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

Akko, a well known model within the mechanical keyboard group, 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 immediately competes with Clicks’ related lineup however at a considerably cheaper price, providing an reasonably priced various for customers who miss bodily keyboards or just favor 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 decisions to match their private model.

Not like Clicks’ models, which begin at $139, Akko’s MetaKey goals to supply a related expertise at lower than half the worth. It connects immediately 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 consists of 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 stability whereas typing. (Picture: Akko)

To boost usability, Akko addressed one of many major 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 elective nine-gram detachable weight that attaches to the again, enhancing stability and typing consolation. Moreover, the keyboard options backlighting for night time use and maintains MagSafe compatibility, due to 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 not too long ago launched a third-generation model for the iPhone 17 and 17 Professional sequence, 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 give attention to 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 models shipped throughout iPhone, Pixel, and Motorola Razr fashions. He famous that new Clicks merchandise are anticipated in early 2026, promising to develop the class the corporate “pioneered” with contemporary, action-oriented options.

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