Latest news with #Clicks
Android Authority
7 days ago
- Android Authority
This keyboard case made my Pixel 9 actively painful to use — but I can't stop typing on it anyway
Clicks Keyboard The Clicks case brings a full QWERTY keyboard with physical keys to selected phones, including the Pixel flagship series. It provides excellent tactile feedback and keyboard shortcuts to your typing experience, but makes the phone taller, a bit imbalanced, and cramped to hold or use. I lived through the early era of non-touch smartphones. My first 'smart' phone was a Nokia 3250 Xpress Music with a glorious T9 keypad, and my first QWERTY was an HTC Qtek 9100 running Windows Mobile. Physically pressing keys to type was in my DNA for years; I loved the tactile feedback of typing, and I relished the perk of typing without looking, especially during long college lectures. Over the years, I tried a couple of Blackberry phones, but my heart always brought me back to Nokia. The E71 was the best QWERTY phone I've ever used — nothing could even come close. When the era of all-touch smartphones began in the late 2000s, I was a refractory skeptic. I missed all the perks of typing on a physical keyboard, but the world was changing, and I had to adapt. It took a few years before on-screen touch keyboards became properly usable, but it wasn't until Gboard launched in 2016 that they finally convinced me. Now, nine years later, it's hard to remember a time when I physically pressed every letter I wanted to type. But the QWERTY dream on Android isn't dead yet. Clicks has made a keyboard case for the Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro that adds four rows of keys to the bottom of the phone. Obviously, I just had to try it to see whether physical keyboards still have a shot in 2025. An experience of early frustration Rita El Khoury / Android Authority The moment I slid my Pixel 9 Pro into the Clicks case, I knew I was in for a rollercoaster. Google's small, pocketable phone suddenly became too tall, too unwieldy. You don't think an extra 4cm (1.57 inches) will affect how you hold the Pixel until you have to actually hold the Pixel in this case. It becomes very unbalanced and top-heavy. For someone like me with Carpal Tunnel pain, it also physically hurt the first few days when I was testing it. A few minutes in, I had to put the phone down because my wrist was cramping up. My first typing experience wasn't any better. The buttons aren't any narrower than the touch keys on Gboard, but they're shorter. They also felt significantly smaller, like I was pecking on teensy, cramped targets and had to rethink the entire way I type on my phone. I kept hitting the wrong keys, pressing two letters instead of one, and adding a space after ev ery V or B b utton press. I kept hitting the wrong buttons, making typos, and adding spaces where there shouldn't be any. I had hoped that this would be like riding a bike, that I'd find my familiar QWERTY bearings and fly through text in a few minutes, but after more than an hour of on and off usage, I was still making more typos than ever and typing slower than ever. I wanted my touchscreen Gboard back! Rita El Khoury / Android Authority I found it even more frustrating that I had to reach up to the display to reposition the cursor each time I wanted to fix a mistake or rewrite something. I'm so used to swiping on the spacebar in Gboard to move the cursor that I found myself trying that on the Clicks keyboard and sighing when it wouldn't work. With no friendly arrow keys either, this made every cursor reposition an eyeroll moment. (Android does support a pointer/arrow mode, but it works with the keys 7, 8, 9, u, o, j, k, l, which aren't appropriately positioned on the Clicks keyboard: 7, 8, and 9 are to the bottom left, not the top right here.) This brings me to my most significant adjustment: the missing standalone number row. I'm used to keeping that on top of Gboard so I can easily reach the numbers — an essential feature if you type transliterated Arabic, where certain letters that don't have a phonetic equivalent in the Latin alphabet are replaced by numbers. The famous 'habibi,' for example, is written '7abibi' if you use transliteration, because 7 replaces the hard H (ح), which doesn't have a proper equivalent in Latin letters. Because of this, access to numbers is essential in my everyday communication with my Lebanese friends and family members, and having to tap the number symbol along with the number key on Clicks got old very quickly. Having those numbers in a T9 configuration right next to the number symbol, instead of in a row, was even more frustrating. Slowly relearning to type Rita El Khoury / Android Authority A couple of weeks in, things started looking up for the Clicks keyboard case. I wouldn't say I'm a pro at using it yet, nor that I'm faster typing on this keyboard than I am on my phone's touchscreen, but I do make fewer mistakes now, and I'm starting to appreciate its benefits more than its issues. The tactile feedback is fantastic. It is so satisfying to feel a button physically press beneath my finger every time I type a letter. And the click I hear is just right. The tactile feedback and audible click each time a key is pressed is fantastic. I'm also way more familiar with the button layout and the exact way I need to hit the keys to avoid typos. Each side of the keyboard slopes down outward, so it took a bit of practice to reconfigure my brain for that versus a perfectly flat touch keyboard. Don't get me wrong — the keys still feel cramped, but something clicked (ha!) for me after a few days, and I started typing faster, more efficiently, and I'm now at a stage where I can type without looking. Almost. Perhaps, with a few more months of practice, I could type blindfolded, but for now, I'll consider this a win. I've also gotten a bit more used to holding the super-mega-tall Pixel 9 Pro in this case. There's still an imbalance and a cramped-up feeling because I have to keep my hands on the bottom third of the contraption to type, but I do feel less wrist pain. I still can't do more than 10 minutes or so at a time, but someone with no wrist pain might not have this issue and find it a joy to type on. The perks that make this worth the trouble Rita El Khoury / Android Authority You might be wondering why I'm putting myself through this horrible experience if I can take off the Clicks case and use my Pixel 9 Pro like normal. The answer is two-fold. First, having a separate keyboard has freed up my entire screen. I no longer lose half of my display each time I want to type something; I can keep everything on the screen in front of me, and still type. This works wonderfully in apps like WhatsApp or Slack, where I can see more chat context before replying, or apps like JotterPad, where I can read more of my writing before adding to it. I can fill forms in Chrome without obscuring half the form, and reply to a comment on YouTube or an email in Gmail without hiding what I'm replying to. In many apps, this doesn't matter much, but in those examples, it really feels like I've gained double the screen estate by using a separate physical keyboard. Android's support for physical keyboards is amazing now. There are shortcuts for everything. Second, and most importantly, Clicks allowed me to discover — and enjoy — all of Android's keyboard shortcuts. I'd seen my Android Authority colleague Mishaal Rahman report changes in how newer versions of Android handle external keyboards, but I didn't have the chance to test these before getting this case. Now, I know. Physical keyboard language pop-up ...with clipboard ...or emoji picker ...or translate box. Android's compatibility with external keyboards has improved a lot since its early day barebones support. Now, there are shortcuts to trigger many features in Gboard (emoji, clipboard, translation), to interact with text (copy, paste), for multitasking and app switching, to launch apps no matter what you're doing, and more. I certainly like the option of opening the app list with one button or dropping down the notification shade with a shortcut. Having copy and paste be a quick shortcut away instead of a tap-and-hold process is also surprisingly handy. Plus, launching Gmail and my calendar from any app is a perk I didn't expect to enjoy this much, though I want Android to let me set custom shortcuts to launch any app, not just the few Google ones set by default. Android's external keyboard settings ...with customizable modifier keys ...and accessibility settings ...as well as a mouse feature. There's a bit of shortcut fatigue, though, I won't lie to you. It takes a while to memorize the important ones, and if you don't use the Clicks case for a couple of days, you have to relearn them again. My least favorite bit was having to memorize shortcuts to access Gboard's emoji and clipboard menus, which I use every day. Oh, and of course, my most-used shortcut ended up being the one that reveals all the shortcuts because I keep forgetting them! Clicks also has a dedicated Gemini key that launches Google's assistant without having to reach for the power button, as well as a Clicks logo key that acts a bit like the Tab key on your computer, switching selection between on-screen menus and buttons. Both of them are excellent additions that come in handy. QWERTY + Pixel 9 Pro: Romanticized vision versus harsh reality Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Part of me, the one who grew up in the 80s-90s and loved the early days of T9 and QWERTY Blackberry and Nokia smartphones, wants to love the Clicks keyboard case. In an ideal world, this is the most efficient way to type on any platform, and physical keys will always be superior to a touchscreen. The reality of using this case, though, opened my eyes to how much the current smartphone landscape has changed and how much more practical it is to quickly touch-type with chunky thumbs and let the software decide that I wanted to write 'Hello' and not 'Jello.' Add in the super tall form factor that Clicks creates with its imbalance, top-heaviness, small keys, and cramped wrist feeling, and you have an overall product that sounds way too good as an idea, but isn't all that practical to use. The Clicks Keyboard case is perfect on paper, but its usability is a victim of its form factor. I really love the Clicks keyboard's passthrough USB-C charging, MagSafe compatibility, tactile feedback, shortcut support, and the way it liberates my entire display from Gboard, but I just have to be honest with myself and admit I'm not faster, nor am I more accurate typing on it. And it's still painful for me to use for stretches of more than 10 minutes. Perhaps on a shorter phone with a different balance equation, like the Moto Razr, this would be a better bet. Or perhaps a different case option that slides from the side and turns the Pixel into an old-school Communicator-style phone would make more sense for Clicks to solve both the imbalance and small-key issues. Most buyers with a Pixel 9 Pro are better off sticking with their touchscreen, but if you really, really want a physical keyboard and you're ready to deal with the trade-offs I've mentioned, then by all means, this is the best option out there for Android. It's exceptionally well built, but its only fault is being a victim of what it's trying to achieve. Clicks Keyboard Full QWERTY keyboard • Impressive tactile feedback • Keyboard shortcut compatibility MSRP: $139.00 Want QWERTY? Get Clicks! The Clicks keyboard moves the physical keyboard off the screen, freeing up display space. It features backlit keys and supports app shortcuts, and for Pixels it provides AI interactions via a Gemini key. See price at AmazonSee price at Manufacturer siteSee price at Best Buy Positives Full QWERTY keyboard Full QWERTY keyboard Impressive tactile feedback Impressive tactile feedback Keyboard shortcut compatibility Keyboard shortcut compatibility MagSafe support Cons Cramped keys Cramped keys Causes phone imbalance Causes phone imbalance No arrows or standalone number row No arrows or standalone number row No tangible typing speed gain
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Citizen
3 winter beauty trends you need to try
The beauty world is calling for more natural tones and encourage us to opt for the 'less is more' approach – and we're here for it! Here are three of our fave beauty trends from Clicks to give you a sophisticated and timeless look while being on trend and feeling fab: Give Mocha Mousse a moment: Described as 'a warming, brown hue imbued with richness,' this sumptuous shade evokes visions of decadent chocolate and creamy coffee lattes. Warm, elegant, and undeniably inviting, Mocha Mousse strikes the perfect balance between timeless sophistication and modern appeal, making it an ideal choice for beauty. Pantone named Mocha Mousse as their 2025 Colour of the Year and the beauty world has embraced it with open arms. This universally flattering shade blends seamlessly with all skin tones, adding a touch of grounded warmth to the face, nails, and even hair. We love it on eyes, lips and nails. Go glossy: Matte lips are taking a backseat and being replaced by glossy, balmy textures. This look is all about hydration, comfort and shine – giving lips a full look that perfectly complements dewy skin and soft makeup. Think of hydrating tints and glossy finishes that feel just as good as they look. If you love a red lip, Cherry red is making a major comeback but with a modern twist: a glossy, high-shine finish that feels fresh and vibrant. Hello natural skin: Say goodbye to full-coverage foundations – flawless faces are taking a backseat as the spotlight shifts to natural skin texture. The focus now is on a fresh, radiant finish that enhances, rather than conceals, your complexion. Enter tinted moisturisers and skin tints: your new skincare heroes. These lightweight, sheer formulas even out skin tone, hydrate, and deliver a natural, dewy glow. Think of them as a no-makeup makeup look, with added skincare benefits like SPF and nourishment. For more on beauty, visit Get It Magazine.
The South African
20-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Nomzamo Mbatha becomes ambassador for Creme of Nature
Creme of Nature announced global beauty icon and award-winning actress Nomzamo Mbatha as its first-ever South African ambassador. This iconic American-born ethnic haircare brand, with over 65 years of heritage, has officially launched in South Africa. It's launched with its bold new campaign, Rooted in Radiance. Creme of Nature's arrival in South Africa marks a significant milestone for the brand and the local beauty market. The products, renowned for their dedication to textured hair, are now available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Takealot, and Amazon. They will also launch at Checkers stores in July, according to Glamour . Nomzamo Mbatha expressed her excitement about the partnership. 'I honour the opportunity to represent a brand that celebrates our natural beauty and heritage.' Textured hair is not just about style; it is a powerful expression of identity and confidence. Creme of Nature's commitment to embracing our roots resonates deeply with me.' The Rooted in Radiance campaign goes beyond a tagline, as it is a movement that honours textured hair as a legacy and a radiant symbol of self-expression. The brand's philosophy respects the rich heritage of African beauty and encourages individuals to embrace their natural hair with pride. A spokesperson for Creme of Nature added, 'We are thrilled to partner with Nomzamo Mbatha, whose passion and authenticity perfectly embody our brand values. Our expansion into South Africa allows us to support and empower people with textured hair, providing products that nurture and celebrate their uniqueness.' This launch comes at a time when South African consumers increasingly seek beauty products that reflect their culture and haircare needs. Creme of Nature's presence offers a trusted, heritage-rich option that aligns with local values and styles. Nomzamo Mbatha leads Creme of Nature as it inspires a new era of textured haircare in South Africa—one rooted in pride, heritage, and radiant confidence. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Android Authority
11-06-2025
- Android Authority
I've found the best solution if you want a smartphone with a physical QWERTY keyboard
If you're looking for the best phones with a physical keyboard then I'm sorry to tell you that your options are slimming down. Phones with a built-in physical keyboard are becoming very, very rare. And the few ones available right now are pretty much considered antiques in the world of smartphones. However, if this is a feature you absolutely need, there are still some devices you might want to consider — and the best solution might surprise you. Clicks Keyboard Case: The best Android QWERTY Keyboard solution Clicks Keyboard Familiar keys • Precise typing • Multifunction keys MSRP: $139.00 Want QWERTY? Get Clicks! The Clicks keyboard moves the physical keyboard off the screen, freeing up display space. It features backlit keys and supports app shortcuts and AI interactions via a Gemini key. See price at AmazonSee price at Manufacturer siteSee price at Best Buy Positives Familiar keys Familiar keys Precise typing Precise typing Multifunction keys Multifunction keys Backlit keys Backlit keys Pass-through charging Pass-through charging Sleek design Cons Increased bulk Increased bulk Learning curve Learning curve Limited compatibility Limited compatibility Premium price If you really want a phone with a physical keyboard, and you don't want to buy what could be considered an antique in the modern world of tech, then the Clicks Keyboard Case is your best bet. This isn't technically one of the best phones with a physical keyboard, though. It's a keyboard case. The tricky part with the Clicks Keyboard Case is that it is only available for a limited selection of smartphones. But if your phone is compatible, this is the best way to add a QWERTY keyboard to a modern phone. If you have an iPhone, the case is available for the Apple iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 series, and iPhone 14 series. On the Android side, you can get it for the Motorola Razr 2025 series, the Razr 2024 series, the Google Pixel 9/Pixel 9 Pro, and the base Samsung Galaxy S25. If you want to use a physical keyboard on a smartphone, nothing beats the Clicks Keyboard case. This is one of the most expensive cases around, too. It costs $139-$159, depending on the phone it is made for. I had some time to play with it at CES and was pleasantly surprised by it. The tactile feedback is excellent, and the backlit keys make it easy to type in the dark. It works as a pretty good case, too. Ryan Haines / Android Authority Read more Honorable mentions BlackBerry Key2 BlackBerry Key2 Full qwerty keyboard • Classic Blackberry MSRP: $649.99 A legacy Blackberry phone with a mid-range processor, top-end RAM and storage, and a full qwerty keyboard. See price at Amazon While pretty old, launched in 2018, the BlackBerry KEY2 remains one of the best phones with a physical keyboard. The keyboard itself is great, but don't expect too much from it. It has a Snapdragon 660 processor, 6GB of RAM, and runs on Android 8.1. It was always a bit of a niche device, but this is the case even more so now. Not only is it one of very few phones with a great keyboard, but it is also the best BlackBerry you can still find. BlackBerry Key2 LE BlackBerry Key2 LE All-day battery life • 3.5mm jack • Excellent microphone The Key LE prioritizes privacy and security The BlackBerry Key2 LE smartphone is an excellent option for enhanced privacy and security at work. The backlit keyboard is fast and handy, and it supports fast charging. See price at Amazon The BlackBerry KEY2 LE launched as a more affordable version of the standard KEY2. As such, it has a more basic design, using plastic instead of metal elements. It also gets a Snapdragon 636 and 4GB of RAM. Similarly, it is still possible to find it, but it has also become rather challenging to do so. Unihertz Titan Pocket Unihertz Titan Pocket Physical QWERTY keyboard • Affordable • Portable MSRP: $309.99 See price at Amazon Here's something a bit newer, released in 2021. It has a pretty nice physical QWERTY keyboard and a rugged construction. It has an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and runs on Android 11. Unihertz Titan Slim Unihertz Titan Slim Slim and modern design • Physical QWERTY keyboard • Affordable MSRP: $339.99 See price at Amazon Does this remind you of another phone? It looks like a BlackBerry! The physical keyboard is great, and it has a fingerprint reader. It launched in 2022, making it the newest phone on this list. The state of physical keyboard phones Years ago, most of us had entirely written off the idea of a phone with a physical keyboard, as the category was all but dead. Not wanting to let go, BlackBerry started pushing back. The revival of the physical keyboard began with the BlackBerry Priv but didn't truly heat up until the BlackBerry KEYone and KEY2's arrival. Unfortunately, the trend didn't last, and hope is undoubtedly dying now. TCL stopped making Blackberry phones, which left the brand languishing. Still, it had a fresh new owner in OnwardMobility, which promised it would offer a keyboard-toting 5G Blackberry phone. Sadly, the new company shut down in 2022, and all plans for a new BlackBerry phone were also canceled. The best option today is to get a compatible phone and a Clicks Keyboard case. A crowdfunded phone, the ASTRO Slide 5G, successfully raised good money in 2020, and it had an expected October 2021 release date. The device reached some backers, but most were disappointed by the outdated tech, and many were still waiting for it in 2023. Fxtec released the Pro1, and in 2019, also made an Indiegogo campaign for a successor, the Fxtec Pro1 X. It's now amazingly hard to get, and most don't think it is a worthy acquisition. Still, the market for phones with a physical QWERTY keyboard continues to die off slowly, and some of you might be better off picking a good keyboard app or a Bluetooth keyboard instead. If you still want a device with an actual keyboard, though, the ones above are your best bets, which seems rather sad. That said, we believe by now it's time to give up, and the best option is to get a compatible phone and a Clicks Keyboard case. FAQs Can I still get phones with a physical keyboard? Smartphones with physical QWERTY keyboards are becoming a scarce breed. Very few are still around, and the few you can still buy are already pretty old. Are physical keyboards better than software ones? Whether you prefer physical or software keyboards is a subjective matter. Many like the tactile feedback you get from pressing actual keys. That said, these smaller keyboards aren't always optimal. They are usually crammed into small spaces and offer little to no customization. Physical keyboards pretty much become dead space when not typing. This is why the industry has moved to software keyboards, which can be customized and adapted to every user's needs. Are smartphones with keyboards expensive? Most phones with a physical keyboard aren't too expensive, mainly because they are pretty old now. Of course, plenty of other factors will come into play. For example, some of these are so rare people are starting to sell them for insanely high prices. On the other side of the spectrum, most newer keyboard-toting handsets are budget phones. Are there any 5G phones with a keyboard? Phones with a keyboard started dying before 5G became proliferous. This is why 5G phones with a keyboard are so hard to find. The most popular one was the Astro Slide 5G, but it isn't really a phone we would recommend. As you can see, you don't have many options to pick from. Maybe it's time to finally let go of phones with physical keyboards. At least for now, it would be worth checking out our list of the best Android phones and best budget phones.
The South African
08-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The South African
Mother's Day gift guide: The best gifts for every budget
Mother's Day is coming up fast, and if you're still stuck wondering what to get the woman who raised you, don't overthink it. The best gifts aren't always the flashiest or most expensive – they're the ones that say, 'I know you, I appreciate you, and I put real thought into this.' To make it easier, we've broken down gift ideas by budget- whether you're working with under R300, mid-range spending, or ready to splurge. Take a look… If you're on a tight budget, you can still make Mom feel special without going generic. A little creativity goes a long way here. 1. A personal touch Personalised mugs, keyrings, or small keepsakes with her name, a photo, or a sweet message can go a long way. NetFlorist offers local customisation options that are affordable and fast. 2. DIY pamper kit Put together a small spa bundle with a face mask, bath bomb, and scented candle – easy to find at Clicks, Dis-Chem, or The Body Shop. Wrap it nicely, add a handwritten card, and you've got a gift that looks more expensive than it is. 3. Green gifts A little potted plant or succulent in a cute pot is low maintenance and adds life to any space. Local stores and garden centres across the country have great options under R250. 4. Words that matter Never underestimate the power of words. A jar filled with 'reasons I love you' notes, or a heartfelt letter, costs next to nothing but delivers maximum impact. If you've got a bit more to spend, you can get her something polished, useful, and still personal. 1. Custom photo gifts Put your memories to work with a high-quality photo book or framed collage. Many online photo shops make it easy to turn digital clutter into something she'll keep forever. 2. Spa or massage voucher She deserves a break. Book her a massage, facial, or full spa treatment. Many have Mother's Day specials around this time of year. 3. Curated gift boxes Artisanal boxes packed with gourmet snacks, bath products, and local goodies are a safe and thoughtful choice. 4. Kitchen tools that work If she enjoys cooking, a quality pan, casserole dish, or even a new baking set from Yuppiechef or @home makes for a gift she'll actually use – without it feeling like a chore. Ready to pull out all the stops? Here are the gifts that really say 'You deserve it all.' 1. Jewellery that means something A personalised bracelet with her children's names, a birthstone necklace, or locally made fine jewellery makes a lasting statement. 2. Luxe comfort A high-quality robe and slippers set from Poetry or Woolworths turns everyday downtime into a mini retreat. Soft, beautiful, and indulgent. 3. A Kindle for the book lover If she reads a lot – or says she wants to – this is a game-changer. The Kindle Paperwhite is lightweight, glare-free, perfect for an avid reader. Add a voucher for a few books and you've nailed it. 4. Experience over stuff Sometimes the best gift is time away. A night at a wine estate, a weekend in the Drakensberg, or even a high tea experience can give her what she wants most: a real break. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
