This viral iPhone keyboard case is the most awesome accessory I've ever tested

Key findings from ZDNET

• The Clicks keyboard for iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max is available for $139/$159 in Onyx, Surf and Spice colorways.
• The keyboard now supports data forwarding, is MagSafe compatible, features an improved key design and includes new materials for improved usability.
• The case and iPhone are very long, which requires some practice to achieve the perfect balance.

In the six months I've been using the first-generation Clicks keyboard with an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a few issues forced me to take out my iPhone so often that using the keyboard accessory was quite inconvenient. Fortunately, these problems have been solved with the second generation model Clicks keyboard for Apple iPhone 16 Pro Maxwhile other improvements have made the accessory perfect for keyboard enthusiasts.

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The first thing that bothered me was the lack of MagSafe support, since I mainly put my iPhone on a wireless charging stand to top it off. I bought a magnetic ring to attach to the back of the Click, but it didn't work reliably, so I had to remove my iPhone to charge it.

I also like using Apple CarPlay in my truck for navigation, podcasts, and hands-free communication, but the first generation Clicks didn't support data forwarding, so I had to take my iPhone out of the case to use CarPlay. The more I drove, the more I was disappointed by this limitation.

After using the new Clicks keyboard for the iPhone 16 Pro Max for a few weeks, I'm happy to say that the company has solved both of these problems. MagSafe works perfectly.

My iPhone with Clicks stays securely in place on my dock and charging pad, not to mention my wallet stays on the back of the case. Wired CarPlay now works with a simple button press, and when you unplug your iPhone, the keyboard function automatically returns.

In addition to these two major improvements, the new model's keys are larger and angled from the outside toward the center to improve the speed and accuracy of text entry. The first generation keys were excellent and well designed, so I was surprised by the significant improvement in design in such a short time.

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The Clicks folks also reduced the size of the Enter/Enter key while greatly increasing the size of the space bar. Also added a 37th button that serves as @ and # symbols (since I use these characters a lot, I'm happy with this addition). This additional key also means that % and * are now accessible from the keyboard.

I carry my Clicks and iPhone 16 Pro Max in the back pocket of my jeans most of the time, with the keyboard facing outward and sticking out over my bag. I use this method to carry it safely without pressing any keys, and also to display the keyboard so I can share my experiences with others.

Clicks has replaced the silicone side panels with TPU material, making the keyboard slide in and out of the case easier and providing more protection. The company also added metal buttons to give the case a more premium feel.

Last but not least, Clicks changed the colors a bit. Since I bought the first generation outright and it was a Founders Edition, I received an email with a $30 discount, so I ordered a Spice color model. This should arrive sometime in November, but I was also sent an Onyx test model (black) to test in the meantime. Clicks also offers the color Surf (light blue).

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The inside of the case is now also lined with microfiber material to safely pamper your iPhone. The hardware improvements are pretty impressive for a second-generation device, but customers will be happy to know that a lot of work has been done on the software side of the house too. If you get a Clicks keyboard, be sure to take the time to try out all the features of the Clicks iOS app.

Clicks shared one final approach to remember the large number of shortcuts you may have set up on your keyboard, which I also used now: Direct the globe key to call/send messages to Contacts (Your World) and map the Command key to device functions (your iPhone) and use the new click key to perform the actions you do every day (Your Actions). With built-in support for iOS shortcuts, the possibilities are almost endless.

ZDNET's buying guide

The second generation Click on the keyboard for Apple iPhone has been significantly improved without changing the price. My concerns about the first generation were allayed.

The only time I use my iPhone without Clicks is when I take my phone with me to exercise or need to take a minimalist phone with me for the day. If you're looking for an awesome iPhone accessory, you should definitely consider a Clicks keyboard.