Clicks Power Keyboard fails to revive physical typing efficiency
A new MagSafe-compatible keyboard accessory struggles to compete with modern touchscreen speed despite adding wireless charging.
The Clicks Power Keyboard attempts to bring the tactile experience of a physical QWERTY keyboard back to the modern smartphone. While the device appeals to those nostalgic for the BlackBerry era, recent testing suggests that physical keys may no longer be the most efficient way to communicate on a mobile device.
Retailing for $99, the Power Keyboard utilizes MagSafe and Qi2 magnetic attachments to ensure compatibility across a variety of smartphone models. Beyond the slide-out keyboard, the accessory includes a 2,300 mAh battery capable of providing 5W Qi wireless charging to the attached phone. The device also leverages Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity to interface with the host device.
A shift in mobile input
This accessory represents an evolution for Clicks, which previously offered a dedicated keyboard case for iPhones. By moving to a detachable magnetic design, the company is attempting to challenge the total dominance of the touchscreen. This push toward physical input is part of a larger strategy for the company, which included the announcement of a dedicated "Communicator" smartphone at CES 2026.
The nostalgia gap
Despite the appeal of physical buttons, the transition from glass to plastic reveals a significant disconnect in user efficiency. Modern users have developed deep muscle memory for thumb-typing on screens, making the shift back to a physical layout cumbersome. For many, the ergonomic benefit of a physical keyboard is offset by the added bulk of the hardware, which can interfere with the streamlined design of contemporary smartphones.
The future of mobile peripherals
These findings suggest that physical mobile keyboards may be pivoting away from being primary typing interfaces. Instead, their value may lie in serving as secondary input devices or universal Bluetooth remotes for smart home ecosystems and other connected hardware. As smartphones continue to optimize for touch and gesture, the physical keyboard is becoming less of a productivity tool and more of a niche accessory for specific workflows. This shift reflects a broader trend where the convenience of a slim, all-screen device outweighs the tactile precision of a dedicated keyboard for the average consumer.