Akko, a brand primarily celebrated for its expertise in crafting high-quality computer peripherals—especially mechanical keyboards, custom keycaps, and precision-engineered switches—has now ventured into a fresh domain by unveiling an innovative keyboard case designed specifically for Apple’s iPhone line. This new product, known as the MetaKey, represents the company’s latest attempt to blend tactile nostalgia with modern smartphone convenience. At first glance, the MetaKey bears a striking resemblance to the well-known Clicks series of cases, which famously attach compact, BlackBerry-inspired physical keyboards to the underside of both iPhones and Android devices. Yet, upon closer inspection, Akko’s interpretation incorporates a series of subtle but meaningful enhancements along with a noticeably more budget-friendly price point—details that position it as a compelling alternative for users intrigued by the concept but deterred by cost. While the most affordable Clicks case retails at a rather steep $139, Akko’s MetaKey enters the market at a highly competitive $59.99 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max model, which is already available for purchase. The version designed for the forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced at $69.99, though Akko has introduced a temporary promotional offer bringing its cost down to $59.99 as well. Consumers may choose from an appealing variety of colors—including black, white, pink, blue, green, and orange—allowing personal customization that ranges from minimalist to playful.
Although the MetaKey will certainly appeal to nostalgic BlackBerry aficionados who long for the satisfying tactility of tiny physical keys beneath their thumbs, its purpose extends beyond catering to retro desires. On a practical level, it offers an ergonomic solution for those who find touchscreen typing tedious or imprecise. By providing a dedicated physical keyboard, it enables text entry without the need for iOS’s virtual keyboard to occupy nearly half of the display—thereby restoring precious screen real estate for viewing messages, documents, or apps. Of course, this functional improvement brings with it a modest trade-off: once attached, the case adds a few extra inches to the phone’s length, potentially altering its balance in hand. Recognizing that such an adjustment could make the device feel slightly top-heavy, Akko includes a small yet clever accessory—a detachable nine-gram counterweight. This addition can be affixed to the back of the keyboard section, stabilizing the handset and creating a more balanced typing experience even during prolonged use.
Functionally, the MetaKey mirrors many of the design principles found in the Clicks lineup while refining and expanding upon them for modern usability. It connects seamlessly to the iPhone via the USB-C port, ensuring direct data and power transfer without the latency or battery drain sometimes experienced with wireless accessories. To maintain convenience, Akko has integrated an additional USB-C pass-through port, allowing users to charge their phone without removing the case. The keyboard itself boasts dedicated shortcut keys for inserting numbers, executing application-specific commands, activating Siri, and utilizing Apple’s built-in voice-to-text functionality. Another thoughtful feature transforms the keyboard’s upper rows into enlarged scroll buttons, a mode particularly suited for leisurely browsing sessions on social media or news feeds. Moreover, a built-in backlight ensures visibility and usability even in dim lighting—perfect for late-night messaging or what modern users wryly refer to as “doomscrolling.” Further enhancing its practicality, the MetaKey fully supports Apple’s MagSafe technology and incorporates an additional magnetic array on its rear surface, ensuring a secure and stable attachment for accessories such as chargers, mounts, or wallets.
Meanwhile, Akko’s primary competitor, Clicks, has not remained idle. The company recently introduced a refreshed iteration of its own keyboard case line, compatible with the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models and priced at $139, as well as a premium $159 version tailored for the larger iPhone 17 Pro Max. These updated cases boast a significantly refined design that is approximately 40 percent thinner and 11 percent lighter than earlier models, setting them apart both from their predecessors and from Akko’s MetaKey. Additionally, Clicks has retained the ergonomically sculpted keys that first appeared in its designs last year—features intended to enhance typing comfort and reduce strain during extended text input. For an added touch of versatility, the new cases include lanyard holes on either side, enabling compatibility with Apple’s recently introduced crossbody iPhone strap, which allows users to carry their devices hands-free without sacrificing accessibility or style.
At the time of reporting, representatives of The Verge have reached out to Clicks for commentary regarding this new wave of competition in the niche but growing market for hardware-integrated keyboard cases. The publication has indicated that it will update its story once an official response has been received. In the meantime, Akko’s MetaKey stands as a noteworthy entry that elegantly combines nostalgic design cues with contemporary practicality, offering consumers an appealing blend of old-school charm and modern-day utility at a refreshingly attainable price point.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/796643/akko-metakey-case-blackberry-keyboard-iphone-16-17-pro-max
