Clicks Technology, a company specializing in physical keyboards for mobile devices, is expanding its product line with two new offerings ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week. The company announced a new $79 slide-out keyboard and, more notably, its first smartphone – the Communicator – a device designed with a built-in keyboard aimed at users who prefer a dedicated communication tool.
The Communicator, reminiscent of older BlackBerry devices, is positioned as a secondary phone for professionals and those seeking a distraction-free communication experience. Clicks believes there’s a growing market for devices focused on productivity and efficient messaging, rather than the all-encompassing features of modern smartphones.
Clicks Enters the Smartphone Market with a Focus on Communication
The $499 Communicator is “purpose-built” for individuals who carry two phones – one for work and one for personal use, according to Clicks. The device aims to provide a streamlined experience for messaging, email, and document work, capitalizing on the tactile benefits of a physical keyboard. However, unlike typical smartphones, the Communicator deliberately avoids features designed to encourage prolonged engagement, such as addictive social media apps and games.
Instead, the Communicator utilizes a customized Android launcher, Niagara Launcher, providing access to essential communication and productivity tools like Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack. This curated approach is intended to minimize distractions and maximize efficiency.
Key Features of the Clicks Communicator
One standout feature is the “Signal Light,” a customizable LED button on the side of the device. Users can assign different colors and patterns to indicate messages from specific contacts, groups, or applications. For example, messages from VIP clients could trigger a purple glow, while WhatsApp chats could be indicated by green.
Additionally, the device includes a “Prompt Key” that can be pressed to dictate messages or record voice notes. Clicks is exploring potential integration with AI applications, such as note-taking tools and voice assistants, but these features are not yet available. The Communicator also boasts a 3.5mm headphone jack, a physical SIM card tray alongside eSIM support, expandable microSD storage (up to 2TB), and a dedicated switch for airplane mode.
The device’s design includes interchangeable back covers, available in Smoke, Clover (dark green), and Onyx, allowing for personalization. Clicks emphasizes the tactile experience of the keyboard, which is touch-sensitive for scrolling and navigation.
Expanding the Keyboard Ecosystem: The Power Keyboard
Alongside the Communicator, Clicks is launching the Power Keyboard, a slide-out keyboard designed for compatibility with smartphones, tablets, and even smart TVs. Priced at $79 for early adopters and $109 thereafter, the Power Keyboard connects via MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic attachment and features a built-in 2,150 mAh battery.
The Power Keyboard can accommodate various phone sizes and orientations. When paired with tablets or TVs, it functions as a standalone keyboard, offering a more comfortable typing experience than on-screen alternatives. The keyboard’s settings are customizable through the Clicks mobile app for iOS and Android. This new product expands Clicks’ existing line of mobile keyboards, building on the success of previous models.
According to Clicks CEO Adrian Li, the company has already shipped over 100,000 keyboards to customers in more than 100 countries, validating the demand for dedicated communication tools.
The Communicator is available for pre-order starting January 2, with an expected shipping date later this year. Early-bird customers can secure the device for $399 with a $199 deposit, and those who pay the full amount upfront will receive two additional back covers. The Power Keyboard is also available for preorder now, with shipping expected in the spring.
The success of these products will depend on Clicks’ ability to carve out a niche in a market dominated by all-in-one smartphones. It remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace the concept of a dedicated communication device, or if the Power Keyboard will gain traction as a versatile accessory. The coming months will reveal whether Clicks can establish itself as a significant player in the evolving landscape of smartphone accessories and specialized mobile devices.
