Clicks Power Keyboard offers BlackBerry-like typing with some compromises

Key facts

• Clicks Technology's Power Keyboard, priced at $99, is now shipping.
• The keyboard attaches via MagSafe or Qi2 and is compatible with various phone sizes.
• It features a built-in 2,150 mAh battery that can also provide wireless charging.
• Customization options include programmable keys, cursor mode, and Apple Shortcut integration.
• The keyboard may make larger phones feel top-heavy and difficult to hold.

Clicks Technology has begun shipping its Power Keyboard, a $99 MagSafe-compatible accessory designed to bring a physical, BlackBerry-like typing experience to any smartphone. The slide-out keyboard features tactile buttons, adjustable LED backlighting, and can accommodate different phone sizes in portrait or landscape mode.

The device aims to appeal to users who miss the speed and reliability of physical keyboards. It includes a built-in 2,150 mAh battery, which can also provide wireless charging to compatible phones, and offers extensive customization through the Clicks mobile app, including programmable keys and Apple Shortcut integration.

However, the keyboard has some drawbacks. It can make larger phones feel top-heavy and difficult to hold, particularly in portrait mode. Pairing issues were encountered when switching between Android and iOS devices, though a specific method for adding multiple Bluetooth devices was identified. The keyboard's physical dimensions and weight may also affect pocketability.

Clicks Technology plans to release its own smartphone, the Clicks Communicator, later this year, which will also feature a physical keyboard. The Power Keyboard is positioned as an interim solution for those longing for a tactile typing experience.