Clicks' Power Keyboard brings BlackBerry-style typing to any phone — with some compromises | TechCrunch

Clicks Technology has officially launched its MagSafe-compatible Power Keyboard, a slide-out physical keyboard accessory designed to bring a tactile typing experience back to modern smartphones.

Retailing at ninety-nine dollars, this Bluetooth-enabled peripheral attaches securely to devices using magnetic connections like MagSafe or Qi2, making it compatible with various phone models and sizes in both portrait and landscape layouts. While this accessory serves as a preview for the startup's upcoming standalone smartphone, it specifically targets nostalgic users who still yearn for the speed and physical feedback of classic physical keyboards. The device boasts a premium build, including satisfying clicky buttons, an adjustable LED backlight, highly customizable key mapping via a companion application, and a built-in battery pack that can also double as a wireless charger for the host handset.

Despite these advanced features and thoughtful construction, the Power Keyboard introduces several practical compromises in daily usage. The physical heft and sliding design can make larger smartphones feel top-heavy, awkward to hold, and difficult to fit comfortably into standard pockets. Additionally, users may face minor friction when pairing the keyboard across different operating systems, and thick protective phone cases often must be removed to establish a reliable magnetic connection. While the device works exactly as advertised and can even be paired with secondary electronics like tablets and streaming boxes, its physical form factor limitations suggest that a dedicated smartphone with integrated physical keys may ultimately offer a more seamless and comfortable user experience.