Clicks for iPhone: A physical keyboard-slash-case unveiled, starts at $139

Gone are the days when phones (even the smart ones) rocked physical keyboard. Now, it seems that a new company aims to bring back this hardware feature for good reasons.

A startup company called Clicks Technology is reviving the physical keyboard for iPhones with its new Clicks accessory. This “precision typing instrument” comes as a unibody silicone case featuring a full QWERTY keyboard that connects to the iPhone via USB-C or Lightning port.

Clicks boasts several advantages over the on-screen keyboard. Firstly, it frees up valuable screen space, especially beneficial for tasks like livestreaming or spreadsheet editing.

Secondly, it rocks keyboard shortcuts similar to Macs, such as CMD + Space for Spotlight search, streamlining workflows.

But the biggest draw for keyboard enthusiasts might be the tactile satisfaction. As co-founder and Tech YouTuber Michael Fisher 55 (“MrMobile”) explains, there’s an “ephemeral satisfaction” in clicking physical buttons that simply doesn’t compare to tapping glass.

The Clicks keyboard features:

• Unibody silicone material
• 36 polycarbonate QWERTY buttons
• Backlighting for easy typing at night or dark areas
• Lightweight design powered by the iPhone’s battery
• Pass-through charging port for uninterrupted use
• Vegan leather grip plate at the rear for improved hold

Price and availability

Clicks for iPhone comes in Bumblebee and London Sky colorways and is available for pre-order. It starts at USD 139PHP 8,157INR 11,780EUR 132CNY 1,012 (~PHP 7,700USD 131INR 11,123EUR 125CNY 956) for iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro models. While Clicks for iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at USD 159PHP 9,331INR 13,475EUR 151CNY 1,157 (~PHP 8,800USD 150INR 12,712EUR 143CNY 1,092).

Early customers to buy will get individually numbered Founders Edition units. Shipping begins February 1st in the US.