Akko, a company best known for its mechanical keyboards and keycaps, has introduced the MetaKey — a new keyboard case for the iPhone that revives the tactile experience once associated with BlackBerry devices. The case attaches directly through the iPhone’s USB-C port and includes a passthrough connection for charging and syncing. At $59.99 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and $69.99 for the 17 Pro Max (temporarily discounted to the same $59.99), the MetaKey comes in well below the cost of rival models like Clicks’ keyboard cases, which start at $139.
The MetaKey’s main appeal lies in restoring a physical typing experience to the iPhone. While typing on a touchscreen remains the norm, a physical keyboard offers greater precision and frees up the display by removing the on-screen keyboard. The tradeoff, however, is a noticeably longer and heavier phone once the case is attached. To counterbalance this, Akko includes a removable nine-gram weight that attaches to the back of the keyboard, providing better stability when typing. It’s a small but practical design choice that helps the case feel less top-heavy.
Beyond its nostalgic form factor, the MetaKey includes several features that bring it closer to a modern accessory. The backlit keyboard supports shortcuts for numbers, Siri, voice-to-text input, and app-specific functions. A dedicated browsing mode even transforms the top rows of keys into scrolling buttons, catering to social media users who prefer tactile navigation. The case also maintains MagSafe compatibility through an additional array of magnets, ensuring it securely attaches to chargers and stands.
Akko offers the MetaKey in multiple colors — black, white, pink, blue, green, and orange — emphasizing personalization as part of its design philosophy. The combination of functionality, playful aesthetics, and a lower price point positions it as an accessible alternative to premium offerings like Clicks’ lineup.
Meanwhile, Clicks has released a redesigned version of its own keyboard case for the iPhone 17 series, priced between $139 and $159. The updated model is reportedly 40 percent thinner and 11 percent lighter than before, featuring sculpted keys and new lanyard holes compatible with Apple’s crossbody iPhone strap.
While Akko’s MetaKey doesn’t reinvent the smartphone accessory, it taps into a lingering desire for tactile feedback in an era dominated by glass screens. Its mix of practicality, nostalgia, and affordability may find a niche among users who miss the satisfaction of real keys under their thumbs.
