Is the BlackBerry Making a Comeback in 2026?
Rumors of the physical keyboard’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. At CES 2026, Clicks Technology unveiled its new $499 Communicator—a smartphone that channels classic BlackBerry design while running the latest Android 16. Designed for messaging purists, tactile typists, and productivity-focused users, the Communicator isn’t just a throwback—it’s a modern rethink of mobile interaction. Early buzz suggests it’s already resonating: according to Clicks, a sale is happening every 6.5 seconds across its new devices.
What Is the Clicks Communicator, Exactly?
The Clicks Communicator is a full Android smartphone wrapped in a retro-futuristic shell. It features a bold orange chassis (though other colors are expected at launch), a crisp touchscreen, and—most notably—a tactile, BlackBerry-style physical keyboard built right into the front. Unlike foldable or sliding concepts of the past, Clicks opted for a fixed layout that prioritizes typing speed and accuracy over screen real estate. For users who’ve long missed the satisfying clack of keys, this could be the answer they’ve been waiting for.
Android 16 Meets Minimalist Design
Under the hood, the Communicator runs Android 16, Google’s newest mobile OS, ensuring full compatibility with the Play Store and modern apps. But instead of a cluttered interface, Clicks partnered with Niagara Launcher to deliver a streamlined experience. Apps appear in a vertical, scrollable list—ideal for one-thumb navigation—while essential messaging tools stay front and center. This intentional minimalism isn’t just aesthetic; it’s functional, reducing distractions and putting communication first.
A Physical Keyboard for Every Phone?
Clicks isn’t just betting on its own hardware. The company also launched a standalone $79 slide-out physical keyboard that attaches magnetically to virtually any smartphone. Think of it as a modular add-on for iPhone or Android users who crave tactile feedback without switching devices. Early demos show it pairs seamlessly via Bluetooth and includes shortcut keys for emojis, copy-paste, and voice commands. This dual strategy—dedicated phone plus universal accessory—broadens Clicks’ appeal beyond nostalgia seekers.
Hands-On First Impressions
TechCrunch got early access to a prototype at CES. While not fully functional—calls and mobile data were disabled—the build quality and keyboard feel impressed. Keys offered satisfying travel and tactile response, reminiscent of late-era BlackBerry QWERTY devices but with modern key shapes. The red notification LED on the side pulsed with incoming alerts, a subtle yet powerful callback to RIM’s heyday. Even in 2026, that blink of red light triggered a wave of muscle memory for veteran mobile reviewers.
Who’s Buying a Keyboard Phone in 2026?
It’s easy to dismiss the Communicator as a niche product—but market signals say otherwise. Clicks reports stronger-than-expected demand, with back-to-back pre-orders and social media buzz from writers, coders, journalists, and professionals who type all day. In an era of thumb-typing fatigue and autocorrect fails, a dedicated keyboard offers real utility. Plus, privacy-conscious users appreciate the lack of always-on voice assistants and reduced screen time the design encourages.
Built for Messaging, Not Just Nostalgia
Don’t mistake the Communicator for a retro gimmick. Clicks designed it around modern communication workflows: secure texting, fast email composition, and seamless app switching. The keyboard includes dedicated keys for @, .com, and emoji—small touches that speed up digital conversations. And because it’s Android 16, features like on-device AI predictions and end-to-end encrypted messaging (via Signal, WhatsApp, etc.) work out of the box. This isn’t your dad’s BlackBerry—it’s a focused tool for the digital age.
The Business Case Behind the Comeback
Clicks Technology, previously known for premium keyboard accessories, sees a white space in the smartphone market. With major brands chasing foldables and AI cameras, no one’s serving the “less screen, more typing” segment. By targeting professionals, creatives, and digital minimalists, Clicks avoids competing on specs like megapixels or refresh rates. Instead, it’s selling a philosophy: intentional tech use. Early traction suggests that philosophy has legs—even in a touchscreen-dominated world.
Availability and Pricing Strategy
Priced at $499, the Communicator undercuts many flagship phones while offering a unique value proposition. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone—just the perfect device for a specific user. The $79 universal keyboard further lowers the barrier to entry, letting curious users “test-drive” physical typing without a major commitment. Both products are now available for pre-order, with shipments expected in Q2 2026.
Design Choices That Stand Out
Beyond the keyboard, the Communicator’s industrial design leans into boldness. The orange shell isn’t just for show—it’s a statement in a sea of black glass slabs. The side-mounted notification LED, recessed speaker grille, and minimal branding all contribute to a distinct identity. Clicks clearly studied iconic devices of the past but avoided direct imitation. This is homage, not replication.
Why This Matters Beyond Nostalgia
The success of the Communicator could signal a broader shift in consumer tech. As screen fatigue grows and digital wellness becomes a priority, demand for alternative interaction models may rise. Clicks isn’t alone—companies like Fairphone and Light Phone are also carving paths away from mainstream smartphone excess. If the Communicator finds lasting success, it could inspire more hardware diversity in a market long dominated by homogenous slabs.
A Keyboard Reborn
In 2026, the idea of a new physical-keyboard smartphone felt almost radical. Yet Clicks’ Communicator proves there’s still hunger for tactile interfaces, intentional design, and tools that serve purpose over spectacle. It won’t replace your iPhone or Pixel—but for a growing cohort of users who value typing over tapping, it might just be the most refreshing phone of the year. The BlackBerry may be gone, but its spirit lives on—refined, reimagined, and ready for 2026.
