BlackBerry-Style iPhone Keyboard Case Adds Weight for Better Balance
▼ Summary
– Akko has launched the MetaKey, a keyboard case for iPhones that resembles Clicks’ BlackBerry-style cases but is more affordable, starting at $59.99.
– The MetaKey addresses users who miss physical keyboards and prevents the on-screen keyboard from covering half the display, though it makes the iPhone longer.
– It includes a nine-gram weight to attach to the back for better balance while typing, countering the top-heavy feel.
– The case connects via USB-C, includes shortcut keys, backlighting, and MagSafe compatibility, with features like app-specific functions and voice-to-text access.
– Clicks has released a thinner, lighter case for newer iPhones at $139-$159, featuring ergonomic keys and lanyard holes, while Akko’s MetaKey offers a budget-friendly alternative.
For those who miss the satisfying click of physical keys on their smartphone, a new and more affordable option has arrived. Akko, a company renowned for its keyboard components, has launched the MetaKey, a BlackBerry-style keyboard case for iPhones that dramatically undercuts the price of its main competitor. While the Clicks case starts at $139, the MetaKey is available for the iPhone 16 Pro Max at just $59.99. A version for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced at $69.99, though it is currently on a promotional discount bringing it down to $59.99. The case comes in a variety of colors including black, white, pink, blue, green, and orange.
This accessory does more than just appeal to nostalgia for classic smartphone designs. It offers a practical solution for typing on an iPhone without the software keyboard consuming almost half of the screen’s real estate. The trade-off is a significant increase in the phone’s overall length. To address the potential top-heavy feel that comes with this extended design, Akko includes a clever counterbalance: a nine-gram weight that attaches to the back of the keyboard. This simple addition improves the phone’s stability and makes one-handed typing a more comfortable experience.
Functionally, the MetaKey connects to the iPhone via the USB-C port and conveniently provides its own USB-C port for pass-through charging. It is packed with useful features, including dedicated shortcut keys for numbers, app-specific commands, Siri activation, and iOS’s voice-to-text function. There is even a special mode that converts the top two rows of keys into oversized scrolling buttons, perfect for effortless browsing through social media feeds. The keyboard is backlit for visibility in low-light conditions and maintains full MagSafe compatibility. An additional magnetic array on the back ensures a secure connection to MagSafe chargers and stands.
Meanwhile, the established competitor, Clicks, has unveiled a new version of its case compatible with the latest iPhone 17 models. Priced at $139 for the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, and $159 for the Pro Max model, this new iteration boasts a design that is 40 percent thinner and 11 percent lighter than its predecessors. This slimmer profile is a key differentiator from the Akko MetaKey. The new Clicks case also incorporates the same ergonomically sculpted keys the company introduced last year and adds lanyard holes on each side, making it compatible with Apple’s newly announced crossbody iPhone strap. The market for physical keyboard cases is heating up, offering smartphone users tangible alternatives to touchscreen typing.
(Source: The Verge)
