judgement : CES is n’t typically a league commit to mobile technical school , but there are still some really forward-looking product on the show trading floor . One of my favourites fromCES 2024is Clicks , an iPhone add-on that turns an iPhone into something more akin to a classic BlackBerry .
Announcedshortly before CES start , I get the prospect to take click for a twisting in Las Vegas and came away from the demo surprised . This is more than just a gimmicky product designed to rustle up nostalgia from BlackBerry fans , in fact it ’s an iPhone addition I could see myself actually using .
For those who lose the initial announcement , Clicks is a keyboard suit for the iPhone . The keyboard sits below the display of theiPhone 14 Pro , 15 Pro or15 Pro Maxand the case adds some welcome protection for the equipment . The key are well - sized , backlit and in a flash bring back remembering of typing on BlackBerry devices .
Your iPhone slip in well and connects via USB - C or Lightning and the case does n’t need a Bluetooth connection nor does it need to be severally charged – it just takes juice from the phone it ’s connected to .
When I first saw images of the twist I was skeptical . But after have it in my own hands and spending a good amount of time typing on it , I am a convert . For the first product from a new make , and even at its current stage of protection , it ’s very well - built . The silicone polymer cloth the case is made from feels as undecomposed as one of Apple ’s prescribed cases , while there ’s a small rectangle of faux leather on the back that becomes the perfect piazza for your fingers to rest .
significantly , the keyboard itself is a pleasure to tap away on . I tried both the version for the 14 Pro/15 Pro and the larger Max rendering and it ’s the latter that offer the best overall typing experience . Here , the key are slimly larger and more space out . I was still happy typewriting on the little interpretation though , and Clicks has clearly been designed by people who value tactile keyboard .
What score Clicks truly utilitarian is the way it unlocks several very handy keyboard shortcuts that are already present inside Io . you’re able to tap the space cake to move down a page , rise to the home cover and explore all without reaching up to the display . If you were a whizz with BlackBerry shortcuts a decade ago or utilize them regularly on an iPad , you ’ll instantly feel at place .
induce a physical keyboard also remove the on - screen version from bug out up , pay you more screen to toy with . I note this peculiarly on Instagram , where I could see the whole of my Story even when I was adding textbook .
Now , this is a first - gen product and there are , of course , some drawback . While I relish the typing experience on the Pro Max version , it plainly makes an already monumental sound just too grown to comfortably keep in a pocket or even hold for elongated periods . It did n’t surprise me that most of the demo were being conduct with the little ( but still very large ) Pro interpretation .
There are also some unusual omission , like the lack ofMagSafesupport . As someone who uses a MagSafe charging bob both at home base and the office , having to slip Clicks off to make right use of it would be a nuisance . There is wireless charge though , and a Clicks rep told me that there ’s only a negligible upshot on shelling life – even with the backlight being used .
The iPhone 14 Pro fashion model isavailable to range nowfor $ 139.99 with merchant vessels starting in February . The iPhone 15 Pro version , also $ 139.99 , ships in March and the $ 159.99 iPhone 15 Pro Max version comes later in the year . There are presently no Android models available .
Clicks wo n’t be for everyone and I am certain many will rib its slightly odd overall look . But , for those who appreciate the flavour of a physical keyboard then it should be a impudent investment funds . I certainly ca n’t await to use it again .
