Clicks Smartphone Brings Back the Physical Keyboard—Is This 2026’s Nostalgia Play?
Looking for a smartphone with a real keyboard in 2026? You’re not alone—and now, Clicks Technology has an answer. The company, previously known for smartphone add-on keyboards, just unveiled its first standalone device: the Clicks Smartphone, officially named the Communicator. Priced at $499 and launching ahead of CES 2026, it’s a bold throwback to the BlackBerry era, targeting professionals who juggle two phones and crave tactile typing. If you’ve ever missed the satisfying click of physical keys while drafting emails on your phone, this might be your new sidekick.
Why a Second Phone With a Keyboard Makes Sense in 2026
The Clicks Smartphone isn’t trying to replace your iPhone or Android flagship. Instead, it’s designed as a dedicated work device—a secondary phone strictly for productivity. In an age where smartphones have become all-in-one entertainment hubs (hello, TikTok and Netflix), separating work from personal life has gotten harder. Clicks is betting that professionals—from journalists to executives—still want a distraction-free tool for emails, Slack, and document editing. And with its slide-out QWERTY layout, it delivers something touchscreens simply can’t: muscle memory and typing speed without autocorrect guesswork.
More Than Just Nostalgia: Built for Modern Workflows
Don’t mistake the Clicks Smartphone for a retro gimmick. Under the hood, it runs a customized version of Android (expected to be Android 15) with minimal bloatware and a security-first mindset. The company emphasizes dual-SIM support, encrypted messaging compatibility, and enterprise-grade privacy controls. It’s not just about how it looks—it’s about offering a clean, reliable experience for people who treat their phones like pocket-sized offices. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife for remote workers who still believe “real work” happens on physical keys.
The $79 Snap-On Keyboard: A Flexible Companion for Any Phone
Alongside the Communicator, Clicks is also launching a new $79 snap-on mobile keyboard. This accessory attaches magnetically to compatible smartphones, turning any modern device into a mini laptop for under a minute. It’s thinner and lighter than previous models, with a scissor-switch mechanism that mimics laptop typing. For users not ready to commit to a second phone, this offers a low-risk way to test the physical-keyboard lifestyle. Early reviews suggest it’s surprisingly sturdy—ideal for coffee shop freelancers or travelers who hate touchscreen typing on bumpy flights.
BlackBerry Fans, Rejoice—But Manage Expectations
Yes, the Clicks Smartphone looks strikingly like a classic BlackBerry. From its squared-off silhouette to the iconic trackpad-inspired navigation button, the homage is undeniable. But Clicks isn’t just banking on nostalgia. Unlike BlackBerry’s final Android devices, which tried (and failed) to compete with flagships on specs, the Communicator leans into its niche. There’s no 200MP camera or 120Hz display—because it doesn’t need them. Its mission is clarity, not clout. And for a certain segment of power users, that’s refreshing.
Who’s Really Buying a Second Phone in 2026?
The dual-phone user is more common than you might think. Tech reviewers, sales executives, journalists, and privacy-conscious professionals often carry separate devices: one for social media and personal calls, another locked down for work. The Clicks Smartphone taps directly into this behavior. With rising concerns over data leakage and digital burnout, having a “work-only” phone isn’t just practical—it’s becoming a wellness strategy. Clicks positions its device as the antidote to notification overload: no Instagram, no YouTube, just focused communication.
Privacy and Security: No Frills, Just Focus
Clicks promises regular security patches and a simplified permission system that puts users in control. Unlike mainstream Android skins loaded with telemetry, the Communicator’s OS strips away background data collection. It supports end-to-end encrypted apps like Signal and ProtonMail out of the box and includes a built-in privacy dashboard. While it won’t satisfy hardcore cybersecurity experts, it’s a significant step up for average professionals tired of feeling like they’re being tracked with every tap.
CES 2026 Spotlight: A Bold Move in a Saturated Market
Launching just before CES gives Clicks maximum visibility—but also immense pressure. In a show dominated by foldables, AI wearables, and spatial computing, a physical-keyboard phone feels almost rebellious. Yet that’s precisely the point. In a tech landscape racing toward voice commands and gesture controls, Clicks is doubling down on tactile interaction. If anything, it’s a reminder that innovation isn’t always about adding features—it’s sometimes about subtracting distractions.
Early Impressions: Who’s It For—and Who Should Skip It?
The Clicks Smartphone won’t appeal to everyone. If you’re all-in on iPhone ecosystems or rely on mobile photography, this isn’t your device. But for writers, coders, customer support leads, or even students drowning in note-taking, the typing experience could be transformative. Early hands-ons report the keys have satisfying travel and responsiveness—rare in today’s ultra-thin mobile designs. Battery life is estimated at 1.5 days with moderate use, thanks to a modest 4,000mAh cell and an efficient 6.1-inch OLED display.
Availability and Final Thoughts
The Clicks Communicator will be available for pre-order starting January 10, 2026, directly from Clicks’ website, with shipping slated for late February. The $79 snap-on keyboard launches simultaneously and fits a range of flagship devices, including recent iPhones and Galaxy models. At $499, the smartphone sits in mid-range territory—but its value lies in specialization, not specs. In a world of homogenized slabs, Clicks dares to ask: What if your phone helped you actually get work done?
For those tired of autocorrect fails and palm-muted typing, 2026 might just bring back the click we didn’t know we missed.
