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- 1 A Nostalgic Return to Physical Keyboards
A new product is set to bring back the tactile satisfaction of physical keyboards. The product, aptly named “Clicks,” is a case designed for recent iPhone Pro models. It’s the first product from a new company, Clicks Technology, and will debut at CES 2024.
A Nostalgic Return to Physical Keyboards
The Clicks case features a hardware keyboard that provides actual buttons for typing. It is reminiscent of the physical keyboards popular on earlier mobile devices. Priced at $139, the keyboard is integrated into a wraparound case. Users slide their iPhones into the device to start typing. The keys are backlit for night typing, and it runs off the phone’s battery, eliminating the need for additional charging.
The Clicks keyboard will initially be compatible with the most recent iPhones. It will be available with either Lightning (for iPhone 14 Pro) or USB-C (for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max) connectors.
The iPhone and the Evolution of Keyboards
The original iPhone, launched in 2007, played a significant role in popularizing on-screen keyboards. Before the iPhone, many smartphones, like the BlackBerry, were dominated by physical keyboards. The iPhone introduced a capacitive touchscreen. It used the body’s natural electrical conductivity to detect touches. This innovation marked a shift in concept, transforming the iPhone from a telephone with some extra features to a full-fledged handheld computer.
The original iPhone introduced on-screen keyboards in 2007. However, physical keyboards still attract many people for various reasons.
1. Tactile Feedback:
Physical keyboards offer a tangible experience. Users can feel the keys’ response when pressed, enhancing the typing experience.
2. Accuracy:
The precision of physical keyboards is often favored over their virtual counterparts, as each distinct key contributes to a more accurate typing process.
3. Efficiency:
Virtual keyboards, with their auto-correction features, may inadvertently replace intended words, leading to a less efficient typing experience for users who prefer precise input.
4. Business Use:
In many professional settings, virtual keyboards need to improve the efficiency offered by their physical counterparts. The corporate world, emphasizing productivity, often finds physical keyboards more conducive to practical work.
The Creative Process Behind Clicks
Prominent phone industry YouTubers, including Michael Fisher, known as Mr. Mobile on YouTube, contributed to the design of the Clicks keyboard. Fisher is also a co-founder of Clicks Technology. The inspiration for the design is a blend of nostalgia and practicality. Fisher’s channel includes contemporary reviews and throwback profiles of old phones. Back then, screens were smaller, and designs were more diverse.
The Clicks keyboard brings some of this energy back with its bright banana-yellow color. It wouldn’t look out of place on a Nintendo N64 controller. It’s a nod to the past while catering to modern iPhone users’ needs.
Vibrant Colors and Design Aesthetics:
The vibrant banana-yellow color of the Clicks keyboard adds a playful energy reminiscent of gaming consoles from the past. A svelte gray hue is also available in this early Founders Edition round for those who prefer a more professional look. The design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a deliberate move to improve the smartphone typing experience.
Michael Fisher’s Vision and Press Release Insight
In a press release, Fisher expressed his belief in bringing back physical buttons to smartphones. He stated, “We use keyboards on our desktops, laptops, and tablets daily. Oddly, we abandoned physical buttons on the smartphone. The Clicks keyboard aims to bridge the gap between efficiency and familiarity. It offers users a typing experience similar to traditional keyboards.
Compatibility and Future Plans
The Clicks keyboard is currently tailored for iPhone 14 Pro (via Lightning connector) and iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max (via USB-C connector). There are hints of additional colors and versions in the pipeline. Clicks Technology has teased future releases. These will go beyond the initial bright banana yellow and svelte gray options.
Anticipating CES 2024 and the Revolution Ahead
We eagerly anticipate the CES 2024 showcase. The Clicks keyboard is a testament to the enduring appeal of physical keyboards in an era dominated by touchscreens. The Clicks keyboard blends functionality, aesthetics, and a nod to the past. Aptly titled, it could usher in a new era of typing satisfaction for smartphone users. Stay tuned for more updates as Clicks Technology revolutionizes how we interact with our iPhones. 😊
The Clicks keyboard case is a creative blend of nostalgia and practicality, bringing back the physical keyboard in a modern, user-friendly design. It’s a testament to the fact that even in an era dominated by touchscreens, there’s still a place for the tactile satisfaction of a physical keyboard.
