Clicks, the company best known for its snap-on mobile keyboards with physical buttons, has unveiled its own smartphone, a clear nod to the classic BlackBerry era, alongside a new US$79 attachable keyboard aimed at users who miss tactile typing in a touchscreen-dominated world.
The new handset marks a strategic shift for Clicks, which until now has focused exclusively on accessories designed to bring physical keyboards back to modern smartphones. By launching its own device, the company is betting that nostalgia, productivity, and differentiation can still carve out a viable niche in today’s highly competitive mobile market.
The Clicks phone features a permanent physical QWERTY keyboard built directly into the device, echoing the design philosophy that once made BlackBerry a favorite among professionals, journalists, and executives. The company says the keyboard is designed to improve typing accuracy, speed, and overall ergonomics, particularly for users who rely heavily on messaging, email, and note-taking.
In parallel, Clicks also announced a new US$79 snap-on keyboard accessory for users who want the tactile experience without committing to a dedicated keyboard phone. The add-on attaches to compatible smartphones and connects seamlessly, allowing users to switch between touch and physical input depending on their needs. The accessory expands on Clicks’ existing product line, which has already attracted a loyal following among productivity-focused users.
According to the company, both the phone and the keyboard are aimed at consumers frustrated by oversized screens and virtual keyboards that dominate modern smartphones. Clicks argues that physical buttons offer better muscle memory, fewer typing errors, and less visual distraction, advantages that are increasingly appealing as people spend more time communicating on their devices.
The move comes at a time when smartphone innovation has largely plateaued, with most manufacturers focused on incremental camera, chip, and display upgrades. By reviving a form factor that many assumed was obsolete, Clicks is positioning itself as an alternative to mainstream devices rather than a direct competitor to flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, or Google.
While it remains to be seen whether demand for keyboard phones can scale beyond a niche audience, analysts note that Clicks’ approach mirrors broader trends toward customization and purpose-built devices. Similar to the resurgence of flip phones, minimalist phones, and specialized gadgets, the Clicks phone taps into a growing appetite for hardware that prioritizes function over flash.
Clicks has not yet disclosed full sales targets, but says early interest has been strong among former BlackBerry users, writers, developers, and professionals seeking a more deliberate and productive mobile experience.
Egypt targets 15 million phones in 2026 as It Pushes tech manufacturing drive
