Clicks has recently released a new Blackberry-like keyboard case for iPhone devices, adding a physical keyboard under the phone.
The Clicks keyboard case has arrived, and it is delightful, albeit not wholly practical for everyday use—at least, not without weeks of practice.
The new device, which integrates a physical keyboard with physical buttons into the base of your iPhone, conjures a sense of nostalgia for the BlackBerry era. However, operating in its current state could be more convenient, particularly when paired with heavier, taller devices such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The primary problem with Clicks is that iPhones are designed differently than vices, characterized by their short, stubby, and wide dimensions. Instead, the case is dragged downward by the weight of the iPhone, resulting in a constant struggle against the force of gravity as you attempt to type. This results in slight wobbling in your palms, making it more difficult to press the correct key.
Clicks acknowledges that the case may be challenging to operate initially.
The company recommends a suitable holding technique on its assistance pages to enhance the stability of Clicks. It is recommended that users cradle the phone by placing the lower edge of the device on their pinky fingers and the back on their middle and ring fingers. In the interim, your index digits may be positioned on the back or sides of the case.
The website cautions that the phone may feel top-heavy if you grip it with both palms at the bottom of the keyboard.
In any case, your phone will feel top-heavy; however, the extent to which you can balance the keyboard appropriately will be contingent upon a variety of factors, such as the length and strength of your fingers and the model and weight of your iPhone. For instance, individuals with shorter, stubby digits may encounter more significant challenges when cradling the device than those with longer fingers.
Clicks claims that it has optimized the balance of the case by incorporating reinforcement into the bottom. However, early adopters have expressed their intention to upgrade to a smaller iPhone model to facilitate the use of Clicks. This is a significant indicator.
The iPhone 13 mini is an excellent choice for use with Clicks; however, it is not currently supported.
Instead, the Clicks keyboard is compatible with the iPhone 14 and 15. The former is only available in the Pro and Pro Max models, while the full range supports the iPhone 15. The weight of the iPhone can vary between devices, with the iPhone 15 weighing 6.02 ounces, the 15 Plus weighing 7.09 ounces, and the 15 Pro model weighing 6.60 ounces. This information is provided for comparison. The 15 Pro Max is the heaviest, weighing in at 7.81 ounces. Although these are minor distinctions when employing an iPhone with a conventional case, even the slightest increase in weight is significant when employing Clicks. The iPhone becomes more challenging to grasp as it becomes heavier.
Clicks attempt to address the challenge of balancing the phone using various methods. The case includes a vegan leather grip pad on the lower back, which not only instructs users on the proper holding technique but also serves as a reminder of the proper placement of their fingertips.
Furthermore, the case features a slightly textured surface that assists in maintaining the erect position of your iPhone.
Despite these modifications, an unexpected additional challenge is associated with employing Clicks.
If Clicks captivates you, you may be of the age to recall the sensation of composing rapid emails and texts on a BlackBerry, featuring physical keyboard buttons that substantially improved over T9 messaging. However, you have presumably adapted to typing on a touchscreen in the years that have passed. It has been discovered that returning keys is different from operating a bicycle. It is a learning curve, particularly with your smartphone, which is now exceedingly extensive.
In other words, you may not immediately find Clicks as user-friendly as you recall your previous BlackBerry being. It may require some time to acclimate to the new way of typing, and you will need to relearn how to do so. Clicks’ website indicates that it will require 20 minutes to learn, two hours to become familiar with, two days to master, and two weeks to develop the necessary muscle memory to achieve high familiarity with Clicks. (I am concerned that specific individuals may require additional time. I have yet to have the opportunity to spend several weeks with Clicks, so I cannot provide an opinion.
The Clicks keyboard is named after the gratifying “clickety” sound it produces when the keys are pressed. However, there is a rationale behind the fact that many of us ultimately disable the iPhone’s keyboard sounds: The repetitive clicking of the keyboard can become irritating over time, and they may also cause discomfort to others. The Clicks keyboard emits a more subdued, organic clicking sound; however, it will consistently generate an audible disturbance that draws attention.
Indeed, individuals who purchase the Clicks keyboard may appreciate the attention, mainly if they display the vibrant banana yellow case or the new “Miami Heat” hot-pink case with blue keys. These instances have the potential to serve as an excellent icebreaker. I assure you that if you present the Clicks at a tavern, someone will converse with you. (That alone could justify the cost for some!)
Nevertheless, the organization asserts that the “London Sky” gray color, which is more reminiscent of a corporate appearance, was the most popular choice at its introduction, and it sold out of its initial “Founders Edition” devices in less than two weeks. At the Consumer Electronics Show this year, the company stated that it could establish a successful business if one out of every 1,000 iPhone customers expressed interest in Clicks. Clicks has noted that the interest is “far stronger” than that, based on the demand it has encountered thus far.
Clicks, founded by MrMobile (Michael Fisher) and CrackBerry Kevin (Kevin Michaluk), has yet to disclose the number of sales it has generated. However, it has already incorporated the “Royal Ink” blue and hot pink cases into its product line. The company is raising a venture round to further expand the Clicks product portfolio.
For those who intend to alternate between Clicks and a conventional case (or no case), it is essential to exercise caution when using the USB-C or lightning interface of the Clicks. The case is equipped with a decal that serves as a reminder to exercise caution when inserting or removing the phone. This advice is more straightforward to implement after it has been inserted. However, exercise caution if you are accustomed to eliminating your iPhone case with little consideration; your $159 will vanish instantly. According to Clicks’ warning, refrain from bending the phone upward from the connector until wholly disconnected. This is not a joke. The port could be readily damaged, even at a slight angle. According to Clicks, there has yet to be an instance of breakage. Let’s allow it to continue.
This is why I would not suggest that a company’s IT department purchase Clicks for their senior end users who are still mourning the loss of their BlackBerrys. A few individuals will damage the device or distort the port on the first occasion they remove the case. If necessary, consider it a holiday gift rather than a corporate subsidy.
In terms of the keyboard, the icons are well-spaced and clicky, albeit slightly smaller. A few clever details are also present. The device includes a microphone, Shift, CMD, and “123” key that can be activated by pressing it once for numbers and symbols or twice to secure them. The iOS keyboard can be displayed or concealed by pressing the “%+-” icon, which provides easy emoji access. (Alternatively, the emoji keyboard can be included as an option displayed when the globe key is pressed on Clicks.)
Numerous keyboard shortcuts can be acquired to enhance the user experience upon achieving proficiency in keyboard typing. For instance, pressing CMD + H will return you to your Home Screen, while pressing CMD + spacebar will initiate Search. Scrolling through web pages is also possible using the spacebar in the Safari or Chrome web browser. Clicks notes and numerous other popular iOS keyboard shortcuts are also supported.
However, the size of the Clicks case is a critical factor in determining whether to purchase.
It is more challenging to transport in a pocket due to its unusual, extra-long shape, as it will inevitably protrude from the top, causing the fabric to extend. The Clicks case is incompatible with some compact handbags, where your iPhone was previously a comfortable fit. The Clicks was also too large for the top compartment of my SwissGear backpack, which I use for travel. This pocket is where I frequently store my phone in a hurry, such as when preparing my bags for a TSA screening. Your phone will be heavier with the case, either by 62 or 65 grams, depending on the variant of your phone.
There is also no possibility of using a PopSocket to stabilize the case, as it does not support MagSafe accessories. (It would also be situated at an inconvenient height to be of any genuine assistance.)
Clicks’ sense of whimsy and cheerfulness is challenging to dismiss despite its obstacles. Clicks are unnecessary; however, at a price point of $139 to $159, you may be persuaded to try it. It is comparable to the Rabbit or the Chumby: it is designed for a niche market of enthusiasts and is eccentric and enjoyable. It is not a product you purchase for its functionality; it is the sort of art you endorse due to your interest in technology. I will acquire an additional pink item.
