Akko just threw down the gauntlet in the iPhone keyboard case market. The keyboard specialist's new MetaKey case delivers the same BlackBerry-style mini keyboard experience as Clicks cases but at $59.99 - undercutting the established player by a whopping $80. The twist? Akko includes a removable 9-gram weight to fix the top-heavy balance issue that plagues extended phone cases.
Akko, best known for mechanical keyboards and custom key switches, just entered the iPhone accessory game with serious intent to disrupt. The company's MetaKey case doesn't just copy Clicks' BlackBerry-inspired formula - it improves on it while slashing the price nearly in half. At $59.99 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max and $69.99 for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max (temporarily discounted to match), Akko is betting that physical keyboard lovers have been waiting for a more affordable option. The case comes in six colors: black, white, pink, blue, green, and orange, giving users more customization than most premium cases offer. But the real innovation isn't the price - it's that tiny 9-gram weight. Anyone who's used a keyboard case knows the struggle: your phone suddenly becomes this unwieldy, top-heavy rectangle that wants to tip backward every time you type. Akko's engineers clearly used these cases themselves because they solved the ergonomic problem everyone else ignored. The removable counterweight clips to the back of the keyboard section, creating a balanced typing experience that actually makes sense. It's such an obvious fix that you wonder why Clicks never thought of it. The MetaKey connects through the iPhone's USB-C port and includes passthrough charging, just like its more expensive competitor. Where Akko gets creative is with the software features. Beyond standard shortcuts for numbers and Siri access, the case includes a social media mode that turns the top two rows into large scrolling buttons. It's designed for what Akko calls 'mindless browsing' - basically admitting that sometimes you just want to doom-scroll without thinking about it. The keyboard is backlit for late-night typing sessions and maintains full MagSafe compatibility through additional magnets embedded in the back panel. This means you can still use wireless chargers and magnetic stands without removing the case. Meanwhile, Clicks isn't standing still. The company just launched new cases for the iPhone 17 series that are 40% thinner and 11% lighter than previous versions. At $139 for standard models and $159 for the Pro Max version, Clicks is doubling down on premium positioning with ergonomic sculpted keys and lanyard compatibility for . The timing creates an interesting market dynamic. established the category and built brand loyalty among BlackBerry refugees, but brings legitimate keyboard expertise and aggressive pricing. The balance weight alone could sway users who've been frustrated with existing solutions. This isn't just about saving money - it's about whether the market can support two players in such a niche category. Physical keyboard cases appeal to a very specific audience: people who type enough on their phones to justify the added bulk and cost. entry suggests this market might be bigger than expected, or that there's room for a budget-friendly alternative alongside premium offering.