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Clicks Technology Unveils Communicator Smartphone and Power Keyboard at CES 2026

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Clicks Technology Doubles Down on Physical Keyboards at CES 2026

The UK-based company, known for tactile keyboard cases, unveiled two new devices: a standalone smartphone and a magnetic keyboard accessory.

Clicks Technology introduced two new products at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas (January 6-9): the Clicks Communicator, a standalone Android smartphone with a physical keyboard, and the Clicks Power Keyboard, a magnetic keyboard accessory and battery pack for existing smartphones.

The company, previously known for tactile keyboard cases for smartphones, is positioning the Communicator as a complementary or secondary device rather than a primary replacement.

Clicks Communicator Smartphone

Purpose and Positioning

Clicks co-founder Jeff Gadway (formerly a BlackBerry marketing director) stated the device targets users who carry multiple phones, including those with corporate mandates, small business owners, travelers requiring dual SIMs, and individuals seeking reduced digital consumption.

Co-founder Michael Fisher described it as catering to a "two-phone lifestyle." The company positions the Communicator as a complementary product designed for specific communication functions, similar to how an e-reader supplements a tablet.

The device is designed for a "two-phone lifestyle" — a secondary tool for communication, not a primary replacement.

Hardware and Specifications

  • Display: 4.0-inch to 4.03-inch square OLED touchscreen
  • Dimensions: 131.5mm height; weight: 170 grams
  • Processor: 4nm MediaTek chip with 5G support
  • Storage: 256GB internal, expandable via microSD card up to 2TB
  • Battery: 4,000mAh; supports USB-C and Qi2 wireless charging
  • Cameras: 50MP rear with optical image stabilization; 24MP front
  • Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (one physical SIM, one eSIM); NFC for Google Pay; Bluetooth; Wi-Fi
  • Security: Fingerprint sensor integrated into the spacebar; hardware-level encryption; five years of security updates provided
  • Operating System: Android 15 or Android 16 (sources vary)

Physical Keyboard

The Communicator features a QWERTY keyboard at the bottom with keys reported to be 43% larger than those on Clicks' previous keyboard cases. The keyboard is touch-sensitive, enabling swipe gestures for navigation and actions.

Additional keys include a red Clicks key for custom shortcuts and a Prompt Key on the right side for voice-to-text recording when pressed and held.

Software and Interface

The device runs a customized version of the Niagara Launcher (described in some sources as developed with Nova Launcher). The interface consolidates messages from applications including Gmail, WhatsApp, Slack, and Telegram directly on the home screen, enabling keyboard-based review and response.

The company states users can download any Android application, though the form factor is optimized for communication rather than media consumption.

Notification System

A customizable Signal LED light surrounds the side button (the Prompt Key). Users can assign different colors or patterns to indicate specific senders or applications for incoming messages. This light is visible regardless of the phone's orientation and can be disabled.

Design and Colors

  • Colors: Smoke, Clover, and Onyx
  • Materials: Aluminum frame with polycarbonate body
  • Back Cover: Removable, interchangeable, with sloped ergonomic design; supports Qi2.2 wireless charging through compatible backplates
  • Additional information: The name "Communicator" is partially derived from the handheld voice device in Star Trek.

Pricing and Availability

  • Pre-order price: $399 (plus $30 for shipping and duties per one source)
  • Standard price: $499 (one source states $500)
  • Reservation deposit: $199 (optional)
  • Pre-order incentive: Pre-orders include two swappable back covers at no additional cost
  • Shipping timeline: Expected in the second half of 2026; the company has committed to shipping before end of 2026

Development Timeline (as of April 2026)

Month Milestone May 2026 Share details on software, interface, and design decisions June 2026 Show working prototype units Q3 2026 Certifications and testing; customers invited to configure orders (color, keyboard layout, bonus covers) Q4 2026 Production and shipping to reservation holders

Availability for Review

During CES 2026, no working prototype of the Clicks Communicator was available for demonstrations or press review.

Clicks Power Keyboard

Purpose and Design

The Clicks Power Keyboard is a magnetic keyboard accessory designed to attach to the back of compatible smartphones via MagSafe or Qi2 standards. It features a slider form factor, allowing the keyboard to slide up from behind the phone. When not in use, the keyboard sits behind the device. The design bears resemblance to the T-Mobile Sidekick.

Compatibility

  • Apple: iPhone 12 models and newer
  • Android: Google Pixel 10 and other Qi2-compatible phones
  • Other devices: Connects via Bluetooth, allowing use with tablets, TVs, and gaming consoles

Keyboard Layout

  • Full QWERTY keypad with dedicated number row
  • Directional keys and utility buttons
  • Supports both horizontal and vertical phone orientations

Battery and Charging

  • Capacity: 2,150mAh
  • Charging: 5W Qi wireless charging
  • Function: Charges both the keyboard and the attached phone
  • Battery management: Users can configure battery usage, such as reserving a percentage for keyboard power once overall charge drops below a set threshold

The 2,150mAh battery can charge both the keyboard and the attached phone simultaneously.

Additional Specifications

  • Weight: 180g
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth (allows keyboard to function independently of physical attachment)
  • Customization: Keyboard behavior, backlighting, and preferences configurable via the Clicks app available on Android and iOS

Pricing and Availability

  • Pre-order price: $79 (early-bird); standard price $109 (one source states $80 for pre-orders)
  • Shipping: Expected in Spring 2026

Comparison

For reference, a 5,000mAh Anker wireless power bank weighing 120g with 15W charging is available for approximately $55, though it does not include a physical keyboard.

CES 2026 Context

Other launches at CES 2026 included Punkt's privacy-focused MC03 phone, LG's humanoid robot, and Lego's Smart Brick. Clicks Technology's co-founders include Michael Fisher and Jeff Gadway.