CES 2026: Clicks launches its first smartphone and a pocket keyboard that also charges your phone
Clicks built its reputation on something modern smartphones quietly made harder: typing. At CES 2026, the company is doubling down with two new releases that feel like a smart, modern nod to the BlackBerry era, but without the nostalgia trap. The headline products are the Clicks Communicator, its first smartphone, and the Clicks Power Keyboard, a pocket keyboard that also works as a battery.
This is not about bringing back “retro.” It is about bringing back control.
Image Credits: Gizmodo
Clicks Communicator: a keyboard first phone for people who actually write
The Communicator is Clicks’ attempt to make a phone that prioritizes communication over consumption. Think of it as a device designed for messaging, email, notes, and getting things done, not endless scrolling.
Image Credits: ZDNET
What makes it different
- A real QWERTY keyboard with larger, sculpted keys for thumb typing
- Touch sensitive keyboard gestures so you can scroll without moving your thumb to the screen
- A compact display that makes the whole phone feel more focused and one hand friendly
It is hard not to think of BlackBerry when you see it, but the vibe here is more “BlackBerry energy” than “BlackBerry remake.” The goal is speed and confidence, the feeling that you can answer people quickly and move on.
The details productivity people will care about
Clicks is leaning into physical controls and practical features that many phones left behind:
- A physical mute or kill switch
- A programmable button paired with an indicator light for priority alerts
- Expandable storage and a headphone jack, the kind of throwback choices that keyboard fans tend to love
On paper, it is also aiming to feel current, not compromised: modern Android, a high refresh display, a solid battery, and camera specs that are more than “good enough” for daily life.
Who it is for
- People who write a lot on their phone and hate typing on glass
- Anyone who wants a more intentional second phone for messages and work
- Fans of compact devices who miss physical input
Who should skip it:
- If your phone is mainly for video creation, gaming, or heavy social feeds, this is probably not the best fit
Clicks Power Keyboard: the accessory play that could reach more people
The Power Keyboard is the more universal idea. It is a slide out Bluetooth keyboard that snaps on magnetically to compatible phones and can also top up your battery. In other words, it turns your existing phone into a keyboard phone when you want it, and it earns its place in your bag by also being a power backup.
Image Credits: ZDNET
Why it matters
Most phone keyboards fail because they are one thing only. The Power Keyboard is trying to be two useful things at once:
- A real typing tool for longer messages
- A battery you will actually appreciate when your phone is dying
If it feels sturdy and comfortable in the hand, this could be the sleeper hit of the two launches, simply because it works with more people’s current setups.
What we want to test at CES 2026
The idea is strong. CES is where the experience has to match it.
For Communicator:
- Key feel at speed, comfort after a few minutes, and how accurate it is when you are typing fast
- Touch scroll gestures, whether they are smooth or easy to trigger by accident
- True one hand usability, whether it feels balanced or top heavy
For Power Keyboard:
- Slider durability and wobble
- Magnet strength in real movement, not just a table demo
- Real world benefit of the battery when it is charging wirelessly
Early verdict
Clicks is doing something rare in consumer tech: it is not trying to win with a bigger screen or louder specs. It is trying to win with input, focus, and tactile satisfaction.
If BlackBerry was about email in your pocket, Clicks is about modern messaging on your terms. The big question CES 2026 will answer is simple: do the keys feel as good as the idea?
