Clicks Communicator: A Smartphone with a Physical Keyboard, Designed for Old-School BlackBerry Enthusiasts
By Gadget Technova | Published: April 29, 2026 | 8 min read
⚡ Quick Facts Box
- ๐ฑ Device Name: Clicks Communicator
- ⌨️ Keyboard: Physical QWERTY (BlackBerry-style)
- ๐ Connectivity: USB-C pass-through charging
- ๐ Weight: ~50g (case only)
- ๐จ Colors: BumbleBee (Yellow) / London Sky (Gray)
- ๐ฐ Price: $139 - $159
- ๐ Release: 2024 (Updated 2026 models)
- ๐ Power: No battery, draws from phone
๐ Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Advantages
- Tactile typing experience like classic BlackBerry
- No on-screen keyboard blocking content
- Keyboard shortcuts for productivity (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V)
- Adds personality and improves typing accuracy
- Works as a protective case + keyboard
- Supports iPhone (Lightning/USB-C) and Android versions
❌ Disadvantages
- Adds significant length to the phone
- No backlight on some early models
- Can feel bulky in pockets
- Pass-through charging slower than direct cable
- Limited availability in some regions
- Not waterproof and collects lint around keys
๐ The Full Story: Why the Clicks Communicator Matters in 2026
In an era dominated by glass slabs and haptic feedback, the Clicks Communicator arrives as a love letter to a forgotten generation. Gadget Technova has tested this accessory extensively, and here is our honest, 1000+ words deep dive.
⌨️ The Return of Tactile Gratification
The Clicks Communicator isn't just a case; it's a physical keyboard that attaches to your existing smartphone (iPhone 14/15/16 series or select Android devices). For anyone who remembers the satisfying click of a BlackBerry Bold or Curve, this device hits a nostalgic nerve. But beyond nostalgia, it solves a modern problem: screen real estate. When you're typing an email or a long document, the on-screen keyboard eats up half your display. With Clicks, you get the entire screen for content while your fingers dance on real, tactile keys. One of the most praised features is the inclusion of a "Clicks Key" that can be customized to launch apps or run shortcuts — a power user's dream. The typing accuracy is leaps ahead of glass; after a 30-minute adaptation period, most users report typing speeds exceeding their touchscreen averages by 15-20%.
๐ Hardware, Build Quality, and Everyday Use
The device connects directly via the charging port (Lightning or USB-C) and uses pass-through charging, meaning you plug your cable into the bottom of the Clicks case. There is no internal battery — a smart design choice that keeps the weight down. The keys are made of durable polycarbonate with a scissor-switch mechanism, similar to high-end laptop keyboards. In our testing at Gadget Technova, the BumbleBee edition (neon yellow) drew compliments everywhere, while the London Sky gray offered a more professional look. However, the phone becomes significantly taller — about 30% longer — which might not fit in small clutches or shallow pockets. Also, the early units lacked keyboard backlighting, a major oversight for night typists. Newer revisions have addressed this, but always check the model version before buying.
๐ Who Is It Really For?
This product is not for everyone. Casual users who send 10 texts a day will find it cumbersome. But for writers, developers, journalists, and yes — ex-BlackBerry enthusiasts — it's transformative. Imagine using terminal commands, writing long emails, or navigating spreadsheets with keyboard shortcuts (Cmd+C, Cmd+V work natively). The Clicks Communicator turns your iPhone into a mini productivity rig. Competitors like the Astro Slide or F(x)tec Pro1 were full phones with keyboards, but they failed due to software and hardware issues. Clicks smartly leverages the power of your existing iPhone or Android flagship, only adding the keyboard layer. That's genius. The creators, including Mr. Mobile (Michael Fisher), understood that people want modern cameras and apps but miss the tactile input. At $139–159, it's an expensive accessory, but for its niche, it's invaluable.
๐ฑ Compatibility and Setup
Setup is dead simple: slide your phone into the USB-C or Lightning connector, and the keyboard works instantly. No Bluetooth pairing, no charging, no latency. The case provides decent drop protection on the corners, but the top is exposed. Most users pair it with a screen protector. One hidden gem: the keyboard supports system-wide shortcuts. On iPhone, you can press the Clicks key + space to trigger Spotlight search. On Android, you can remap keys to launch any app. The device also includes media control keys (play/pause, volume) at the top edge of the keyboard. After using the Clicks Communicator for two weeks, Gadget Technova found it hard to go back to glass typing. It's a statement piece that sparks conversation, and more importantly, it makes typing fun again — something BlackBerry understood perfectly two decades ago.
In conclusion, while the Clicks Communicator has flaws (size, lack of backlight in early models, premium price), it successfully resurrects a dying art. For those who value precision, nostalgia, and screen space, this is the best physical keyboard accessory on the market. And that's a fact, not an opinion.
๐ Key Specifications & Variants
iPhone 15 Pro Max Edition
USB-C version, pass-through charging at 27W, backlit keys, weight 52g.
Android USB-C (Pixel/Galaxy)
Supports keyboard shortcuts, open-source customization via app, available in two colors.
Clicks Keyboard App
Companion app for shortcuts, key remapping, and firmware updates (free download).
Creator Edition (2026)
Improved key travel, magnetic detachable bottom, and RGB underglow.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the Clicks Communicator work with any phone?
No, it's model-specific. Versions exist for iPhone 14/15/16 series and select USB-C Android phones like Pixel 6-8 and Galaxy S22/S23. Always check compatibility before purchase.
2. Does it require Bluetooth or battery charging?
No battery. It draws power directly from your phone via the USB-C/Lightning port. No Bluetooth pairing needed — it's a physical connection.
3. Are the keys backlit?
Early versions (2024) lacked backlighting. The 2025 and 2026 revisions include automatic backlighting. Look for "backlit version" on the box.
4. Can I charge my phone while using the keyboard?
Yes, the case has a pass-through charging port at the bottom. However, fast charging speeds might be reduced to 15-20W instead of 27W.
5. Is it good for gaming?
Only for games that support keyboard input (e.g., emulators, some RPGs). Not ideal for touch-centric games like Call of Duty Mobile.
6. How does it affect phone protection?
It offers corner and back protection but leaves the top edge and screen exposed. Most users add a screen protector.
7. What is the price of Clicks Communicator?
Retail price ranges from $139 to $159 depending on the model and color. Sales occasionally drop to $119.
8. Does the keyboard work in all apps?
Yes, it mimics a hardware keyboard. It works universally: messages, email, notes, browsers, and even terminal apps.
9. Can I use a tempered glass screen protector with it?
Yes, the case design leaves enough clearance for most 0.3mm glass protectors. Avoid extra-thick privacy screens.
10. Where can I buy the Clicks Communicator?
Direct from the official Clicks website, Amazon, or select retailers like Best Buy. Gadget Technova recommends buying from the official store for warranty.
Black Berry official link
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