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

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ZDNET's key takeaways

The Clicks Keyboard for the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max is available for $139/$159 in Onyx, Surf, and Spice colorways.The keyboard now supports data pass-through, is MagSafe compatible, has an improved key design, and incorporates new materials for improved usability.The case and iPhone are very long, which takes some practice to achieve perfect balance.

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In the six months that I used the first-generation Clicks Keyboard with an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a couple of issues forced me to remove my iPhone so often that it made using the keyboard accessory rather inconvenient. Thankfully, these issues have been resolved with the second-generation model, the Clicks Keyboard for Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, while other improvements have made the accessory perfect for keyboard enthusiasts.

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The first element that bothered me was the lack of MagSafe support, since I primarily rest my iPhone down on a wireless charging stand to top it off. I purchased a magnetic ring to attach to the back of the Clicks, but it didn't work reliably, so I ended up having to remove my iPhone to charge it.

I also enjoy using Apple CarPlay in my truck for navigation, podcasts, and hands-free communications, but the first-generation Clicks didn't support data pass-through, 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 a few weeks of using the new Clicks Keyboard for iPhone 16 Pro Max, I'm pleased to say that the company has resolved both of these issues. 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 combination button press and when you unplug your iPhone, the keyboard functionality returns automatically.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

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

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The Clicks folks also reduced the size of the Enter/Return key while greatly increasing the space bar. In addition, a 37th button was added that serves as the @ and # symbols (since I use those characters a lot, I am pleased with this addition). This extra key also means that % and * are now accessible on the keyboard.

I carry my Clicks and iPhone 16 Pro Max in the rear pocket of my jeans most of the time, with the keyboard facing out and sticking above my pocket. I use this method to carry it safely without pressing keys, and also to show off the keyboard so that I can share my experiences with others.

Clicks replaced the silicon side walls with TPU material, so the keyboard slides in and out of your pockets easier and provides more protection. The company also added metal buttons to provide a more premium feel to the case.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Lastly, Clicks changed up the colors a bit. Since I bought the first generation immediately, and it was a Founders Edition, I received an email with a $30 discount, so I ordered a Spice color model. That one should arrive sometime in November, but I was also sent an Onyx (black) review model to test out in the meantime. Clicks also offers a Surf (light blue) color.

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Microfiber material also now lines the inside of the case to coddle your iPhone safely. The hardware improvements have been rather stunning for a second-generation device, but customers will be happy to know that there has also been a lot of work on the software side of the house. If you get a Clicks Keyboard, spend some time checking out all the capabilities in the Clicks iOS app.

Clicks shared one last approach to remember the vast number of shortcuts you may have set up on your keyboard, which I've now employed as well: set up the Globe key for calling/messaging contacts (Your World), map the Command key to device functions (Your iPhone), and use the new Clicks key for executing the actions you perform daily (Your Actions). Thanks to integrated support for iOS Shortcuts, the possibilities are nearly endless.

ZDNET's buying advice

The second-generation Clicks Keyboard for Apple iPhone has undergone significant improvements without changing the price. My concerns with the first generation have been resolved. 

The only time I use my iPhone without Clicks is when I take my phone out for exercise or need to carry along a minimalist phone for the day. If you are looking for a fantastic iPhone accessory, then you should definitely consider a Clicks Keyboard.