BlackBerry-Style Android Phone With Physical Keyboard and Focus on Distraction-Free Communication.
At CES 2026, Clicks Technology—a startup founded by mobile industry veterans—has unveiled two new hardware products aimed at reviving tactile typing and focused mobile communication. Expanding beyond its popular keyboard cases, Clicks introduced The Communicator, a compact Android smartphone with a permanent physical QWERTY keyboard, along with a new accessory called the Clicks Power Keyboard.
The launches cater to users seeking an alternative to touch-only smartphones, positioning Clicks as a key player in the growing niche of productivity-focused smartphones.
Clicks Communicator: A BlackBerry-Inspired Android Phone Built for Communication
The Clicks Communicator is designed as a “companion smartphone”, prioritising calls, messaging, and productivity over content consumption. Featuring a permanent tactile QWERTY keyboard and a 4.03-inch AMOLED display, the device draws clear inspiration from classic BlackBerry phones while running a modern, streamlined version of Android 16.
Clicks says the phone is built for users who want to reduce screen time, digital distractions, and social media dependency, making it ideal for professionals, writers, and productivity-focused users.
Despite its minimalist philosophy, the Communicator offers modern smartphone specifications, including:
- 256GB internal storage
- microSD card support up to 2TB
- Nano-SIM and eSIM compatibility
- 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in 2026 smartphones
Security is integrated directly into the physical keyboard, with a fingerprint sensor embedded in the spacebar, combining convenience with biometric protection.
Signal LED and Customisable Notifications
One of the standout features of the Clicks Communicator is the Signal LED, built into the side-mounted Prompt Key. This customisable notification light allows users to assign different colours to apps or contacts, enabling at-a-glance notification prioritisation without unlocking the device—an increasingly popular feature for low-distraction smartphones.
While Clicks positions the Communicator primarily as a secondary device, the company notes that it can also function as a primary Android phone for users comfortable with its focused design and Android 16 ecosystem.
Clicks Power Keyboard: Magnetic Physical Keyboard for Any Smartphone
Alongside the Communicator, Clicks also unveiled the Clicks Power Keyboard, a magnetic, slide-out QWERTY keyboard accessory aimed at users who prefer to keep their existing smartphones.
Unlike earlier Clicks keyboard cases, the Power Keyboard attaches via MagSafe or Qi2 and connects using Bluetooth, making it compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It also works with tablets and smart TVs, offering flexible typing across multiple screens. The accessory includes its own 2,150mAh battery, which can wirelessly charge the host phone while in use, adding practical value for mobile professionals.
Shipping expected in Spring 2026
With the launch of the Clicks Communicator and Power Keyboard, Clicks Technology is tapping into renewed interest in physical keyboards, distraction-free smartphones, and productivity-first mobile design. As users increasingly seek balance in their digital lives, Clicks’ BlackBerry-inspired approach could resonate strongly in a touchscreen-dominated smartphone market.
