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If you have fond memories of clicking away on BlackBerrythe Palm Triothe T-Mobile Sidekick Or similar mobile devices from the past, I have good news for you: phones with keypads are making a comeback. Kind of.
There are a growing number of companies looking to bring back clickable tactile buttons, whether for nostalgia’s sake or to reinvent phone keypads as an addition to your phone’s keyboard. iPhone or Android device. Some of these have just announced their plans Consumer Electronics Show 2026 Or those button-packed phones will be brought to this year Mobile World Congress.
From keyboard cases to recent BlackBerry iterations, here’s what we know about a potential QWERTY renaissance.
The BlackBerry Classic, seen here, is one of a number of phones that have seen an unexpected resurgence. A company called Zinwa replaces the phone’s internals with upgraded hardware, then sells them.
Why are keyboards making a comeback on phones?
It’s difficult to assess the exact turning point when physical phone keyboards will return, but we have some guesses. Perhaps the biggest reason why this happens is because people rely on their phones as their primary computer. As such, they’re likely writing long emails or editing documents using only their phone’s touch keyboard.
While this is perfectly fine for most people, some crave the comfort and feel that physical keys provide. Maybe you’re tired of Autocorrect errors are bad When you type too quickly.
Another potential case for phones with keyboards is simply the desire for versatility. Some people may feel general fatigue due to the familiar look and feel Modern smartphones. Having a phone that works differently – see the popularity of recent foldable and foldable phones – is a welcome change.
In addition, phones with a keypad attract not only the older generation who misses them, but also the younger generation who are increasingly turning to older technology.
The Clicks case, shown here during CES 2024, lets you add a keyboard to your existing phone.
Can I get a BlackBerry in 2026?
Not real. If you want to get a new BlackBerry device straight from the factory, you’re out of luck, as the company halted hardware production in 2020 and discontinued its software services in 2022.
You can try to get a BlackBerry device on the secondary market (such as a TCL manufactured device). K-One or Key2), but the Android version is old and will not be as effective as other smartphones. Brenda Stolyar from Wirecutter I recently tried to revive a BlackBerry Classic Q20 From 2015 and I discovered that although it could still run modern apps, loading them onto the device required a lot of patience.
Zinwa is one company that buys old stock of BlackBerry devices, replaces the internal components with new ones, installs Android and then resells them. Its first “product” is Name Q25which is essentially an updated BlackBerry Classic. You can buy the finished product for $400 or get a conversion kit for $300.
What keyboard phones and accessories are currently available?
There are several options for keypad phones on the market.
Keyboard status clicks
The easiest way to get a phone with a keypad is to convert your existing phone into one. That’s the promise of the Clicks Keyboard Case, which adds a physical keyboard to most modern smartphones. It made a lot of noise at CES 2024 and continues to expand its lineup (we’ll get to that soon). Simply place your phone inside the case, and you have a phone with a keyboard.
in Our practical trainingWe liked the extra screen real estate, how quickly the keyboard interface works, the pre-programmed keyboard shortcuts, and the tactile keys. However, the keyboard feels a bit crowded, and it’s not clear if it’s any more comfortable than the virtual touch keyboard. Currently, the Clicks Keyboard Case works with… iPhone 14 And the latest, Razr 2024 And the latest Pixel 9 and 9 Pro. Its price starts at $139.
There are also plans for a version A Power keyboard clickswhich is connected to your phone via magsafe Or Qi2 magnetic connection. The Power Keyboard has a slider to fit phones of different sizes, plus you can pair it with a tablet, smart TV, or anything that uses Bluetooth. This makes the Power Keyboard more flexible than the Clicks case, since it doesn’t have to be made for a specific device.
The pre-order price is $79, although that may increase in the future.
This is a non-working prototype of the Clicks Communicator.
He clicks on the communicator
If you’re feeling ready for a dedicated phone with a keyboard, Clicks also recently announced… He clicks on the communicatoran Android smartphone centered around the keyboard experience. It was designed by a former BlackBerry designer to show what the new BlackBerry phone of 2026 will look like. It has a slim interface that prioritizes messaging apps, a text-based home screen, and of course a touch-and-click keyboard.
Since it’s not as full-featured as other modern smartphones, Clicks positions the Communicator as a productivity-focused secondary device, which could be a good thing if you’re trying to limit social media screen time.
It will be available later this year for $499, but you can pre-order it now for $399.
Unihertz Titan
Unihertz is a Chinese company that has been making keypad phones for a few years. They are all part of Titan Series and Android operation. The current lineup includes Titan, Titan Pocket, Titan Slim, and Titan 2. Additionally Upcoming Titan 2 Elite Mobile World Congress has been hyped. It looks like a more curved addition to the lineup, compared to the other passport-shaped models.
These phones closely resemble older BlackBerry devices, and the Titan 2 in particular seems to bear a passing resemblance to the BlackBerry Passport.
Prices start around $300.
The Ikko Mind One has an optional keyboard case, giving it a BlackBerry-like look.
EcoMind One
the EcoMind One It’s a unique “card-sized” Android phone that comes with Sony’s innovative 50-megapixel foldable camera and, in fact, an optional keyboard case. It also comes with Ikko AI OS, although it’s unclear how that works yet. It sounds absolutely fantastic, but we haven’t heard enough about it yet.
The professional version retails for $429.
Phone minimum.
Minimum phone
If you combine a Kindle with a BlackBerry, you might have a Minimal Phone. As the name suggests, the Minimal Phone is designed to be an ultra-simple, distraction-free alternative to modern smartphones. It has a generic e-paper display, straightforward user interface, QWERTY keyboard, and Android operating system.
Price starts at $449. You can check PCMag’s review of the Minimal Phone is here.
What physical phone keyboard should I get?
Right now, the easiest way to get a physical keyboard on your phone is probably one of the Clicks accessories, since the keyboard case and switchboard won’t require purchasing the entire phone.
For most of these other devices, you’re entering a niche phone category, so support can be all over the place. You’ll need to check how many years of software and security updates these other phones are expected to receive. This way, you can get an idea about how many years of use you can safely get with these phones.
You’ll also need to think about how you want to use the device. If you’re looking for something that’s a step back from a more powerful device but still performs, the Clicks Communicator or Minimal Phone might be a good secondary phone. The Unihertz Titan and Ikko Mind One line may be a closer imitation of that BlackBerry experience.