BlackBerry Reborn? Clicks Launches Smartphone & $79 Keyboard!

The tech world is buzzing with the announcement from Clicks Technology, a company renowned for its physical smartphone keyboards. Ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Clicks is unveiling not one, but two new devices: the Communicator smartphone and a $79 slide-out keyboard dubbed the Power Keyboard. This launch is sparking nostalgia for the BlackBerry era, prompting many to wonder if a physical keyboard resurgence is on the horizon. Could this be the beginning of a BlackBerry reborn, or a niche offering for a dedicated user base? Let's dive deep into what Clicks is offering and what it means for the future of mobile communication.

The Clicks Communicator: A Second Phone for Serious Work

The Communicator, priced at $499, isn’t positioned as a daily driver, but rather as a “purpose-built” second device. Clicks is targeting professionals who juggle work and personal life, needing a dedicated device for focused communication and productivity. This strategy acknowledges the growing trend of digital minimalism and the desire for focused work environments, free from the distractions of social media and constant notifications. The company believes there's a strong market for individuals who prioritize efficient messaging, email management, and document editing – tasks where a physical keyboard provides a significant advantage.

Stripped-Down Software for Productivity

Unlike mainstream smartphones, the Communicator deliberately avoids addictive social media apps and games. Instead, Clicks has partnered with Niagara Launcher, an Android launcher known for its minimalist interface and focus on essential apps. Users will have access to core communication and productivity tools like Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack, but without the endless scroll of social feeds. This curated experience aims to maximize focus and minimize digital clutter.

The Signal Light & Prompt Key: Innovative Communication Features

One of the Communicator’s most intriguing features is the Signal Light, a customizable LED button on the side of the device. This light can be programmed to display different colors and patterns, indicating messages from specific contacts, groups, or apps. Imagine a purple glow for VIP clients and a green flash for WhatsApp chats – a visual prioritization system that cuts through the noise. The adjacent Prompt Key allows for quick voice dictation or note-taking, and Clicks is hinting at future integration with AI applications, potentially including note-takers, voice recorders, and AI assistants.

Tactile Typing & Old-School Features

At the heart of the Communicator lies Clicks’ signature tactile keyboard, featuring ergonomically designed keys for faster and more accurate typing. The keyboard is also touch-sensitive, enabling scrolling through messages, lists, and webpages without relying on the touchscreen. This blend of physical and digital input offers a unique and potentially highly efficient user experience.

Clicks hasn’t just focused on the keyboard; they’ve also included a suite of “old-school” features that appeal to a specific demographic. These include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a physical SIM card tray (alongside an eSIM), expandable microSD storage (up to 2TB), and a tactile switch for toggling airplane mode. The airplane mode switch can even be customized to interact with the Signal Light or keyboard touch input, adding another layer of personalization.

Customization & Design

The Communicator’s design allows for personalization with interchangeable back covers, available in Smoke, Clover (dark green), and Onyx. This simple customization option allows users to express their individual style.

Pricing & Availability

Early bird customers can secure the Communicator for $399 with a $199 deposit before February 27th. Those who pay the full early bird price upfront will receive two additional back covers. The phone is expected to ship later this year.

Communicator Tech Specs: A Detailed Look

• Operating System: Android 16 with 5 years of security updates
• Dimensions: 131.5 mm tall
• Weight: 170 grams
• Connectivity: Global 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G/2G support, unlocked
• Battery: 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery
• Storage: 256GB onboard storage plus expandable microSD (up to 2TB)
• Cameras: 50MP main camera with OIS and 24MP front camera
• Other: NFC with Google Pay, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6, USB-C and wireless charging

Clicks Power Keyboard: A Portable Typing Solution

Alongside the Communicator, Clicks is launching the Power Keyboard, a $79 slide-out keyboard designed to enhance typing on smartphones, tablets, and even smart TVs. This versatile accessory aims to alleviate the frustration of on-screen typing, particularly when using remote controls or composing lengthy messages.

Magnetic Attachment & Versatility

The Power Keyboard attaches to phones via MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic connections and is compatible with most phone cases. Multiple slider positions accommodate different phone sizes, and it can be used in both portrait and landscape modes. When paired with tablets, TVs, or AR/VR headsets, the keyboard functions independently, offering a standalone typing experience.

Features & Customization

Like Clicks’ other keyboards, the Power Keyboard features tactile buttons and customizable settings via the Clicks mobile app for iOS and Android. The built-in 2,150 mAh battery ensures extended use, and the keyboard supports both wired and wireless connectivity.

Power Keyboard Pricing & Availability

The Power Keyboard is available for pre-order starting January 2nd at $79 for early bird customers, with a retail price of $109. Shipping is expected to begin in the spring.

Clicks’ Growing Momentum & the Future of Physical Keyboards

Clicks CEO Adrian Li highlighted the company’s success, noting that they have already shipped over 100,000 keyboards to customers in more than 100 countries. “That response validated something we strongly believed: there’s growing demand for purpose-built products that help people communicate with confidence and take action. Clicks Communicator is a natural evolution of that idea,” he stated. This impressive track record demonstrates a clear demand for physical keyboards in a market dominated by touchscreen devices.

The launch of the Communicator and Power Keyboard represents a bold move by Clicks Technology. While it remains to be seen whether this will truly spark a BlackBerry reborn, it undeniably signals a growing interest in alternative mobile experiences. In a world saturated with distractions, the focus on productivity, privacy, and tactile interaction offered by Clicks’ products may resonate with a significant segment of the population. As reported by GearTech, the company is tapping into a desire for more intentional technology, offering a refreshing alternative to the constant connectivity and endless scrolling that define modern smartphone usage. The success of these products will likely depend on Clicks’ ability to effectively market to its target audience and continue innovating in the realm of physical keyboard technology.