I fantasized about the original Clicks keyboard case for a long time before ordering one and ultimately being disappointed. The key problem with the Clicks Case was that the iPhone’s long/tall form factor just did not ergonomically work with holding the device at the bottom. Excellent idea but fundamentally impossible execution. I returned the case and returned to software keyboards.
Now the Clicks Power Keyboard has tempted me again. The multi-device form factor is particularly appealing: as I type this, I have an iPad in a stand just a foot away, but I can’t interact with it thanks to the sleeping baby in my lap. (We just welcomed our third!) The idea of having a Blackberry style keyboard in my pocket available at all times for all devices is certainly compelling. Fingers crossed!
It would have been ideal if it didn’t increase the phone’s length by the height of the physical keyboard—if it could retain the iPhone’s original form factor and simply slide out from the back, it would be a perfect device.
It looks very interesting, and I would be tempted. However, I’m on a minimalism kick right now and try to reserve my computer or laptop for productivity, minimizing my phone use. I’m trying to use my phone less, but this would make me use it more.
The MagSafe type design would also be usable in landscape mode. That’s one area where the on-screen keyboard falls over - how much space it takes up if the phone is horizontal.
Have to say it looks great - however gives me PTSD of my days as an on-call Network Engineer as my Blackberry was effectively my right hand in those days and that layout is soooo similar!
It does look extremely functional though - gone into my Someday/Maybe pile for future.
Mine arrive last week and I ordered it on Jan 2. It very well constructed and works as advertised. I am using it with both a pixel phone and as a keyboard for entering text in Apple TV searches. I am impressed with it.
Perhaps I am just Gen-Z, and don’t have the memories of Blackberry (admittedly, I do have a Key2, and used it up until I got my first iPhone in 2018). But is the keyboard that useful for people? I’ve typed out emails on an iPhone, and never really said “oh how i wish I had a physical keyboard?” Is there something I’m missing?
I have text zoomed in one level beyond “normal,” and a number of apps/web pages/etc. are almost unusable once the keyboard pops up. IMHO the #1 benefit of a physical keyboard is that it doesn’t take up screen real estate. ANY external keyboard works for this purpose, but having one attached to the phone would be a nice touch.
Sad sigh. I shipped my Power Keyboard back yesterday.
I really wanted to love it. The engineering and design was awesome, the typing feel was great, the 10-device bluetooth connection was stellar, and the power user features (keyboard shortcuts for Shortcuts!) were fascinating.
Ultimately, though, I didn’t think I would ever get faster at typing on it than my default: using the onscreen keyboard one-handed and swipe-typing most long words. I can do this with either hand, too.
Also a key use case for me was typing while lying down in bed (the thinking was that I could get some reading — and annotating — done before sleep), but my partner found the keyboard-clicking loud. Fair!
It is a brilliant device, but I think my Blackberry-style-typing days are over. Sad to say goodbye to your dreams!
This for sure. I was hoping for scissor-switch/membrane-level silence, but it’s Blackberry-level clicks. Not a problem for an office but audible in a silent room.
Mine arrived this morning and I don’t think I’m going to keep it. Seems clumsy to hold and — as Ryan said — I think I can type faster with the onscreen keyboard, and it’s noisy.
I’ll give it a day or two and see if it grows on me. Maybe watch a video or two for tips.
Thanks to @ryanjamurphy and @MitchWagner for doing the hard yards on this one. I’m awful at iPhone typing. I had considered one of these keyboards. Your willingness to test has saved me time and money.
