A new contender in the smartphone accessory space is garnering attention for its unconventional design reminiscent of a nearly bygone era of mobile technology. In an article titled “The Clicks BlackBerry-Like Phone Keyboard Finally Makes Sense,” published by Startup News FYI, the company behind the device, Clicks Technology, unveils a product that merges retro functionality with modern smartphone usability.
The Clicks keyboard is a physical, QWERTY-style keyboard attachment designed for iPhones, starkly contrasting the all-touchscreen trend that has dominated mobile technology since the mid-2000s. Echoing the form factor of BlackBerry smartphones, the device plugs into the lightning or USB-C port of an iPhone and adds a row of tactile keys beneath the screen. This move is not merely a nostalgic nod. Clicks Technology argues that their product addresses a genuine ergonomic and productivity gap in existing mobile interfaces.
Startup News FYI points out that early concepts of attaching a keyboard to a touchscreen phone often felt like temporary fixes or novelty gadgets. However, the Clicks keyboard appears to be engineered with long-term use in mind. It integrates features such as backlit keys, shortcuts to common iOS functions, and access to the full screen while typing—something glass keyboards reduce with their on-screen overlays. The keyboard itself is made from premium materials, suggesting that Clicks intends to target professionals and productivity enthusiasts, rather than casual users or retro tech fans.
The product is also arriving at a moment when smartphones have plateaued in terms of innovation. While processors, cameras, and screens continue to improve, fundamental changes to input methods have stalled. Clicks is betting that a shift back to tactile typing can resonate with a segment of users frustrated by the limitations of touchscreen keyboards—whether due to typing speed, precision, or the lack of physical feedback.
Critics may question whether consumers are willing to sacrifice the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of modern phones in exchange for the bulk of a keyboard accessory. Yet the Startup News FYI article emphasizes that Clicks has considered these concerns, designing the keyboard to be lightweight, slim, and unobtrusively integrated. Additionally, the company plans to release versions for various iPhone models, signaling a broader commitment to the accessory space.
Notably, the resurgence of physical keyboards echoes a wider trend in consumer electronics, where tactile interfaces—including mechanical keyboards, rotary dials, and analog controls—are regaining popularity across multiple product categories. Clicks appears to be capitalizing on this shift, banking on the idea that users are seeking more tangible and customizable digital experiences.
As with any niche hardware launch, market response will ultimately determine whether Clicks can carve out a lasting space in a competitive ecosystem dominated by Apple’s strict hardware design and a massive universe of software-based solutions. But for now, the Clicks keyboard positions itself as a thoughtfully designed alternative for those who miss the days when typing on a phone felt more like writing on a miniature typewriter than swiping on glass.
