Clicks keyboard cover for iPhone 16 Pro: Nostalgia meets productivity

The Clicks' physical keyboard brings a retro charm but is more than a novelty. The design integrates MagSafe compatibility and a premium leather finish at the base, offering a comfortable grip and resting position for your fingers.

The keyboard is well-designed, with redesigned ergonomic keys that deliver a satisfying tactile experience. Despite its compact size, building muscle memory is easy, especially for those who once swore by BlackBerry devices. The backlit keys make typing in low-light environments seamless, and adjustable backlight timeout and brightness via the Clicks companion app ensure efficient battery usage.

That said, the case does make the iPhone 16 Pro feel bulky. It adds noticeable length, making it awkward to fit into a pocket, and the added height can create challenges when using MagSafe chargers.

Typing experience

Using the Clicks keyboard is a delight for anyone familiar with physical keyboards. Typing feels precise, and eliminating the need for the software keyboard frees up screen space.

It took me a couple of weeks to get comfortable typing at speed. What speeds things up is that iOS supports macOS-like commands such as Command-C (copy) and Command-V (paste), making the keyboard especially handy for professionals and multitaskers. It also features dedicated buttons for emojis and toggling the virtual keyboard.

However, in certain apps like Print Master, which I use to print labels, the keyboard refused to function, and the button to bring up the virtual keyboard didn’t work either. I had to remove the iPhone from its case to type, which was both frustrating and counterproductive.

Performance and features

The Clicks keyboard case supports pass-through USB-C charging with no noticeable slowdown in charging speeds. One fringe benefit of this is your iPhone port is covered by the case ensuring it stays clean.

Another highlight is the keyboard’s MagSafe compatibility, which allows you to attach MagSafe accessories. However, placing the extended iPhone on a MagSafe desk charger felt awkward due to the added height.

The cover is ideal for heavy typists, content creators, and those who need precision typing. For tasks like crafting hashtags in social media apps or drafting emails, the physical keyboard significantly enhances accuracy and speed compared to on-screen typing.

The Clicks delivers for those who yearn for the physical keyboards of the past. But it’s not just for nostalgia—this keyboard has the potential to significantly boost productivity for some by enabling faster, more precise typing.

Drawbacks to consider

The Clicks keyboard isn’t perfect. Its increased size and weight make the phone less pocket-friendly, and it’s virtually impossible to type one-handed.

After a few weeks of using the keyboard, I found I could almost type without looking. However, one minor quibble is that the keyboard goes to sleep after a period of inactivity. To wake it, you need to press a key—not a significant inconvenience, but it’s not as instant as typing on an onscreen keyboard. This isn’t noticeable in daylight, but in the dark, you have to wait a second for the backlight to turn on before you can start typing.

Verdict

The Clicks keyboard cover for the iPhone 16 Pro is a fun and functional accessory that bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern productivity, but it’s not for most people. Its tactile typing experience, MagSafe integration, and premium build quality make it a worthy option for those who miss physical keyboards or need a productivity boost.

However, the price and added bulk may deter casual users. For productivity-focused individuals and die-hard keyboard enthusiasts, the Clicks cover could be a game-changer.

Clicks for iPhone 16 Pro €129 – also available for iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 (free shipping and 30-day return policy)  Clicks