QWERTY keyboard to the bottom of the phone, aiming to recreate the BlackBerry-era typing experience and free up screen space for content. Commenters are split between nostalgia-fueled enthusiasm and skepticism, raising concerns about the device’s extreme length, top-heavy ergonomics, strain on the charging port, lack of extra keys (arrows, Esc, symbols), language/layout limitations, and its $140+ price for a model-specific accessory. Many argue that modern swipe keyboards, autocorrect, and external Bluetooth keyboards already solve most typing needs, suggesting this may remain a niche product despite its clever idea and strong “creator” marketing.
Form factor & ergonomics
- Many like the idea of a physical keyboard but see this bottom‑extension design as “comically long,” top‑heavy, and fatiguing, especially on Pro Max‑size phones.
- Concerns about leverage on the charging port and possible bending/damage in pockets.
- Several note that classic BlackBerry devices felt balanced because the keyboard was part of a smaller, squarer device, unlike today’s much heavier phones.
- Some would prefer a slide‑out or flip‑away design, or a landscape keyboard, to preserve ergonomics and pocketability.
Typing experience vs virtual keyboards
- Some users still “hate” touchscreen typing and long for BlackBerry/Sidekick/Palm Pre‑style accuracy and tactile feedback.
- Others report being as fast or faster on modern software keyboards with swipe typing and good autocorrect, and think a physical keyboard would now slow them down.
- Developers and power users miss keys like Ctrl/Alt/Esc, arrows, Home/End, or special characters for SSH and coding; this product appears aimed more at general text entry.
- Lack of support for non‑English layouts and multi‑language typing is flagged as a major limitation.
Connectivity & compatibility
- It plugs into Lightning/USB‑C rather than using Bluetooth, which some see as a plus (no charging/pairing) but raises worries about port strain.
- For USB‑C iPhones, FAQ says wired CarPlay and data transfer require removing the case, which several call a deal‑breaker.
- Does not meaningfully support MagSafe accessories; wireless charging still works but magnetic mounts may not.
Target market, marketing, and price
- Marketing language (“creator keyboard,” “make your statement”) and bright colors turn off some who see it as influencer‑oriented or gimmicky.
- Others say they almost ordered immediately and that there is a real niche among physical‑keyboard nostalgics.
- Price (~$140–160) is widely criticized as high for a model‑specific accessory; many predict cheaper clones from AliExpress/Temu.
- Some doubt long‑term viability since it must be redesigned per iPhone generation and per size.
Patents & prior attempts
- Multiple comments recall the Typo iPhone keyboard case that was sued by BlackBerry; thread links to the relevant patents, some now expired.
- Posters think this design looks less like a BlackBerry clone and so may avoid earlier patent issues, but acknowledge it could still face legal challenges.
Alternatives & wishlists
- People mention current or past keyboard phones (Unihertz Titan, F(x)tec, BlackBerry Key2, Astro Slide, Nokia N900, Palm Pre) and various attachable or capacitive overlay keyboards.
- Wishlists include:
- Magsafe‑attached, size‑agnostic keyboard modules.
- Landscape or split thumb‑keyboards.
- T9‑style or chorded layouts.
- Dockable/desktop control of phones instead of typing on the device.