This Cool Accent Turns iPhone Into A BlackBerry-Ty...

Akko, a widely known model within the mechanical keyboard neighborhood, has entered the smartphone accent market with the launch of its MetaKey keyboard case for iPhone, a product harking back to the basic BlackBerry design. The MetaKey instantly competes with Clicks’ related lineup however at a considerably lower cost, providing an reasonably priced different for customers who miss bodily keyboards or just desire tactile typing.

The MetaKey keyboard case for the iPhone 16 Professional Max is priced at $59.99, whereas the iPhone 17 Professional Max model prices $69.99 (briefly discounted to $59.99). Out there shade choices embrace black, white, pink, blue, inexperienced, and orange, giving customers all kinds of selections to match their private model.

In contrast to Clicks’ models, which begin at $139, Akko’s MetaKey goals to supply a related expertise at lower than half the value. It connects instantly by way of the iPhone’s USB-C port and features a pass-through USB-C port for charging whereas the keyboard is connected.

The design contains shortcut keys for fast entry to numbers, Siri, app-specific options, and even voice-to-text. There’s additionally a singular searching mode that converts the highest rows of keys into scrolling buttons, helpful for navigating social media feeds.

A bundled 9g weight may be put in behind the keyboard for enhancing the steadiness whereas typing. (Picture: Akko)

To boost usability, Akko addressed one of many essential drawbacks of such designs — the top-heavy really feel attributable to the added size of the cellphone with the keyboard connected. The MetaKey comes with an non-obligatory nine-gram detachable weight that attaches to the again, enhancing steadiness and typing consolation. Moreover, the keyboard options backlighting for evening use and maintains MagSafe compatibility, because of an array of built-in magnets that guarantee a safe match with equipment like chargers and stands.

In the meantime, Clicks continues to evolve its personal keyboard case lineup. The corporate just lately launched a third-generation model for the iPhone 17 and 17 Professional collection, that includes a design that’s 40% thinner and 11% lighter. It additionally provides lanyard holes to help Apple’s new crossbody strap. Priced between $139 and $159, these up to date fashions concentrate on portability and ergonomics, together with sculpted keys first launched final yr.

In response to Akko’s new launch, Clicks’ co-founder and CMO Jeff Gadway emphasised that the corporate stays forward in innovation, highlighting its over 100,000 items shipped throughout iPhone, Pixel, and Motorola Razr fashions. He famous that new Clicks merchandise are anticipated in early 2026, promising to broaden the class the corporate “pioneered” with recent, action-oriented options.

Filed in Cellphones. Learn extra about Accessories and iPhone 16 Pro Max.