Clicks Power Keyboard Brings BlackBerry-Style Typing to Any Phone — With Some Compromises
Introduction
Physical smartphone keyboards seemed to disappear years ago, but Clicks is trying to bring them back with a modern approach. The company's Clicks Power Keyboard is designed to give smartphones a BlackBerry-style physical typing experience without requiring users to replace their phone.
Unlike traditional keyboard cases that are made for a specific phone model, the Power Keyboard uses a universal design. It connects to compatible devices through Bluetooth and can attach magnetically to phones that support MagSafe or Qi2, or to devices using a compatible magnetic case or ring.
The idea is simple: slide out a physical keyboard whenever you need to type, then move it out of the way when you want to use the phone normally.
At $99, however, the Clicks Power Keyboard is not a cheap accessory. And while it brings several advantages, its design also comes with some compromises.
You can also explore our latest tech guides and helpful tutorials on TechGuideZone.
What Is the Clicks Power Keyboard?
The Clicks Power Keyboard is a portable physical keyboard designed for smartphones and other compatible devices.
Its main purpose is to recreate some of the experience people remember from classic BlackBerry phones, where physical keys made messaging and writing feel more tactile.
Instead of covering the bottom portion of a phone's display with an on-screen keyboard, the Clicks accessory provides dedicated physical keys.
This means users can potentially see more of their phone's screen while typing.
Clicks says the keyboard can work with iPhones, Android phones and other devices that support external Bluetooth keyboards. The company has specifically tested it with a range of iPhone and Android devices.
How Does the Clicks Power Keyboard Work?
The Power Keyboard uses a combination of Bluetooth connectivity and a magnetic mounting system.
For phones with MagSafe or Qi2 support, the keyboard can attach magnetically. Users with phones that don't have built-in magnets can use a compatible case or adhesive magnetic ring.
The keyboard communicates with devices using Bluetooth, so it doesn't need to plug directly into a phone's USB-C or Lightning port.
According to Clicks, the keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.4 and can work with devices that support external Bluetooth keyboards.
This universal approach is one of the biggest differences between the Power Keyboard and traditional smartphone keyboard cases.
BlackBerry-Style Physical Typing
The biggest reason someone would buy the Clicks Power Keyboard is obviously the physical keyboard.
For people who grew up using BlackBerry phones, physical keys can feel more precise than typing on a touchscreen.
A physical keyboard also provides tactile feedback. You can feel each key press instead of relying entirely on the visual feedback from a touchscreen.
This can be particularly useful for people who regularly write:
Emails
Long messages
Social media posts
Notes
Documents
Work-related replies
Blog posts
Chat messages
The physical keyboard can also help keep the on-screen keyboard from covering a large portion of the display.
The Keyboard Can Free Up Screen Space
One of the biggest advantages of a physical smartphone keyboard is the additional screen space.
When you use a normal touchscreen keyboard, a significant portion of the display is occupied by virtual keys.
With the Clicks Power Keyboard, the physical keys are separate from the phone's display.
That means users can potentially see more of an app while typing.
This could be particularly useful when replying to emails, editing documents or chatting while looking at information on the same screen.
Clicks itself highlights additional screen space and physical controls as major benefits of the Power Keyboard.
It Is Not Just for One Phone
Another interesting feature is its universal design.
Traditional smartphone keyboard cases generally need to be manufactured for specific phone models.
That means if you upgrade from one phone to another, your old keyboard case may become useless.
The Clicks Power Keyboard takes a different approach.
Its adjustable slider is designed to accommodate different phone sizes, including larger Pro Max and Ultra-style devices.
This makes the accessory more flexible than a conventional keyboard case.
Android and iPhone Compatibility
The Clicks Power Keyboard isn't limited to iPhones.
Clicks says the keyboard can work with Android devices as well, including compatible Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones.
For Android phones without built-in magnetic attachment, users may need a magnetic case or adhesive ring to securely mount the keyboard.
Because Bluetooth handles the keyboard connection, the device can also function as a Bluetooth keyboard with compatible hardware even when magnetic mounting isn't available.
That flexibility makes the Power Keyboard more interesting than a phone-specific accessory.
The Power Keyboard Has a Large Battery
The accessory also includes its own battery.
Clicks lists a 2,300 mAh onboard battery for the Power Keyboard. The company says 500 mAh is reserved by default for the keyboard, while the remaining capacity can be managed through the Clicks app.
The Power Keyboard also includes wireless charging functionality for compatible phones.
Users can disable wireless charging through the Clicks app if they want to preserve more battery capacity for keyboard use.
This makes the accessory more than just a collection of physical keys.
The Biggest Problem: Weight and Ergonomics
The Clicks Power Keyboard sounds great on paper, but its physical design creates some compromises.
Adding a keyboard, battery and charging hardware to a smartphone naturally makes the overall setup heavier and bulkier.
Recent user feedback has highlighted concerns about weight distribution and handling, particularly with larger and heavier smartphones. Some users have reported that the combination can feel awkward when held for extended typing sessions.
This is an important consideration because one of the main reasons people choose smartphones is portability.
A keyboard that makes a phone significantly heavier may not appeal to everyone.
The Keys Are Smaller Than a Traditional Keyboard
Another potential compromise is the size of the keys.
The Clicks Power Keyboard has to remain compact enough to travel with a smartphone, so its physical keys are much smaller than those on a laptop keyboard.
Some users have reported that the small keys can take time to get used to, especially for people with larger hands.
For experienced physical-keyboard users, this may not be a major problem.
For someone who has spent many years typing entirely on touchscreen keyboards, however, there could be a learning curve.
Android Shortcuts May Not Be Perfect
Another issue reported by some users involves keyboard shortcuts on Android.
Different Android phones can behave differently when handling external keyboards, and some users have reported that certain Clicks shortcuts don't always work as expected.
Community feedback has also mentioned differences between the shortcuts described in the setup experience and what actually happens on certain Android devices.
This doesn't necessarily mean the keyboard won't work on Android, but buyers should be aware that the experience may vary depending on the phone.
Wireless Charging Adds Convenience but Also Complexity
Wireless charging is another interesting part of the Power Keyboard.
In theory, having a keyboard that can also wirelessly charge a compatible phone is convenient.
However, adding charging hardware means the accessory has to balance battery capacity, weight, heat and physical design.
Some user reports have raised concerns about wireless charging performance and power consumption in particular setups.
Therefore, buyers shouldn't think of the Power Keyboard simply as a keyboard. It is a keyboard, battery and wireless charging accessory combined into one product.
How Much Does the Clicks Power Keyboard Cost?
The Clicks Power Keyboard is priced at $99.
That places it in a premium category compared with ordinary Bluetooth keyboards.
The price may make more sense for people who specifically want physical smartphone keys and use their phones for a lot of writing.
For casual users who only send short messages, a traditional touchscreen keyboard may still be more convenient.
Who Should Buy the Clicks Power Keyboard?
The Power Keyboard could make sense for several types of users.
People Who Loved BlackBerry Phones
If you miss the physical keyboard experience of older BlackBerry devices, the Clicks Power Keyboard is one of the more interesting modern alternatives.
Heavy Mobile Typists
People who regularly write emails, documents, messages or social posts from their phone may benefit from physical keys.
Productivity-Focused Users
The extra screen space and physical controls could be useful for people who use their phones as productivity devices.
Writers Who Travel
Someone who wants a more portable typing solution without carrying a full-size Bluetooth keyboard could also find the Power Keyboard useful.
Who Should Avoid It?
The accessory probably isn't for everyone.
You may want to skip it if:
You prefer lightweight phones
You rarely type long messages
You already enjoy touchscreen keyboards
You have a very large or heavy phone
You dislike bulky accessories
You don't want to carry an additional device
The ergonomic compromises are particularly important for users with larger smartphones.
Clicks Power Keyboard Pros and Cons
Pros
Physical BlackBerry-style keyboard
Works with multiple phones and devices
Bluetooth connectivity
Magnetic attachment with compatible phones/cases
Frees up screen space while typing
Built-in 2,300 mAh battery
Wireless charging support
Adjustable design for different phone sizes
Can be useful for heavy mobile typing
Cons
$99 price
Adds weight to the phone
Can feel bulky with larger smartphones
Small keys may require adjustment
Android shortcuts can vary between devices
Magnetic mounting may require an additional case or ring on some phones
Wireless charging can affect battery usage
Is the Clicks Power Keyboard Worth Buying?
Whether the Clicks Power Keyboard is worth buying depends heavily on how you use your smartphone.
If you type only occasionally, spending $99 on a dedicated physical keyboard probably doesn't make much sense.
But if you regularly write emails, messages, notes or other long-form content on your phone, the physical keyboard could provide a very different experience.
The biggest appeal is not simply typing speed. It is the combination of tactile feedback, additional screen space and the nostalgic BlackBerry-style experience.
At the same time, buyers should understand that the universal design comes with compromises.
The keyboard adds weight and can change the balance of the phone, while the small keys may require some adjustment.
Final Verdict
The Clicks Power Keyboard is an interesting attempt to bring physical smartphone keyboards back without forcing users to buy a completely new phone.
Its universal design, Bluetooth connectivity, magnetic attachment, built-in battery and wireless charging make it considerably more flexible than traditional keyboard cases.
However, the product is not perfect.
The $99 price, additional weight, small keys and potential ergonomic issues mean that it is better suited to a specific group of users rather than everyone.
For people who miss the BlackBerry typing experience or frequently write long messages on their phones, the Clicks Power Keyboard could be a useful productivity accessory.
For everyone else, the standard touchscreen keyboard may remain the simpler and more convenient option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Clicks Power Keyboard?
The Clicks Power Keyboard is a universal physical smartphone keyboard designed to bring a BlackBerry-style typing experience to compatible phones and other Bluetooth devices.
How much does the Clicks Power Keyboard cost?
The Clicks Power Keyboard is priced at $99.
Does the Clicks Power Keyboard work with Android phones?
Yes. Clicks says the keyboard can work with Android phones that support external Bluetooth keyboards. Magnetic mounting may require a compatible case or magnetic ring.
Does it work with iPhones?
Yes. The Power Keyboard is designed to work with MagSafe-compatible iPhones, while Qi2-compatible devices can also use its magnetic connection.
Does the Clicks Power Keyboard have a battery?
Yes. It has a 2,300 mAh onboard battery.
Can it charge a smartphone wirelessly?
Yes. The Power Keyboard supports wireless charging for compatible devices, and the charging feature can be disabled through the Clicks app.
Is the Clicks Power Keyboard like a BlackBerry keyboard?
It is inspired by the physical-keyboard experience associated with BlackBerry phones, but the design is adapted for modern smartphones rather than being built into the phone itself.
Is the Clicks Power Keyboard good for long typing sessions?
It can be useful for people who prefer physical keys, but the overall weight, balance and small key size may take some getting used to. User experiences vary depending on the phone being used.
You can also explore our latest tech guides and helpful tutorials on TechGuideZone.
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