CES 2026 highlights: Clicks challenges touchscreen dominance with keyboard-centric devices
Clicks isn’t chasing bigger screens or more cameras at CES 2026. Instead, the company is pushing in the opposite direction toward smaller displays, physical keys, and a renewed focus on communication over consumption.
At the show, Clicks officially introduced 2 closely related products: the Clicks Communicator, its first smartphone, and the Clicks Power Keyboard, a modular keyboard accessory designed to bring tactile typing back to modern phones. Together, they form a clear thesis – many users want less phone, not more.
Unlike nostalgia-driven hardware revivals that rely purely on retro aesthetics, Clicks is framing its latest devices as tools for boundaries, focus, and intentional use, tapping into a growing backlash against endless scrolling and notification overload.
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Clicks is pushing back against smartphone excess, focusing on physical keyboards and intentional communication at CES 2026
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The Clicks Communicator is designed as a secondary, messaging-first Android phone, built to reduce distractions rather than replace a flagship device
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Modern specs meet retro design, with Android 16, hardware encryption, a 4-inch OLED display, and a full QWERTY keyboard
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The Power Keyboard offers a lower-commitment option, adding tactile typing to existing iOS and Android phones via MagSafe or Qi2
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Clicks is betting that demand for “less phone” is real, aligning with the growing interest in minimalist, focus-first tech
The Clicks Communicator is built around a second phone philosophy
The Clicks Communicator looks instantly familiar to anyone who used a BlackBerry in the early 2010s, but its purpose is distinctly modern. Clicks describes it as a secondary, messaging-first smartphone, designed to sit alongside a primary device rather than replace it.
Running Android 16, the Communicator features a 4-inch OLED display paired with a physical QWERTY keyboard. The hardware prioritizes durability and utility over entertainment, while still including features expected from a modern smartphone.
Key specifications include:
- Physical QWERTY keyboard with a fingerprint sensor embedded in the spacebar
- 50MP rear camera and 24MP front-facing camera
- 4000mAh battery with USB-C and wireless charging
- NFC support for Google Pay
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Expandable microSD storage up to 2TB
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Hardware-level encryption
One of the more thoughtful additions is the Signal LED, a customizable notification light that alerts users to messages from specific contacts or apps without requiring constant screen checks. It’s a small detail, but one that reinforces Clicks’ broader goal – keeping users informed without pulling them back into the feed.
Clicks has been clear that the Communicator is not meant to compete directly with iPhones or flagship Android phones. As the company puts it, this is about doing, not doomscrolling.
Still, the concept raises practical questions. Carrying two phones often means two numbers and two plans, a hurdle that could limit mainstream adoption. Even so, Clicks acknowledges that some users may adopt the Communicator as a primary device – especially those actively trying to simplify their digital habits.
Reservations for the Clicks Communicator are now open at $399, with pricing set to rise to $499 after February 27.
Power Keyboard extends Clicks’ vision beyond a single device
For users not ready to commit to a second phone, Clicks is offering a more flexible entry point with the Clicks Power Keyboard. Rather than replacing a smartphone, the accessory attaches to an existing device using MagSafe or Qi2 and connects via Bluetooth.
The Power Keyboard features a full QWERTY layout, directional keys, and a dedicated number row – elements that many users still miss on touch-only keyboards. Phones can be mounted in portrait or landscape orientation, giving the setup a Sidekick-like feel without requiring a proprietary handset.
The keyboard also includes a 2150mAh internal battery, allowing it to supplement a phone’s battery during extended typing sessions. Because it uses Bluetooth, compatibility goes beyond phones.
Supported devices include:
- iOS and Android smartphones
- Tablets
- Smart TVs
- AR and VR headsets
Pre-orders for the Power Keyboard opened on January 2, with general availability expected in the spring. The keyboard will retail for $110, though early adopters can secure it for $80 during the initial pre-order window.
Why Clicks’ CES 2026 announcement stands out
Clicks’ dual launch lands at a moment when the smartphone market feels increasingly incremental. While many CES 2026 announcements focus on AI features and camera upgrades, Clicks is questioning whether users actually want more from their phones.
By framing the Communicator as a companion device – and the Power Keyboard as a modular alternative – Clicks is aligning itself with a broader shift toward intentional tech.
Minimalist phones, distraction-reduction tools, and focus-first hardware are no longer fringe concepts. Clicks is betting that physical keyboards, once considered obsolete, still solve a real problem – typing accurately, comfortably, and deliberately.
Whether this approach scales beyond enthusiasts remains to be seen. But at CES 2026, Clicks isn’t chasing trends – it’s challenging the direction of the smartphone itself.
Clicks at CES 2026: live updates
FAQ
What exactly is the Clicks Communicator designed for?
The Clicks Communicator is built as a communication-focused secondary phone, not a full smartphone replacement. It’s meant for messaging, calls, and essential tasks, helping users reduce distractions from social media and constant notifications. While it runs Android 16 and supports modern apps, Clicks encourages users to leave content consumption to their primary phone, positioning the Communicator as a boundary-setting device.
Can the Clicks Communicator be used as a primary phone?
Yes, technically it can. The Communicator includes modern hardware, app support, and connectivity features that allow it to function independently. However, Clicks frames it as a companion device. Using it as a primary phone depends on whether you’re comfortable with a smaller screen, physical keyboard, and a more limited, intentional usage model compared to mainstream smartphones.
How does the Power Keyboard differ from past keyboard accessories?
Unlike older keyboard cases or slide-out designs, the Clicks Power Keyboard is modular and device-agnostic. It attaches magnetically via MagSafe or Qi2, pairs over Bluetooth, and works across phones, tablets, and even smart TVs. It also includes its own battery, which helps offset power drain during heavy typing.
Does the Power Keyboard work with both iPhone and Android?
Yes. Because it uses Bluetooth rather than a proprietary connector, the Power Keyboard is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. This also allows it to work with tablets and other smart devices, making it more versatile than platform-specific keyboard accessories.
Who is Clicks actually targeting with these products?
Clicks is targeting users who feel overwhelmed by modern smartphones – professionals, writers, privacy-conscious users, and anyone trying to reduce screen time without disconnecting entirely. The Communicator appeals to those open to carrying a second device, while the Power Keyboard offers a lower-commitment way to reintroduce tactile typing into daily smartphone use.
