Clicks debuts its own take on the BlackBerry smartphone, plus a $79 snap-on mobile keyboard

Clicks Technology, best known for producing physical keyboards for smartphones, is introducing two new devices ahead of next week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Alongside a new $79 slide-out keyboard designed for smart devices, the company is also unveiling its first smartphone: the Communicator, a handset with a physical keyboard intended as a secondary device.

Yes, it strongly resembles a BlackBerry. (Someone alert Kim Kardashian, famously known for collecting BlackBerry phones.)

Image Credits: Clicks

The smartphone carries a $499 price tag and is described as “purpose-built” for people who have two phones — typically one for work and one for personal use. Clicks believes the Communicator will appeal to users who spend significant time messaging, emailing, and working with documents, where a physical keyboard may offer an advantage over touch-only input.

While the device includes a screen for viewing and replying to messages, it intentionally avoids access to addictive social media apps and games. Instead, Clicks partnered with Niagara Launcher to deliver a streamlined experience focused on messaging and productivity tools, including Gmail, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Slack.

One of the Communicator’s most distinctive features is its Signal Light—an illuminated button on the side of the phone that can be customised with different colours and patterns to indicate messages from specific people, groups, or apps. For example, messages from VIP contacts could trigger a purple glow, while WhatsApp notifications might appear in green.

Image Credits: Clicks

The Signal Light also functions as a Prompt Key. Pressing it allows you to type messages when a text field is active and record quick voice notes when it is not. Clicks has suggested the button could eventually support AI-powered tools such as note-taking or voice-based assistants, though no such integrations are currently available.

As with Clicks’ previous products, the Communicator features a tactile keyboard with ergonomically designed keys to improve typing speed and comfort. The keyboard is also touch-sensitive, enabling users to scroll through messages, lists, and web pages without touching the screen.

Image Credits: Clicks

The device includes several retro-inspired hardware features: a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a physical SIM card tray with eSIM support, expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, and a tactile switch to toggle aeroplane mode. This switch can also be configured to interact with the Signal Light or keyboard touch input.

The rear cover is removable, allowing users to swap colours and customise the phone’s appearance. The Communicator will be available in Smoke, Clover (dark green), and Onyx finishes.

Image Credits:C licks

Early-bird customers can purchase the phone for $399 by placing a $199 deposit before February 27. Those who pay the full early-bird price upfront will receive two additional back covers. The device is expected to ship later this year.

Full specifications include:

• Android 16 with five years of security updates
• 131.5 mm height; 170 grams weight
• Global unlocked support for 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G/2G
• 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery
• 256GB internal storage plus expandable microSD
• 50MP primary camera with OIS and 24MP front camera
• NFC with Google Pay, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 6
• USB-C and wireless charging
• Interchangeable back covers in multiple colours

Image Credits:C licks

Clicks CEO Adrian Li said the company has shipped more than 100,000 of its earlier keyboards to customers in over 100 countries.

“That response validated something we strongly believed: There’s growing demand for purpose-built products that help people communicate with confidence and take action. Clicks Communicator is a natural evolution of that idea,” Li said.

The company also announced a second new product: a slide-out keyboard that attaches to smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs to eliminate the frustration of on-screen typing.

Image Credits:C licks

Powered by a built-in 2,150 mAh battery, the keyboard connects to phones via MagSafe or Qi2 magnetic attachments and is compatible with existing phone cases, according to Clicks. Adjustable slider positions allow it to fit different phone sizes, and it can be mounted in either portrait or landscape orientation.

Image Cred: Clicks

When paired with tablets, televisions, or other devices such as AR/VR headsets, the keyboard functions independently from the screen it is connected to.

Like other Clicks keyboards, the Power Keyboard features tactile keys and can be customised through the Clicks mobile app on iOS and Android.

The Power Keyboard will cost $79 for early-bird buyers and $109 in retail. Preorders open on January 2, with shipping expected in the spring.