Akko, a well-known brand in the mechanical keyboard community, has entered the smartphone accessory market with the launch of its MetaKey keyboard case for iPhone, a product reminiscent of the classic BlackBerry design. The MetaKey directly competes with Clicks’ similar lineup but at a significantly lower price, offering an affordable alternative for users who miss physical keyboards or simply prefer tactile typing.
The MetaKey keyboard case for the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at $59.99, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max version costs $69.99 (temporarily discounted to $59.99). Available color options include black, white, pink, blue, green, and orange, giving users a wide variety of choices to match their personal style.
The MetaKey accessory connects to iPhone models through their USB-C port, offering a passthrough for both charging and syncing. (Image: Akko)
Unlike Clicks’ models, which start at $139, Akko’s MetaKey aims to offer a similar experience at less than half the price. It connects directly through the iPhone’s USB-C port and includes a pass-through USB-C port for charging while the keyboard is attached.
The design includes shortcut keys for quick access to numbers, Siri, app-specific features, and even voice-to-text. There’s also a unique browsing mode that converts the top rows of keys into scrolling buttons, useful for navigating social media feeds.
A bundled 9g weight can be installed behind the keyboard for improving the balance while typing. (Image: Akko)
To enhance usability, Akko addressed one of the main drawbacks of such designs — the top-heavy feel caused by the added length of the phone with the keyboard attached. The MetaKey comes with an optional nine-gram removable weight that attaches to the back, improving balance and typing comfort. Additionally, the keyboard features backlighting for night use and maintains MagSafe compatibility, thanks to an array of built-in magnets that ensure a secure fit with accessories like chargers and stands.
Meanwhile, Clicks continues to evolve its own keyboard case lineup. The company recently introduced a third-generation version for the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro series, featuring a design that’s 40% thinner and 11% lighter. It also adds lanyard holes to support Apple’s new crossbody strap. Priced between $139 and $159, these updated models focus on portability and ergonomics, including sculpted keys first introduced last year.
In response to Akko’s new release, Clicks’ co-founder and CMO Jeff Gadway emphasized that the company remains ahead in innovation, highlighting its over 100,000 units shipped across iPhone, Pixel, and Motorola Razr models. He noted that new Clicks products are expected in early 2026, promising to expand the category the company “pioneered” with fresh, action-oriented features.
Filed in . Read more about Accessories and iPhone 16 Pro Max.