Clicks Technology, a mobile keyboard maker, is making waves with its debut phone, the Communicator, and a universal slide-out physical keyboard. The company reported strong initial sales, indicating a potential resurgence of physical keyboards in the smartphone market.

According to Jeff Gadway, Clicks' chief marketing officer and co-founder, the company was making a sale every 6.5 seconds between both devices over the past week. While specific sales figures were not disclosed, this rate suggests significant consumer interest in the new products. The Communicator is priced at $499.

The launch of the Communicator arrives at a time when the smartphone market is dominated by touchscreen devices. Clicks is betting that a segment of users still values the tactile experience and efficiency of a physical keyboard, reminiscent of the once-popular BlackBerry. By offering a device that runs Android 16 and supports all Android apps, Clicks aims to bridge the gap between the classic physical keyboard and modern smartphone functionality. The company's partnership with Niagara Launcher provides a minimalist interface, streamlining the user experience.

Clicks Technology is a new entrant in the mobile device market, focusing on physical keyboard solutions. The Communicator, with its BlackBerry-like design, represents the company's attempt to carve out a niche by catering to users who prioritize typing efficiency and tactile feedback.

The Communicator is slated to ship later this year. The prototype tested by TechCrunch was the same size and weight as the planned final product, offering an early indication of the device's feel and usability. The company's success will depend on its ability to capture a significant share of the market that desires a physical keyboard, and to effectively compete with established smartphone manufacturers.