Clicks’ Power Keyboard brings BlackBerry-style typing to any phone — with some compromises
Clicks’ $99 Power Keyboard brings a customizable, slide-out physical keyboard to MagSafe and Qi2 smartphones, but its added heft can make larger phones awkward to use
Clicks Technology, a startup aiming to reintroduce physical keyboards to smartphones, recently launched its Power Keyboard for $99. Preorders from the initial batch have reportedly reached 75% completion. This slide-out keyboard, with tactile buttons, is designed to fit various phone sizes and can be used in both portrait and landscape orientations, offering a BlackBerry-like typing experience on any device.
The Power Keyboard is essentially a teaser for Clicks' upcoming smartphone, the Clicks Communicator, which also features a physical keyboard. The primary goal of the Power Keyboard is to provide an alternative to virtual keyboards for those who miss the speed and reliability of traditional typing on a small, physical keyboard.
However, like Clicks' previous effort, a smartphone case with a physical keyboard, the Power Keyboard may make the device feel top-heavy and difficult to hold, particularly with larger smartphones. In the reviewer's tests with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pixel 10 XL, this issue was evident. The Power Keyboard is well-packaged and comes with a full-color Quick Start guide.
Upon charging, which can be done via USB-C, it can be paired with a phone via Bluetooth. If the pairing process encounters issues, such as on an iPhone, pressing a number key alongside the power button on the keyboard can help add a second Bluetooth device. The keyboard attaches to the phone via MagSafe or Qi2, or via an adhesive ring or a phone case with magnetic power.
Once connected, the keyboard can be deployed for typing and features an adjustable LED backlight for typing in the dark. The keys have a satisfying click and are well-placed for easy reach. Although it may take some adjustment to get used to typing on buttons again, the learning curve is reportedly less steep than the earlier Clicks keyboard case.
The Power Keyboard's battery is built-in, and while it is slightly heavier than some snap-on battery packs, its slimmer profile and 180-gram weight are manageable. An additional benefit is that the keyboard can provide wireless charging for devices with MagSafe and Qi2, although this can be disabled in the Clicks app if desired.
The keyboard offers advanced customization options, including setting the "Clicks key" as a Tab button, enabling "Cursor Mode," and customizing various settings. Users can also pair Apple Shortcuts with specific keys to perform tasks such as starting a call, checking the weather, or sending texts.
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