Clicks communicator: the blackberry revival you didn’t know you needed
Forget the endless scroll and the digital detox rhetoric. Clicks, a company initially known for its iPhone keyboard accessories, has just unveiled something genuinely intriguing: the Clicks Communicator, a full-blown smartphone resurrecting the tactile joy of a physical QWERTY keyboard. And, surprisingly, I'm a believer.
A bold gamble in a touchscreen world
The mobile landscape has become homogenous. Everyone’s chasing bezel-less displays and foldable screens, but Clicks has dared to go against the grain, producing a device that’s… well, frankly, a little chubby. But that bulk houses a signature feature: a physical QWERTY keyboard, a relic of a bygone era. Many attempts to bring back physical keyboards have fizzled out, often framed as some sort of anti-tech statement. Not here. The atmosphere at Clicks’ booth at Mobile World Congress wasn’t filled with preachings about screen time; instead, it pulsed with the genuine passion of a team determined to build a tool for getting things done.
Jeff Gadway, the company’s co-founder and chief marketing officer, embodies this spirit. He’s not just a marketer reciting slogans; he understands the Communicator’s value proposition and the type of user who will appreciate it. It’s the kind of encounter that can convert even a jaded tech journalist like myself.
Beyond the keyboard: design and features
The Communicator isn’t just about the keyboard, though. It’s undeniably attractive, a refreshing departure from the generic slab design that dominates the market. Having something tangible to display on the front of a phone allows for character and visual appeal. The device also incorporates classic features often missing in modern smartphones, including an LED indicator, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack—features that, frankly, should be standard. Interchangeable back covers, available in a range of colors and textures, promise to keep the phone looking fresh.
I had the chance to play with dummy units, and the keyboard is considerably more spacious than the ones found on Clicks' keyboard cases. While I’m not entirely convinced it will be faster than a well-optimized touchscreen keyboard, I can certainly see myself typing emails and messages with it.
A launcher designed for focus
Clicks has partnered with Niagara Launcher, integrating it as the default launcher on the Communicator. This is a brilliant move. Niagara Launcher prioritizes efficiency and minimizes distractions, focusing your experience on the apps and notifications that matter most. Essentially, the homescreen acts as a feed of notifications and app entries, optimized for single-hand use. Think of it as a streamlined, distraction-free environment perfectly suited for a phone designed to get things done.
The attention to detail is striking, from the subtly slanted shape of the keys—designed for intuitive tactile feedback—to the replaceable back panels. These aren't mere cosmetic flourishes; they're a testament to Clicks’ commitment to thoughtful design.
Price and availability
The Clicks Communicator is expected to arrive in late Q2 of this year. An early-bird reservation price of $399 is currently available, with reservations closing on March 15th, and includes two bonus back covers valued at $100. It's powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 chipset, features 256 GB of storage (expandable via microSD), and boasts a 4” AMOLED display. It’s not a flagship powerhouse, but it promises exceptional battery life, effortless interaction, a durable build, and a uniquely satisfying mobile computing experience. At this price point, the Clicks Communicator deserves a serious look. It’s a gamble, yes, but one with the potential to redefine what a smartphone can be.