Clicks Technology, a company renowned for its physical keyboard accessories for smartphones, is set to debut two new devices ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The company is unveiling its first-ever smartphone, the Communicator, which features a built-in physical keyboard, alongside a new $79 snap-on Power Keyboard designed for various smart devices.

The Communicator immediately evokes comparisons to the iconic BlackBerry, a design choice that Clicks Technology embraces. (Quick, someone tell Kim Kardashian, a well-known BlackBerry enthusiast.) Priced at $499, this smartphone is positioned as a "purpose-built" secondary device for professionals who manage both work and personal phones. It targets users heavily involved in messaging, emailing, and document work, where the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard offers a distinct advantage.

Unlike typical smartphones, the Communicator intentionally omits access to addictive social media apps and games. Instead, Clicks has partnered with Niagara Launcher, an Android launcher developer, to provide streamlined access to essential messaging and productivity tools such as Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack.

A standout feature is the Signal Light, a customizable light-up button on the device's side. Users can assign different colors and light patterns to indicate messages from specific contacts, groups, or applications. For example, VIP messages could glow purple, while WhatsApp chats appear green.

The Signal Light button also functions as a Prompt Key, allowing users to dictate messages in text fields or quickly record voice notes. Clicks Technology is also exploring future integrations with AI applications, including note-takers, voice recorders, and AI agents, though these functionalities are not yet available.

Emphasizing a premium typing experience, the Communicator features a tactile keyboard with ergonomically designed keys for faster input. The keyboard is also touch-sensitive, enabling users to scroll through messages, lists, and webpages without needing to interact with the touchscreen.

In a nod to classic phone design, the Communicator includes several "old-school" features: a 3.5mm headphone jack, a physical SIM card tray (complementing an eSIM option), expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, and a tactile switch for airplane mode. This switch can also be configured to control the Signal Light or keyboard touch input.

Personalization is offered through interchangeable back covers, allowing users to swap styles. The phone will be available in Smoke, Clover (dark green), and Onyx.

Early bird customers can pre-order the Communicator for $399 with a $199 deposit before February 27. Those who pay the full early bird price upfront will receive two additional back covers. The phone is expected to ship sometime later this year.

Clicks Communicator Technical Specifications:

  • Android 16 with 5 years of security updates
  • Dimensions: 131.5 mm tall; Weight: 170 grams
  • Global 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G/2G support, unlocked
  • 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery
  • 256GB onboard storage plus expandable microSD (up to 2TB)
  • 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 for personalization

Introducing the Clicks Power Keyboard

Clicks Technology is also launching a new $79 slide-out Power Keyboard, designed to attach to smartphones, tablets, and even smart TVs. This accessory aims to eliminate the tediousness of on-screen typing, particularly when navigating smart TV interfaces with a remote control.

The Power Keyboard features a built-in 2,150 mAh battery and connects to phones via MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic connections. It is also compatible with existing phone cases. Its multiple slider positions accommodate various phone sizes, and it can be attached whether the phone is held in portrait or landscape mode.

When used with tablets, TVs, or AR/VR headsets, the Power Keyboard functions independently. Like other Clicks keyboards, it offers tactile buttons, and its settings can be customized via the Clicks mobile app for iOS and Android.

The Power Keyboard is available for early-bird pre-orders at $79, with the retail price set at $109. Pre-orders begin on January 2, and the device is slated to ship in the spring.

Clicks Technology's Vision

Clicks CEO Adrian Li highlighted the company's success, having shipped over 100,000 of its previous 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."