Back to the keys: In recent years, we’ve gotten used to touchscreen-only devices, but quite a few users - especially those who frequently write messages, emails, and long texts - still miss the feel of physical typing. Against this backdrop, Clicks Technology announced its first device, the Clicks Communicator, a new smartphone that brings a built-in BlackBerry-style keyboard back to the spotlight, but with modern specifications and a contemporary operating system.
The device, expected to be priced at around $499, runs on Android 16 and can run any app available in the Android store. The company also offers a complementary solution in the form of a detachable physical keyboard, priced at around $79, which fits almost any existing smartphone, hinting at an attempt to appeal to users who are not ready to switch devices entirely.
According to company data shared in a conversation with TechCrunch at CES, demand for the product is higher than expected. Jeff Gadway, Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of the company, said that since the announcement, one of the two products has sold on average every 6.5 seconds, but he declined to share exact numbers. He noted that interest comes both from longtime BlackBerry users and from a younger generation that has never experienced a physical keyboard.
From a design perspective, the Clicks Communicator initially resembles classic BlackBerry devices, but it is thicker and more rounded, with a curved back intended to improve grip. According to the company, dozens of 3D prints were made before launch to find the most comfortable shape. The device weighs approximately 170 grams and includes a 4000 mAh silicon-carbon battery, considered relatively advanced for a device of this size.
The screen is a 4.03-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 by 1200 pixels. Beneath it is the physical keyboard, with the keys and screen aligned vertically, allowing seamless transition between them. One of the unique elements is an illuminated side button called the Signal Light, which can be set to light up in different colors and patterns depending on notifications from specific people or apps. The idea is to enable smart notification filtering even when the device is lying on a desk.
As mentioned, the company also offers a separate keyboard that slides onto the back of any smartphone, including the iPhone. The keyboard itself is still in the prototype stage, and according to reports, there is an internal debate over the ideal key pressure. Fast typists tend to prefer firmer keys that provide clear feedback, while new users may prefer a softer feel. The final decision has not yet been made, but the company promises a refined typing experience.
In terms of hardware, the new smartphone is equipped with a MediaTek processor built on a 4nm process, supports 5G, includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, with expansion via microSD card up to 2TB. In photography, the front-facing selfie camera offers 24 megapixels, and the rear camera shoots at 50 megapixels with optical and electronic stabilization.
The Clicks Communicator supports wired charging up to 18W and wireless charging up to 15W, including Qi compatibility. It also includes GPS, NFC, and advanced security features such as Android Strongbox, along with a commitment to five years of security and system updates up to Android 20 - a remarkable figure for devices in this category.
Commercial launch is planned for the second half of 2026. The big question is whether this is a nostalgic gimmick or the start of a renewed trend. In a world where most smartphones look and feel similar, a return to physical keys may have a place, at least for a niche of users who prefer precision, control, and fewer typing errors.