Clicks revives the BlackBerry spirit with keyboard first smartphone and $79 snap on keyboard
BlackBerry spirit with keyboard Clicks Technology is leaning hard into nostalgia and productivity as it unveils two new hardware launches ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week. Known for its physical smartphone keyboards, the company is now taking its biggest step yet by introducing its first full handset alongside a new universal slide out keyboard.
The headline reveal is the Clicks Communicator, a $499 smartphone built around a physical keyboard and designed specifically as a second device for people who want to work more efficiently on the go. Alongside it comes a $79 snap on keyboard accessory aimed at phones, tablets and even smart TVs.
At first glance, the Communicator looks unmistakably like a modern BlackBerry, complete with a compact screen perched above a tactile keyboard. That resemblance is no accident. Clicks says it is targeting users who spend much of their day emailing, messaging, and editing documents and who value accuracy and speed over endless scrolling.
keyboard first smartphone
The company describes the Communicator as “purpose built” for people who carry two phones, one for work and one for personal life. To reinforce that idea, the device deliberately avoids addictive social media apps and games. Instead, Clicks partnered with Niagara Launcher on Android to surface messaging and productivity tools such as Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp and Slack.
One of the phone’s most distinctive features is a programmable Signal Light on the side of the device. This illuminated button can be customised with colours and patterns to alert users to messages from specific people, groups or apps. Messages from VIP contacts could glow purple, while WhatsApp alerts might show green, for example.
The same button, known as the Prompt Key, can also be pressed to dictate messages when a text field is active or to capture quick voice notes elsewhere. Clicks has hinted that future software updates could allow AI powered features such as note taking or voice based assistants to be triggered through the key, though none are available at launch.
True to the company’s roots, the physical keyboard is central to the experience. The keys are ergonomically shaped for faster typing and are also touch sensitive, allowing users to scroll through messages, lists and web pages without touching the screen.
Clicks has also leaned into classic hardware features that have largely disappeared from modern smartphones. The Communicator includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a physical SIM tray alongside eSIM support, expandable microSD storage up to 2TB and a dedicated tactile switch for airplane mode. That switch can also be customised to interact with the Signal Light or keyboard gestures.
The back cover is removable, allowing users to swap colours and styles. At launch, the phone will be available in Smoke, Clover, a dark green finish, and Onyx.
The Communicator will retail for $499, but early bird customers can secure it for $399 by placing a $199 deposit before February 27. Those who pay the full early bird price up front will receive two extra back covers. Shipping is expected later this year.
Full specifications include Android 16 with five years of security updates, a 4,000mAh silicon carbon battery, global 5G support, 256GB of internal storage plus microSD expansion, a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation, a 24MP front camera, NFC with Google Pay, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6, USB, C and wireless charging.
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Alongside the phone, Clicks is also launching a new $79 slide out keyboard accessory. It attaches to smartphones and tablets using MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic connections and can even be used with smart TVs to make text entry less painful. The keyboard has its own 2,150mAh battery, supports multiple slider positions to fit different device sizes, and works in both portrait and landscape orientation. The company says it can be used with existing phone cases as well.
Clicks CEO Adrian Li said the company has already shipped more than 100,000 keyboards to customers in over 100 countries, a response he says confirmed strong demand for focused, purpose built devices.
“There’s growing demand for products that help people communicate with confidence and take action,” Li said. “Clicks Communicator is a natural evolution of that belief.”
