Do you want real keys on your iPhone? Now it's possible

iPhone with a physical QWERTY keyboard?! Yes, this is not a joke: a new accessory called Clicks, which turns your Apple smartphone into a push-button phone, is already on sale.

You can, of course, always connect a computer keyboard to your iPhone, but it's not the same as having a compact physical keyboard right in your mobile device. Remember the iconic Blackerry phones that had a built-in physical keyboard? The idea of reviving such a gadget in some new form was simply in the air, but this also required some courage.

Maybe you also feel nostalgic for real buttons on your smartphone? Then check out Clicks iPhone keyboard, a case with a built-in keyboard that you stick your iPhone into and use it like a QWERTY physical keyboard phone. This startup, presented at the CES 2024 event in Las Vegas, was created by former employees of Apple, BlackBerry and Google.

Clicks, officially called "Precision Typing Instrument", is designed for iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The founders of the startup do not hide the fact that they are old fans of Blackbury phones, and the new case is indeed somewhat reminiscent of its design. it is made of silicone and has 36 small backlit physical buttons. In an engaging and funny video, the startup's co-founder, Michael Fisher, talks about the Clicks keyboard's three main benefits: "space, shortcuts, and sensation."

Indeed, the physical keyboard frees up a big part of the screen that was covered by the virtual keyboard. With the Clicks' buttons, not only can you call, text, and perform common operations, but it also supports iOS commands like Siri or voice dictation, as well as other shortcuts familiar to Mac users, such as "x" to go Home or command "Space" opening Spotlight Search. Finally, "clicking instead of tapping" should appeal to consumers looking for a more tactile experience when handling a smartphone. In the promotional video, Clicks' creators hint that they are thinking about creating a version for Android in the future.

On the bottom end of the case there is a hole for connecting the charging cable to the iPhone. Color options available are BumbleBee Yellow and London Sky Grey. The Clicks case costs $139 for the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro, and $159 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

So far, the Clicks case only offers a version with an English QWERTY version, but its creators do not rule out the production of versions in other languages, which, however, will depend on demand. Another limitation is that it is not compatible with all MagSafe wireless charging accessories.

In social networks you can already find reactions from potential consumers of the new accessory. While many are happy to have tactile buttons, there are those who say it won't be easy to type on with one hand, or complain that the gadget only supports iPhone Pro models. If they wish, they will be able to try Clicks for themselves very soon: the new keyboard cases can already be ordered, and the start of deliveries in the United States is expected in February-March 2024. Clicks can also be ordered from Europe and other regions with a US$15 international postage charge.

And yes, those who decide to purchase a new accessory will have to get used to the long-forgotten sensation of pressing real keys instead of virtural ones.