In the past few years,cell phoneThe designs are almost all towards large screens, full touch control and minimalist appearance, but it also makes many users miss the “button feedback” and the solid feeling of one-handed operation. Focusing on physical keyboards Clicks , recently took action again, not only rethinking how the keyboard should coexist with the mobile phone, but also directly turning the keyboard into a battery module that can be magnetically attached to the back of the mobile phone.
This change makes the keyboard no longer limited by the model, and also allows Android Users can finally join in this retro yet practical endeavor. In addition, Clicks also simultaneously launched an Android phone that deliberately stayed away from “non-stop sliding”, trying to regain the original tool feel of the phone for heavy users.
Blessed are the physical keyboard controllers! Clicks launches MagSafe keyboard battery and also makes an “anti-slip phone” running Android 16
When talking about Clicks, the first thing most people think of is the iPhone Create a keyboard protective case that feels full of physical keys. When this type of product was exposed before and after CES 2024, it really attracted a lot of attention. On the one hand, the shape and operation method are quite “anti-mainstream”, and on the other hand, it also evokes the memory of the early BlackBerry generation. However, after actual use, many people also pointed out a key problem, that is, the keyboard case is highly bound to a specific iPhone model. As long as the phone is changed, the keyboard will almost have to be eliminated.
Clicks is obviously aware of this pain point. After a year, they chose to completely reverse the approach and launch a new Clicks Power Keyboard. This time it is no longer a “case that fits into the phone”, but is changed to one that is directly attached to the back of the phone. MagSafe Keyboard battery.
This design change seems simple, but in fact it greatly improves the flexibility of use. Through Bluetooth connection, Clicks Power Keyboard is no longer limited to a certain generation of iPhone, but supports all iPhone models with MagSafe. Even Android devices can also be used as long as the phone can use magnetic charging. This is a plus for users who don’t want to be forced to replace accessories just because they upgrade their phones.
In terms of use, users only need to slide up the Clicks Power Keyboard to expand it, then put it on their iPhone to install it magnetically. Not only can the iPhone be operated in portrait orientation, but it can also be operated in landscape orientation by simply rotating the iPhone to landscape orientation.
In terms of hardware configuration, Clicks Power Keyboard has a built-in 2150mAh battery. It is not positioned to “resurrect” the phone with full health, but as an auxiliary tool to extend battery life.
Judging from the current model, it can replenish about 68% of the battery of the iPhone Air, while Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max can recharge about 42%. Coupled with the improved battery life of the iPhone in recent years, this capacity is more like a “safe backup” prepared for commuting, traveling or being out for a long time.
However, such a design also brings costs that cannot be ignored. The weight of the Clicks Power Keyboard has reached 180g, which is almost the same as the iPhone 17 itself, and the thickness has reached 15.2mm, which is obviously much thicker than the phone itself. The burden of one-handed operation will be higher than that of bare metal. For those who pursue the ultimate thinness and lightness, there may be a trade-off.
In addition to being paired with an iPhone, this Clicks Power Keyboard can also be connected to iPad, Vision Pro, smart TV and other devices to be used as a Bluetooth keyboard for wireless input.
In terms of price, Clicks Power Keyboard is currently available for pre-order, priced at $79, and is expected to begin shipping in the spring. Judging from the positioning of having a physical keyboard and a magnetic battery, the price strategy is relatively close to the people, especially those who are obsessed with the feel of the keyboard.
In addition to the keyboard battery, another product released simultaneously by Clicks this time actually better reflects the core concept of the brand, and that is the Clicks Communicator. Clicks does not call it a smartphone, but deliberately describes it as a “mobile communication device”, emphasizing that this is a product that exists “for doing things, not for swiping.”
But at its core, it’s still a complete phone. Clicks Communicator runs Android 16, supports 5G and the following mobile networks, and provides both NanoSIM and eSIM. It has 256GB of built-in storage space, which can be expanded to 2TB via microSD, which is very useful for users who are used to storing large amounts of files or music.
The screen is a 4.03-inch AMOLED, which is extremely compact in today’s mobile phone market, which is often 6 inches or more.
The camera configuration is not flashy. The rear lens is 50MP with OIS, and the front lens is 24MP, which is enough to meet daily recording and video needs.
What really makes Clicks Communicator unique is the “old-school elements” it retains. Contains 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage space.
As for the most critical physical keyboard, Clicks is clearly targeted at users who don’t want to be kidnapped by the community and infinite sliding. This kind of mobile phone is more like a reliable tool than the master of life.
Clicks officials stated that the Communicator was originally designed as an auxiliary device for the main mobile phone, but it also has the ability to operate independently and can be used as the main or even only mobile phone. The pre-order price is $399, or you can pay a $199 deposit to secure the early bird discount. The official launch price is $499, and the early bird plan will end on February 27.
Overall, Clicks’ two new products this time are not simply about selling feelings, but trying to find a practical and feasible position for “physical feedback” and “focused use” in modern smart devices. For users who are tired of scrolling endless content, this choice may just meet their needs.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese