Clicks Communicator Brings Back Physical Keyboards on Android

The new Android phone aims to reignite love for tactile typing experience.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a compact Android smartphone with a backlit physical keyboard, small OLED display, and neon cyan and magenta accents, set against a dark, futuristic background with hints of circuitry and digital infrastructure.The Clicks Communicator aims to revive the nostalgic appeal of physical keyboards on smartphones, catering to those who prioritize communication and productivity over media consumption.Las Vegas Today

Clicks Technology is launching the Clicks Communicator, an Android phone with a physical QWERTY keyboard, in a bid to revive the classic BlackBerry-style communication device. The phone features a 4-inch OLED display, 256GB of storage, a 50MP rear camera, and a 4,000mAh battery. It runs Android 16 and includes features like a customizable 'Prompt' key and a fingerprint sensor in the spacebar. Priced at $499, the Clicks Communicator is positioned as a secondary device focused on productivity and messaging rather than media consumption.

Why it matters

The Clicks Communicator represents a nostalgic revival of the physical keyboard experience that was once popular with BlackBerry devices. In an era dominated by all-touchscreen smartphones, Clicks is betting that there is still a market for a communication-focused device that prioritizes tactile typing over full-screen media consumption.

The details

The Clicks Communicator features a compact 4-inch OLED display, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot that supports up to 2TB of additional storage. It runs the latest Android 16 operating system and includes a customizable 'Prompt' key that can be used for voice-to-text, voice recording, and meeting transcription. The physical keyboard also functions as a touch-sensitive keypad for scrolling, and the spacebar houses a fingerprint sensor. The phone has a 50MP rear camera, a 24MP selfie camera, and a 4,000mAh battery with Qi wireless charging support.

  • The Clicks Communicator will be showcased at CES 2026 in Las Vegas next week.
  • Pre-orders for the Clicks Communicator will open on February 27, 2026, with a $100 discount for early buyers.
  • Shipping of the Clicks Communicator is scheduled to begin later in 2026.

The players

Clicks Technology

The company that previously brought QWERTY keyboards to iPhones and is now launching the Clicks Communicator Android phone.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

The Clicks Communicator represents a niche but potentially compelling option for those who still value the tactile experience of a physical keyboard and prioritize productivity and communication over media consumption on their smartphones. Its success will depend on whether there is still a market for this type of specialized device in an era dominated by all-touchscreen smartphones.