Physical keyboards are returning to smartphones through cases and new devices, driven by nostalgia and the need for tactile typing. Companies are reviving the BlackBerry-era experience with accessories and dedicated phones announced at recent tech events. Options range from add-on cases for iPhones to full Android handsets starting at around $300.
The resurgence of physical keyboards on phones echoes the popularity of devices like the BlackBerry, Palm Treo, and T-Mobile Sidekick from the early 2000s. This trend stems from users treating phones as primary computers for tasks such as writing emails or editing documents, where touch keyboards may lead to errors from autocorrect. Additionally, it offers variety amid the uniformity of slab-style smartphones, appealing to both those nostalgic for past tech and younger users drawn to retro designs.
BlackBerry ceased hardware production in 2020 and software services in 2022, leaving secondary market options like the TCL KeyOne or Key2, which run outdated Android versions. Reviving older models, such as the 2015 BlackBerry Classic Q20, is possible but requires effort to install modern apps. One alternative is the Zinwa Q25, a refurbished BlackBerry Classic with updated internals and Android, available for $400 or as a $300 conversion kit.
Among current products, the Clicks keyboard case transforms existing phones into keyboard-equipped devices for models like iPhone 14 and later, Razr 2024 and newer, and Pixel 9 series, starting at $139. It provides extra screen space and tactile keys with shortcuts, though the layout feels compact. A forthcoming Clicks Power Keyboard uses MagSafe or Qi2 for broader compatibility, including with tablets, at a preorder price of $79.
Dedicated phones include the Clicks Communicator, an Android device designed by a former BlackBerry engineer, emphasizing messaging with a text-based interface for $499 ($399 preorder). Unihertz's Titan series, resembling old BlackBerrys, features models like the Titan 2 from $300, with a curvier Titan 2 Elite teased for Mobile World Congress. The Ikko Mind One, a compact Android phone with a 50-megapixel flip-up camera and optional keyboard, costs $429 for the Pro version. The Minimal Phone, with an e-paper display for distraction-free use, starts at $449.
These niche devices vary in software support, so users should verify update commitments before purchase.
