Clicks Technology's Power Keyboard is a slide-out, tactile keyboard that brings the BlackBerry-style typing experience to any smartphone. It's a premium device that aims to provide an alternative to onscreen keyboards, offering speed and reliability for those who miss the physical typing experience. However, it's not without its compromises.
The Power Keyboard is a teaser for Clicks' upcoming smartphone, the Clicks Communicator, which will also feature a physical keyboard. The device is designed to work with a range of phone sizes and can be used in either portrait or landscape mode, giving any phone a BlackBerry-like feel.
In terms of design, the Power Keyboard is crafted with care and comes nicely packaged with peel-away cling films to prevent scratches during shipping and a full-color Quick Start guide. It's MagSafe-compatible and can be used with Qi2 technology, or an adhesive ring or phone case can be used if the phone doesn't support either.
The keyboard itself has a nice, clicky feel and is well-placed, making it easy to reach. It offers an adjustable LED backlight, so you can type in the dark. The keyboard also includes a built-in 2,150 mAh battery, which provides wireless charging to products with MagSafe and Qi2.
One of the key advantages of the Power Keyboard is its high level of customization. Users can enable the Clicks key to function as a Tab button, turn on Cursor Mode to make certain letters work as directional keys, and adjust various settings like the idle timeout, battery reserves, LED backlight, and whether the Return key works as a hard or soft return.
However, the Power Keyboard is not without its compromises. It can make the phone feel top-heavy and difficult to hold in portrait mode, especially with larger smartphones. The keyboard could also get caught on a back pocket if you try to cram the phone and keyboard into your pocket too quickly.
Despite these compromises, the Power Keyboard is a premium device that could appeal to those who still desperately long for their BlackBerry. It's an affordable holdover until Clicks' smartphone ships, and it can be used with tablets, smart TVs, or AR/VR headsets, making it a versatile device.
In conclusion, the Power Keyboard is a premium device that brings the BlackBerry-style typing experience to any smartphone. While it's not without its compromises, it's a high-quality product that could appeal to those who miss the physical typing experience. However, for the sake of comfort and portability, I'd prefer to make the switch to physical keys with Clicks' Communicator smartphone.
