Comprehensive Review of the Clicks Keyboard Case for iPhone
Overview and Expert Rating
Advantages:
- Comfortable typing experience
- Innovative shortcut functionalities
- Illuminated keyboard
- Enhanced screen real estate
Disadvantages:
- Bulky design on the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Lengthy installation process
- Significant battery usage
Conclusion
The Clicks Keyboard Case stands out as a noteworthy accessory for the iPhone in recent times. Merging a protective case with a keyboard, it introduces tactile buttons to Apple’s smartphone, allowing users to free up valuable screen space previously occupied by the virtual keyboard. The capability to program shortcuts into specific key combinations adds an extra layer of functionality that is particularly appealing.
Pricing Information
Cost Upon Review: From €129
Current Best Prices: Clicks case compatible with iPhone 16
The Clicks case is currently unique in the market as the sole keyboard attachment available for iPhones. While its premise may be polarizing, it’s grounded in functionality; however, it feels somewhat antiquated given the decline of smartphones featuring physical keyboards since Blackberry’s exit from the scene.
As someone who fondly remembers using smartphones equipped with physical keyboards, I might be biased toward such innovations.
Recently, an updated version of this unique accessory has been introduced for compatibility with both models of the new iPhone 16 series. Improvements have been made not only to ensure a precise fit but also enhancements have been incorporated into both its keyboard design and overall build quality.
Design and Craftsmanship
Aesthetic Appeal & Functionality
Available in three modern colors—Surf (blue), Spice (ochre), and Onyx (black)—the Clicks keyboard case presents sleek craftsmanship reminiscent of traditional smartphone cases despite its additional features. While not specifically branded as a rugged protector, it still provides noticeable protection against everyday wear and tear for your device.
Constructed mainly from durable silicone material along its edges, complemented by a solid plastic back embedded with magnets compatible with MagSafe technology – which ensures that your accessories attach smoothly – this product also surprises with elegant touches like plush microfiber lining on its interior. Moreover, high-quality aluminum buttons contribute to an enhanced tactile feedback experience when interacting with functions or navigating applications.
One innovative aspect lies at its foundation—a USB-C port situated on its lower inside edge permits seamless connection between your phone and peripherals while simultaneously allowing charging and synchronization through Carplay using provided ports extending through keystrokes interface below.
!foriphone16pm3.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200″>Clicks as Charging Station
Photo Credit: Eugen Wegmann
while there are trade-offs regarding bulkiness especially noted during use on larger devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max along—with some initial setup intricacies—the thoughtful engineering behind combining practicality within such aesthetic constraints forms an enticing option worth considering for those who miss having hardware keyboards at their fingertips once more!
Innovative Keyboard Design for Enhanced Experience
The latest keyboard models feature illuminated keys designed with ergonomics in mind. These keys are meticulously contoured and angled—slightly indented to the left on the left side, and slightly to the right on the right side—to provide a comfortable typing experience. Notably, all primary keys incorporate double or even triple mapping, showcasing essential special characters directly on each respective key.
Additional Functionalities for User Convenience
Situated along the lower row of buttons are three additional functionalities that enhance usability: one button activates voice input (or illuminates the backlight), another toggles the virtual iPhone keyboard as needed, while a third button grants access to convenient shortcuts and other specific functions.
Image Credit: Eugen Wegmann
Technological Coverage with Elegant Finish
The rear portion of this innovative keyboard is adorned with an artificial leather cover that conceals its internal mechanisms. For tech enthusiasts curious about its inner workings, an extensive teardown is available in a segment towards the end of Jerryrigeverything’s YouTube channel video.
If you’re considering protection options for your device, don’t miss our comprehensive guide featuring top cases tailored for iPhone 16 users.
Image Credit: Eugen Wegmann
User Handling Recommendations
- Optimal Operation: This device performs best when handled with both hands.
- Satisfying Haptic Feedback: Users can expect pronounced feedback from key presses.
- Cumbersome Pro-Max Version: The larger model may be challenging to manage single-handedly.
User Experience Insights
Typography enthusiasts will appreciate this keyboard’s excellent haptic design. Each key’s pressure sensitivity strikes a delightful balance while producing satisfying clicks with every interaction. The size and spacing of keys are thoughtfully designed to accommodate most users unless one has particularly large hands. Nevertheless, typing across various applications remains smooth thanks to thoughtful engineering choices that enhance user comfort and satisfaction globally!
Enhancing iPhone Experience with Clicks: A Comprehensive Overview
Image Credit: Eugen Wegmann
The Challenge of Handling Big Phones
Utilizing larger smartphones can present significant challenges, especially when multitasking. For instance, trying to press a button while securely gripping the hefty iPhone can feel like a tight squeeze. This characteristic design flaw also complicates using the device with one hand.
This reality compels users to rely on both hands when operating their iPhones, particularly the Clicks variant designed for models like the iPhone Pro Max and Plus series. The primary issue stems from an unsettling weight distribution. With the added length of these accessories—exacerbated by a typical usage angle between 20 to 70 degrees—users may experience wrist fatigue over time, despite enjoying an impressive typing experience.
Image Credit: Eugen Wegmann
Adjustments for Better Usability
The creators of Clicks have invested effort in optimizing comfort by altering its center of gravity through thoughtful design modifications, such as incorporating weights hidden beneath the artificial leather cover at the back. While these improvements might enhance comfort with regular or Pro-sized devices without max specifications, I’m unable to confirm this due to not having tested those versions personally.
Features & Functionality
- Custom Keyboard Shortcuts: Users can personalize key functions extensively.
- Clicks App: Enables simple adjustments and updates.
- USB-C Passthrough: Facilitates dual functionalities seamlessly.
The remarkable feature that sets Clicks apart is its ability to customize shortcuts linked to each key—a process that requires considerable setup but pays off with functionality tailored uniquely to you. By utilizing accessibility options within iOS settings, users gain control over their device via external keyboards through straightforward albeit time-intensive procedures supported by instructional videos available online.
The recently updated Clinks application simplifies shortcut setups for essential functions such as launching Instagram or contacting specific individuals directly. However, some shortcuts necessitate additional research or personal creation due to certain complexities inherent in iOS’s capabilities post-update (notably since version 18.1).
A variety of customizable settings exists within this app interface too—including managing whether pressing Enter sends messages or initiates line breaks—as well as controlling power-saving modes and key illumination levels appropriately based on user preferences during various scenarios like driving where CarPlay utilization may apply effectively through configuration switches either via app controls or dedicated keystroke combinations (123 + space bar).
Batter Life Considerations
A critical aspect highlighted is how simultaneously connecting your keyboard influences battery performance since it taps into your phone’s power rather than harboring independent energy supplies itself—many minimal consequences implied according manufacturer assurances notwithstanding real-world experiences indicating some effects felt with regular usage patterns throughout daily routines including gaming sessions contributing baselines nearer observed battery drains at about twenty-five percent across testing periods targeted around intensive use cases demanding higher graphical loads etc., similar trends noted consistently across varying applications often demonstrated widely-understood standards amongst smartphone users today along general tech impacts seen among industry developments moving forward continually advancing consumer needs alike executing newer generations following trends expected next year perhaps extending lifetimes more efficiently achieved ultimately better addressing primary concerns once realized collectively maintained focus!
# Pricing and Availability of Clicks for iPhone
The Clicks keyboard case is exclusively compatible with the complete range of iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. For users of the iPhone 14, it is only available for the Pro and Pro Max versions. The pricing structure varies based on your device’s size: $139/£109 for standard or Pro models, while those with Plus or Pro Max devices will pay $159/£129.
Purchase Your Clicks Keyboard for iPhone
Image by Eugen Wegmann
## Who Should Consider Investing in the Clicks Keyboard Case?
It’s essential to be transparent: The Clicks keyboard case may not suit the average consumer’s day-to-day demands. This product primarily targets a niche audience—particularly those who are high on productivity and frequently compose lengthy texts on their iPhones. If you’re someone who actively utilizes shortcuts at finger’s reach and enjoys showcasing unique accessories in social settings, this might be just right for you.
The emergence of Clicks stands out as one of the most innovative accessories tailored for recent iPhones. Its unique feature allowing users to customize button shortcuts offers tremendous potential, especially if you dedicate some time to configuring it according to your preferences.
This piece first appeared in our allied publication Macwelt before being translated and localized from German.