After Long Dormancy, BlackBerry-style Keyboards Become Popular Again
The iconic BlackBerry mobile phone, which had long been dormant, is suddenly becoming a favourite once again. This trend is not driven by new technological sophistication, but rather by the appeal of the physical keyboard. Amidst the dominance of uniform full-screen smartphones, the trend of physical keyboards reminiscent of BlackBerry is seeing a revival. Several technology startups are now attempting to revive the typing experience with physical buttons that were considered extinct since the iPhone era began.
Two companies, such as the UK-based Clicks Technology and China’s Unihertz, have begun launching devices and smartphone accessories featuring physical keyboards to fill a niche market that remains active. This phenomenon emerges almost two decades after Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, which transformed the smartphone industry with full touchscreens and gradually phased out physical keyboards from the mainstream market.
It appears that enthusiasts of square-shaped phones with distinctive keyboards remain loyal to the brand. A community of 25,000 members exists to share tips and memories of such devices. According to Jung Younbo, a professor of communication at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, this resurgence in interest reflects a broader pattern as device usage becomes more deeply embedded in daily life, meaning phones are increasingly resembling cyclical fashion trends. “We tend to use smartphones as a means of self-expression,” he stated, quoting CNBC International.
Reducing screen time is another factor driving this trend. Chonnie Alfonso, a 23-year-old content creator who typically features retro gadgets on her YouTube channel, noted that switching to keyboard-based devices has helped her reduce screen time. According to Alfonso, ‘doomscrolling’ is less suitable on square-shaped, BlackBerry-style phones. She mentioned that transitioning to devices with physical keyboards has helped her spend less time on social media and better manage her schedule.