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The Clicks keyboard case has arrived. Even if it's not entirely practical for everyday use, it's at least enjoyable without a few weeks of practice.
The new device, which adds a keyboard with physical buttons to the bottom of the iPhone, evokes nostalgia for the BlackBerry era, but is unwieldy to use in its current form, especially on heavier, taller devices like the iPhone 15 Pro. maximum.
The main problem with Clicks is that the iPhone doesn't look like the short, squat, wide BlackBerry devices. Instead, the weight of your iPhone pulls the case down, so you're always fighting against gravity when you try to type. This causes the case to wobble a bit in your hand, making it harder to press the right keys.
To be fair, Clicks admits that the case may be difficult to use at first.
On its help page, the company suggests appropriate pinning techniques to make clicks more reliable. Users are advised to prop the phone up with the bottom edge of the device resting on their pinky finger and the back supported by their middle and ring fingers. Your index finger can be placed on the back or side of the case.
The website warns that if you hold the bottom of the keyboard with both hands, the top may feel heavy.
But either way, your phone will feel top-heavy, but how well you can properly balance your keyboard will depend on a variety of factors, including your iPhone model and weight, as well as your finger length and strength. For example, someone with short, stubby fingers may have more trouble gripping a device than someone with long fingers.
Clicks says it's added stabilizers to the bottom of the case to ensure proper balance, but early adopters say they're considering upgrading to smaller iPhone models to make the Clicks easier to use.
The iPhone 13 mini would be great to use with Clicks, but unfortunately it is not supported.
Instead, the Clicks keyboard works on iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models, with the older models only working on Pro and Pro Max models, while it supports all models of iPhone 15. For comparison purposes, the weight of your iPhone may vary from device to device. They range from 6.02 ounces for the iPhone 15 to 7.09 ounces for the 15 Plus and 6.60 ounces for the 15 Pro models. The 15 Pro Max is the heaviest at 7.81 ounces. There is a slight difference when using your iPhone with a traditional case, but even that little extra weight is important when using Clicks. I think the heavier the iPhone, the harder it is to hold.
Clicks tries to explain the difficulty of balancing a phone in several ways. In addition to teaching users how to hold it properly, the case also features a vegan leather grip pad on the bottom back to reduce the chance of fingers slipping and to remind users where to place their fingers.
The case's surface is also slightly textured, which helps keep your iPhone upright.
Despite these tweaks, there's another problem with using Clicks, and it's a surprising one.
If you like Clicks, you're probably old enough to remember what it felt like to send quick emails and text messages on your BlackBerry. The buttons on the physical keyboard are a big upgrade from the T9 text messaging. But in the years since, you've probably gotten used to typing on touchscreens. Returning to the button is not the same as riding a bicycle. There is a bit of a learning curve here. This is especially true for smartphones, which are now very long.
That said, you may not immediately find Clicks as easy to use as you remember your old BlackBerry. You'll have to relearn how to type like this, and it may take some time to adjust. According to the Clicks website, Clicks takes 20 minutes to learn, 2 hours to become familiar with, 2 days to master, and 2 weeks to build muscle memory. really Get used to clicking. (I think some people may need longer. I haven't spent a few weeks using Clicks yet, so I can't weigh in on that.)
Clicks keyboards are so named because the devices make a satisfying “click” sound when you press the keys. However, there is a reason why many of us ultimately turn off the keyboard sounds on our iPhone. tick tick tick Some of the clicking sounds on your keyboard can become annoying after a while, and can be a nuisance to others as well. Clicks keyboards have a quieter, more natural clicking sound, but they always make a noise that catches your attention.
Of course, people who buy Clicks keyboards will be interested. Especially if you get the bright banana yellow case or the new “Miami Heat” hot pink case with blue keys. These cases can be great icebreakers. Take out Clicks in a bar and I guarantee someone will talk to you. (That alone may be worth it for some people!)
That said, the company says the more corporate-looking “London Sky” gray color was the more popular option at launch, with the first “Founders Edition” devices selling out in less than two weeks. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the company said it could build a successful business if 1 in 1,000 iPhone customers were interested in Clicks. Based on the demand Clicks has seen so far, the company says interest is “much stronger than ever.”
Clicks, started by MrMobile (Michael Fisher) and CrackBerry Kevin (Kevin Michaluk), isn't disclosing sales figures to date, but has already added hot pink and “royal ink” blue cases to its lineup. The company is currently raising a seed round to further expand the Clicks product portfolio.
Be careful if you want to switch between Clicks and traditional cases (or no cases). Pay attention to the USB-C or Lightning port on the Clicks. The case includes a sticker reminding you to be careful when inserting or removing the phone. This is easier advice to follow when inserting. But if you're used to mindlessly pulling your iPhone case at any angle, be very careful. Your $159 will just go up in smoke. Clicks' warnings include: Do not bend the phone upwards from the port until it pops out. enough disconnected This is no joke. Even the slightest angle can easily damage the port. (Click says that no damage issues have been found yet. They are asking for more time.)
That's why company IT departments don't recommend buying Clicks for older end users who are still lamenting the loss of their BlackBerrys. In most cases, when you first take the case off, the device breaks or the ports get bent. If necessary, make it a holiday gift rather than a company handout.
As for the keyboard, the buttons are well spaced and, although a bit small, are reasonably clickable. There are also very few clever touches. Microphone, Shift, CMD and “123” keys are built-in and can be pressed once to press numbers and symbols, or double pressed to lock. You can also press the “%+-” button to show or hide the iOS keyboard, where you can also easily access emojis. (Alternatively, you can add an emoji keyboard as an option that appears when you click on the globe key.)
Once you've mastered keyboarding, there are several keyboard shortcuts you can learn to make them easier to use. For example, CMD + H will return you to the home screen, and CMD + Space will start a search. In Safari or Chrome web browsers, you can also use the spacebar to scroll web pages. Many other popular iOS keyboard shortcuts are also supported.
However, the size of the Clicks case cannot be overlooked as a factor in deciding whether to purchase or not.
Their odd, very long shape makes them more difficult to carry in your pockets, and they inevitably stick out of your pockets, stretching the fabric. The Clicks case won't fit into small handbags that previously could fit an iPhone comfortably. The Clicks were also too large for the top pocket of my travel SwissGear backpack. This is where I often stash my phone in a hurry, like when I'm getting my bag ready for TSA screening. Depending on your phone model, your phone case will be 62 or 65 grams heavier.
This case also doesn't support MagSafe accessories, so you can't use some sort of PopSocket to secure it. (It may also be placed too high to be really helpful.)
Despite the challenges associated with Clicks, it's hard not to feel a sense of whimsy and cheerfulness. You definitely don't need Clicks, but at $139 to $159, you might convince yourself that you need to give it a try. It's like Chumby or Rabbit. It's quirky, fun, and designed for a niche market of enthusiasts. This is not a product you buy for its functionality. This is the type of art you apply for because you are interested in technology… I think I'll buy another one in pink.
