Some, not many, complain that typing on the iPhone is challenging. These people state the display is too small, the keys are too close together, and that learning to type on a touchscreen keyboard is too time consuming and they prefer to stick with a physical keyboard. These are most likely BlackBerry users, but Solo Matrix attempting to solve this problem with their TypeSmart physical keyboard case called “Spike.”
“Spike” is a Kickstarter project (see here) that has received full funding and is expected to be available within the next few weeks. There’s a couple versions in production, one for the iPhone 4/4S and the other for the iPhone 5. The design of the keyboard looks incredibly similar to a BlackBerry keyboard and also has the same feel. It’s tucked away nicely in the back, then swivels on top of the iPhone when you want to use it for email/texting/notes. The case is made out of polyurethane and will add a bit of weight – plus clutter the design – of your iPhone, but will get the job done and is responsive.
As for the future, Spike will be heading towards tablets and will make a huge physical keyboard for the iPad. In addition, Samsung’s Galaxy S III users might eventually see Spike on their device. The price of the iPhone 4 and 4S will be between $40 – $50 and available sometime in February, iPhone 5 will follow at some unknown date. Video below.
