The Return of the Tactile: Introducing the Clicks Communicator QWERTY Phone

For years, enthusiasts of physical keyboards have been se...

For years, enthusiasts of physical keyboards have been searching for a worthy successor to the BlackBerry era. In 2026, that wait officially ends. Created by the team at Clicks—led by "Crackberry Kevin" and designed by the legendary Joseph Hoffer (the mind behind the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and Q10)—the Clicks Communicator has arrived to reclaim the tactile typing experience.

Design: A Modern Homage to BlackBerry DNA

The Clicks Communicator doesn’t just mimic the past; it evolves it. While it retains the legendary keyboard ergonomics fans crave, the design has been modernized for a younger, more colorful professional world.

The device features a compact 4.03-inch AMOLED display with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It strikes a perfect balance in size, reminiscent of the BlackBerry Classic but optimized for modern apps.

The Keyboard: More Than Just Keys

The star of the show is the physical QWERTY keyboard. Taking lessons from their popular iPhone keyboard cases, the Clicks team has engineered a "magnificent" typing feel.

• Touch Sensitivity: Like the BlackBerry Passport, the keyboard is touch-enabled, allowing you to scroll through emails or web pages by swiping across the keys.
• Spacebar Fingerprint Sensor: Security is integrated directly into the typing flow with a biometric sensor hidden in the spacebar.
• The Chin: A perfectly sized bottom "chin" ensures the device is comfortable to hold during long typing sessions.

Intentional Tech: The "Best Second Phone"

The Clicks Communicator is being marketed as "intentional tech." In an age of infinite scrolling and social media distraction, this device is positioned as the perfect second phone.

It runs a message-centric, customized version of the Niagara Launcher on top of Android 16. The goal? To make communication the priority. It’s designed for the 250 million people who already carry two devices—offering a dedicated tool for work and deep communication while your "distraction" phone stays in your bag.

Unique Hardware: The Prompt Key and The Signal

One of the most innovative features is the Prompt Key located on the side. This button acts as a modern homage to the classic LED notification lights.

• The Signal: A customizable light ring surrounding the Prompt Key that only alerts you for "favorite" contacts or essential apps.
• Voice-to-Text: Hold the Prompt Key to instantly dictate messages, releasing it to send—a feature designed for high-speed mobile professionals.

Pro-Consumer Specs in 2026

Surprisingly, the Clicks Communicator includes features many flagship phones have abandoned:

• 3.5mm Headphone Jack: For those who prefer wired audio.
• Expandable Storage: Supports MicroSD cards up to 2TB.
• Longevity: Guaranteed updates through Android 18 and five years of security patches.
• Battery: A 4,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery with MagSafe compatibility.

Price and Availability

The Clicks Communicator is set to launch with a pre-order price of $399. For those looking to escape "glass slab" fatigue and return to a device that feels as good as it functions, the Communicator represents the most exciting development in mobile hardware in years.