Some of us old-timers fondly remember the satisfying clickity-clack of a physical smartphone keyboard. Back when email was king and multi-paragraph arguments on social networks were few and far between.
Well, if you’re someone who longs for the days of firing off missives at breakneck speed, I’ve got good news: The physical keyboard is experiencing a renaissance, and it’s looking like it’s not just a nostalgic gimmick.
Yes, hardware keyboards are officially making a comeback, and there are a few devices leading the charge that you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on.
Unihertz Titan 2 Elite
Now, Unihertz is no stranger to this market. The company already makes Android-based keyboard phones, such as the Titan 2. However, if you’re in the market for a new device, it’s best to hold your horses for the upcoming Titan 2 Elite. The company is promising an upgraded experience with a smooth-scrolling AMOLED screen and five years of guaranteed OS updates.
Unihertz is currently running a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for the Titan 2 Elite. Backers who pledge a little under $400 can get the phone as a reward. The company says it will ship in June.
Clicks Communicator
You might recognize the name: Clicks makes a reasonably popular keyboard case for Android phones and iPhones. But the Clicks Communicator will be the company’s first shot at making a complete phone of its own.
Designed as a maybe-primary, maybe-companion, definitely-sleek device focused on messaging and productivity, it runs Android 16 and features a 4-inch AMOLED display perched above a classic QWERTY layout.
The Clicks Communicator is available for reservation now and is scheduled to ship later this year. You can lock it in for an early-bird price of $399, after which it will jump to its standard $499 retail price.
Minimal Phone
Finally, for those who truly want to disconnect from the endless scroll, there’s the Minimal Phone. It pairs a full physical keyboard with a high-contrast e-ink display, the same kind of screen you’d find on an e-reader.
This phone obviously isn’t built for watching videos, but it’s designed specifically to keep your focus intact while providing the essential tools you need. To wit, it runs Android under the hood and sports access to the Google Play store.
It’s available right now, starting around $399 for the base model.