Physical keyboards for smartphones have been largely relegated to tech nostalgia, but a new product aims to bring that tactile typing experience back to modern Android devices. After initially launching for iPhones, the Clicks keyboard case is now expanding to the Android ecosystem, offering BlackBerry-style typing for users who miss the physical feedback of real keys.
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| The Clicks keyboard case reconnects users with the tactile typing experience of physical keys in modern smartphones |
The Android Expansion
Clicks, co-founded by tech reviewer Michael Fisher (known online as Mr. Mobile) and Kevin Michaluk (CrackBerry Kevin), has announced that its physical keyboard case is now available for pre-order for several Android devices. The expansion includes support for the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, Samsung Galaxy S25, and the 2024 Motorola Razr Plus and standard Razr models. This marks a significant move for the company, which previously only catered to iPhone users despite strong interest from the Android community.
The Appeal of Physical Keys
For many smartphone users who grew up with or extensively used BlackBerry devices, the tactile feedback of physical keys represents a typing experience that virtual keyboards have never fully replicated. Despite advances in haptic feedback and predictive text, some users still prefer the precision and satisfaction of pressing actual keys. The Clicks keyboard aims to bridge this gap by providing a case that adds physical keys to modern touchscreen smartphones without sacrificing their other capabilities.
Design and Functionality
The Clicks keyboard attaches to compatible Android phones as a case with a built-in physical QWERTY keyboard. This design allows users to enjoy the benefits of modern Android software while gaining the typing efficiency many associate with BlackBerry's heyday. For foldable devices like the Motorola Razr, the keyboard potentially offers an interesting use case where the front screen could be used more effectively with physical keys, transforming the experience into something reminiscent of classic communication-focused devices.
Availability and Timing
According to the information shared, the Clicks keyboard for Android devices is currently available for pre-order, with shipping expected to begin in May 2025. This timeline suggests that the company is coordinating its release with upcoming phone models like the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9 series, which haven't been officially released yet but are anticipated in the coming months based on Samsung and Google's typical release schedules.
Market Reception
While physical keyboards represent a niche market in today's smartphone landscape, there appears to be a dedicated audience eager for this type of accessory. The polarizing nature of physical keyboards—users either love them or find them unnecessary—means that Clicks is targeting a specific segment of Android users who prioritize typing experience over the slimmer profile of keyboard-less phones.
The Nostalgia Factor
Beyond pure functionality, the Clicks keyboard taps into a strong vein of tech nostalgia. Many users who were professionals during the BlackBerry's peak popularity period maintain fond memories of the efficient communication those devices enabled. The Clicks keyboard offers a way to recapture that experience while maintaining access to modern apps and features that weren't available during the BlackBerry era.
Future Expansion
While the initial Android release focuses on flagship devices and the Razr series, there are indications that Clicks may expand support to additional Android phones in the future if the product performs well. Mentions of potential support for devices like the Pixel 8a suggest the company is considering bringing the keyboard to mid-range devices as well, potentially broadening its appeal beyond premium smartphone users.