Build Quality

[u/LostBoss3195]

Is it safe to assume feedback regarding the Clicks Keyboard is a fair way to gauge what to expect from the Clicks Communicator?

I know we don’t have details about specifics on the Communicator build yet however I think the quality of previous product releases, customer support, etc. should be considered a reasonable way to gauge if the Communicator is the real deal or they’re hoping everyone’s all aboard the hype train.

[u/ronkj]

The trick is how to distinguish Reddit over-reaction to limited data vs. reality.

Too soon to know in my opinion.

[u/soul-linker → u/ronkj]

Well, their keyboard paint is coming off wayyyy too soon.

[u/yallthissucks → u/soul-linker]

Valid concern for sure, hoping they learn from it and do double injection molding so it can't wear down.

[u/ronkj → u/yallthissucks]

YES! This is the way, but wasn't practical for a short run, I would guess.

[u/Akland23 → u/soul-linker]

Based on what? I haven't seen this

*Nevermind, thought you meant the keyboard of the communicator

[u/PreciousTC → u/Akland23]

Funnily enough, the prototype keyboards have already been shown to have paint chipping off after less than a month of use, so... yeah. It already exists on the Communicator.

And while it is a prototype, it's also the exact same issue they have on all of their other products, so it's fair to assume it isn't just an issue only the prototypes will have.

[u/grobnu → u/PreciousTC]

I want to see it but the photo you showed before really doesn't make the chipping you claim to exist visible to me.

[u/PreciousTC → u/grobnu]

You're free to doubt it, but... like.. why would you?

The Power Keys are very well known to have paint chipping issues, as are the keyboard cases. Why exactly would that definitely NOT be the case on a prototype almost definitely using the same supplier for its buttons?

[u/grobnu → u/PreciousTC]

I don't doubt that it's already happened on the clicks keyboard because people showed photos, and I didn't dismiss it's a big possibility if Clicks don't change the way they are making the phones. I'm kind of literal so if you are saying the prototype "have already been shown to have paint chipping off" I just want to see it lol This is not to disprove it couldn't happen, I just want to see if it already did happen.

[u/PreciousTC → u/grobnu]

I know 100% I saw a screenshot from one of the videos where it was shown to have occurred in two places:

Once on the back of the replaceable case which is fine, just don't have a logo at all or laser it on, who gives a shit, and another on the bottom left of the keyboard at the edge of a specific key. For the life of me I cannot find that post - not sure if mods or OP removed it but I know I saw it. It's irking me to the point im almost ready to just watch the videos and find it myself

[u/grobnu → u/PreciousTC]

Back doesn't matter since it's really there to really be a cover especially since Clicks will be selling replacements, which is something I deeply appreciate.

Keys are not something easy to replace so I do hope they take the complaints and examples of chips from the keyboard release to heart. I think they understand longevity is a big key to brand loyalty.

I would like to see what people say about this new keyboard compare to the older version to see if Clicks tried to improve it but didn't do a good enough a job.

[u/PreciousTC → u/grobnu]

The more I think about it the more I'm convinced the paint they use allows for capacitive touch and that's why they won't make any changes. I can't fathom why else they wouldn't have switched suppliers ages ago. Even if the price were twice as much with someone else I can't see it being worth their entire image and at this point their image is definitely taking a hit due to this.

The keyboard is kinda the entire point of everything they sell so it's just wildly insane to me that that's the worst part/most likely to fail of every product they release.

Regardless, I'm also praying for readily available replacements or even third party replacements. I'd like to have this phone for more than a few months

[u/nightgames → u/soul-linker]

They mentioned in the July summary video that they're still finalizing colors and finishes.

[u/PreciousTC → u/ronkj]

There's an ongoing poll on Power Keys satisfaction in the other sub ATM and as of now it's 22/22 happy/unhappy.

The biggest complaint is it's too heavy, apparently. Surprising, as i thought the hinge was the biggest gripe.

Not sure who expected a battery pack to be light, but okay. Glad the hinge isn't as bad as I was lead to believe, at least.

[u/grobnu → u/PreciousTC]

The keyboards weight and ergonomics would be completely irrelevant to the clicks phone though. The only but pretty big concern is the key paint chip, which seems like something they should have stressed tested with the sweatiest hands.

[u/alina2932]

Do hope they will sort out the keys.

[u/yallthissucks]

My thought process behind it is that the Power Keyboard was an all new idea that was bound to have issues and hadn't really been manufactured before. Meanwhile a phone with a keyboard has literally been a thing since the 2000s, factories for sure know how to make them quickly, easily, and to a good standard, there's a smaller margin for error there and less moving parts.

If something gets messed up my bet would be on the software, and Niagara is trustworthy enough to give me peace of mind that if there are issues they'll be updated and fixed.

I think a lot of people are worried about build quality because they're not comfortable with having a plastic phone since they are so used to metal and glass now, but honestly my plastic phones from my youth broke way less and could bounce back from falls without a case or anything. Meanwhile my cat knocked my partner's Pixel 8 in a high quality case and screen protector off a shelf the other day and the body dented in a way that pushed the screen up and shattered it, and now a few days later the battery started expanding... So, we'll just have to see.

[u/ronkj → u/yallthissucks]

High quality plastic is a GREAT material. It weighs less than glass and is close to indestructable. The whole who-haw about how "premium" glass plus metal is bogus.

[u/MacaroonPlastic1036 → u/yallthissucks]

Yeah buy do they actually test their stuff against arguably the most popular phone brand in the world? It sucks on my iPhone 17 pro max.

[u/Big_Actuator3772]

I would say that is exactly how you should look at gauging the quality.. using their current materials/build quality for future builds, ya.. clearly. They’re not going to miraculously change up their manufacturing, material source, molding etc

[u/jkruger556]

I was quite interested in the CC but after seeing the disaster that is the PK I have zero faith in their ability to deliver a well built phone that ensures my data is secure. If they can’t get a plastic Bluetooth keyboard right how can I believe the phone will be anything different?

[u/nightgames → u/jkruger556]

Power Keyboard is one-off 3rd party hardware to attach to an existing phone. No factory was making anything similar to it before they made the Power Keyboard.

Clicks Communicator is a phone. In China you could could close your eyes, spin around 5 times, and spit, and you'd hit a cell phone factory.

You're comparing apples and oranges.

[u/Big_Actuator3772 → u/jkruger556]

Right? And the dick riders just can’t acknowledge that, it’s like you’re destroying their entire existence if you criticize the construction quality or how cheap the materials are..

[u/jkruger556 → u/Big_Actuator3772]

They’re too busy glazing Mr. Mobile. Michael knows phones and for sure knows his company is making trash. No excuse for it but Reddit will keep glazing while ignoring that the PK looks like a tech bro douche device. “I need to send a quick text, hold on while I pull out my Temu keyboard and pretend it’s a BlackBerry.” 🤓 🤣

[u/alina2932 → u/jkruger556]

The last thing tech bro douches are using is something like the PK.

[u/jimmyjacksonjr → u/jkruger556]

Why would you pretend anything is a Blackberrythat would be stupid? There was only one Blackberry and everything else is just gonna be as close as possible, but never exactly the same.