There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the clack of a physical keyboard. It’s a sound that evokes a bygone era of productivity, where typing felt like a ritual rather than a chore. Enter Clicks Technology, a startup determined to resurrect that tactile experience in an age dominated by glass and touchscreens. Their Power Keyboard, now shipping for $99, is a bold attempt to bridge the gap between the past and present—though it’s clear the journey isn’t without compromises.
Personally, I think this product speaks to a deeper cultural shift. We’ve become so accustomed to the immediacy of on-screen keyboards that the idea of a physical one feels almost archaic. Yet, there’s a growing segment of users—especially those who remember the BlackBerry era—who crave the precision and feedback that physical keys offer. For them, the Power Keyboard isn’t just a gadget; it’s a rebellion against the homogenization of mobile input.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Clicks is positioning the Power Keyboard as a teaser for its upcoming smartphone, the Clicks Communicator. This isn’t just a peripheral—it’s a stepping stone toward a full-fledged device that might finally satisfy those who’ve longed for a BlackBerry-like experience. But here’s the catch: the keyboard itself is a compromise. While it’s MagSafe-compatible and adjusts to different phone sizes, it’s still a bulky addition that can make a phone feel unbalanced, especially on larger models. I tried it with an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the weight distribution was jarring. It’s like trying to hold a book with a pen attached to it—functional, but awkward.
One thing that immediately stands out is the product’s attention to detail. The packaging is premium, with protective films and a Quick Start guide that feels more like a luxury item than a tech accessory. The keyboard itself is well-crafted, with satisfyingly clicky keys and an adjustable LED backlight. But here’s where the rubber meets the road: usability. After years of on-screen keyboards, adapting to physical buttons takes time. The learning curve isn’t steep, but it’s there. And for power users, the customization options—like turning the Clicks key into a Tab button or enabling cursor mode—are impressive. Still, these features only shine if you’re willing to commit to the physical keyboard’s rhythm.
What many people don’t realize is that the Power Keyboard isn’t just about typing. It’s a battery pack, a wireless charging hub, and a Bluetooth adapter all in one. The built-in 2,150 mAh battery can even charge your phone via MagSafe, though you can disable this feature if you prefer to reserve power for the keyboard itself. This dual-purpose design is clever, but it adds to the device’s heft. At 180 grams, it’s not something you’ll slip into a pocket easily. It’s more of a companion device than a portable tool, which limits its appeal for those who value mobility.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Power Keyboard’s success hinges on a very specific audience. It’s not for the casual user who just wants to send a text. It’s for the die-hard typist who misses the tactile feedback of a keyboard, the productivity enthusiast who values efficiency over convenience, and the nostalgic purist who refuses to let go of the past. And yet, even within this niche, there are challenges. Pairing the device with an iPhone, for instance, requires a workaround that’s not immediately intuitive. It’s a reminder that while the product is well-designed, it’s still navigating the messy ecosystem of modern smartphones.
This raises a deeper question: Is the Power Keyboard a temporary fix or a glimpse into the future? Clicks’ upcoming smartphone, the Communicator, will likely resolve many of these issues by giving the company full control over the hardware and software integration. Until then, the keyboard serves as a proof of concept—a way to test the waters without fully committing to a new form factor. But here’s the thing: the market for physical keyboards is tiny. Even if the Communicator launches successfully, it’s unlikely to disrupt the mainstream. It’s more of a cult classic than a mass-market hit.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the Power Keyboard could be used beyond smartphones. Its Bluetooth compatibility means it can pair with tablets, smart TVs, or even AR/VR headsets. Imagine typing an email on your Apple TV with a physical keyboard—something that feels like a revelation compared to a remote control. This versatility might be the key to its survival, even if it never becomes a staple for smartphone users.
In my opinion, the Power Keyboard is a fascinating experiment. It’s a product that exists in the liminal space between nostalgia and innovation, between comfort and inconvenience. For those who miss the BlackBerry era, it’s a lifeline. For everyone else, it’s a curiosity. But what it really suggests is that there’s still room for alternative input methods in a world that’s increasingly dominated by touchscreens. Whether that’s enough to sustain a company like Clicks remains to be seen. But for now, it’s a compelling reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back.
