Clicks Technology, a company known for its physical keyboards for smartphones, is launching two new devices ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. These include a new $79 slide-out keyboard for smart devices and the company’s first smartphone, the Communicator, which features a physical keyboard and is designed to be a secondary device.
The Communicator features a design reminiscent of classic BlackBerry smartphones.
Priced at $499, the smartphone is described as purpose-built for individuals who carry two phones, one for work and one for personal use. Its target market includes users who frequently engage in tasks such as messaging, emailing, and document work, where a physical keyboard offers a significant advantage.
While it includes a screen for viewing and responding to messages, the Communicator intentionally restricts access to addictive social media apps or games. Instead, it partners with Niagara Launcher, an Android launcher, to provide access to messaging applications and productivity tools like Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack.
A standout feature of the phone is its Signal Light, a customizable light-up button on the side of the device. This can be configured with different colors and light patterns to indicate messages from specific individuals, groups, or apps. For instance, messages from VIPs could glow purple, while WhatsApp chats appear green.
Users can press this button, known as the Prompt Key, to dictate messages within a text field or to take a quick voice note. The company hints at future integration of AI applications with this button, such as note-takers, voice recordings, or AI agents, but these features are not yet available.
Similar to other Clicks products, the Communicator features a tactile keyboard with ergonomic keys designed for faster typing. The keyboard is also touch-sensitive, allowing users to scroll through messages, lists, and web pages without needing to use the touchscreen.
The device also includes several traditional features, such as a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a physical SIM card tray (in addition to an eSIM), expandable microSD storage (up to 2TB), and a tactile switch for airplane mode. This switch can also be configured to work with the Signal light or keyboard touch input.
The back cover is removable, allowing users to customize the device’s style by swapping to different colors. The phone itself is available in Smoke, Clover (dark green), and Onyx.
The device will be offered at $399 for early-bird customers who place a $199 deposit before February 27. Customers who pay the full early-bird price of $399 upfront will receive two additional back covers. The phone is expected to ship later this year.
Key technical specifications for the phone include:
- Android 16 with 5 years of security updates
- 131.5 mm tall; weighing 170 grams
- Global 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G/2G support, unlocked
- 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery
- 256GB onboard storage plus expandable microSD
- 50MP main camera with OIS and 24MP front camera
- NFC with Google Pay, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6
- USB-C and wireless charging
- Interchangeable back covers in different colors to personalize the device
Clicks CEO Adrian Li noted in an announcement that the company has shipped over 100,000 of its earlier keyboards to customers in more than 100 countries. He stated, “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.”
The company’s other new product is a slide-out keyboard designed for attachment to smartphones, tablets, or even smart TVs, aiming to simplify typing compared to using a remote control.
The keyboard is powered by a built-in 2,150 mAh battery and attaches to phones via MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic connections. It is also compatible with existing phone cases. Multiple slider positions allow the keyboard to accommodate different phone sizes, and it can be attached when the phone is held in either portrait or landscape mode.
When used with tablets, TVs, or other smart devices, such as AR/VR headsets, the keyboard operates independently from the device it is paired with.
Similar to other Clicks keyboards, the Power Keyboard offers tactile buttons, and its settings can be customized using the Clicks mobile app for iOS and Android.
The Power Keyboard is priced at $79 for early-bird customers and will later retail for $109. Preorders started on January 2, and the device is expected to ship in the spring.
