Clicks Co-Founder Jeff Gadway: Bringing Physical Keyboards Back to Mobile Phones

Clicks Technology, a U.K.-based hardware company, is poised to launch its first keyboard case for iPhone in 2024, followed by a highly anticipated Android phone, the Clicks Communicator, in December. The company's co-founder, Jeff Gadway, believes that the shift to touchscreens has resulted in the loss of a tactile experience, and aims to bring back the functionality of physical keyboards.

According to Gadway, the company's initial keyboard case for iPhone was met with enthusiasm, with a significant proportion of buyers having previously used BlackBerry devices. The success of this product led to the expansion of the company's product line to create cases for select Android phones.

The initial response to the product was overwhelmingly positive. With many customers expressing excitement about the prospect of using a physical keyboard again.

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The Clicks Power Keyboard, a MagSafe-enabled keyboard accessory, has already become available for purchase. This keyboard can be used with any MagSafe-enabled phone or case, or with any Bluetooth input device.

Gadway believes that modern smartphones lack the functionality and tactility of physical keyboards. He envisions a phone that is optimized for communication, allowing users to focus on messaging rather than endless scrolling. The Clicks Communicator is designed to address this issue, featuring a small screen and a miniature QWERTY keyboard.

The Clicks Communicator is a full Android device. Boasting a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor, a 50MP main camera, and a 24MP front-facing camera. The device also features a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot.

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Additionally, Clicks is working with Niagara to develop a custom Android launcher that can curate messages from favorite apps on the home screen.

The Clicks Communicator is set to launch in December, marking an exciting milestone for the company. The Clicks Power Keyboard, meanwhile, has already become available for purchase, offering users a convenient and versatile keyboard accessory.