Valentine's Day this year has me feeling all lovey-dovey, so for my next CBK 2.0 video I decided to record a gush fest about BlackBerry Physical keyboards. Did I miss any reasons? Watch the video and let me know!
It's Valentine's Day today. We're less than two weeks away from the BlackBerry Mobile's unveiling of the Android-powered, keyboard-rocking BlackBerry "Mercury". I'm excited for it. To be honest though, for the last couple of years my smartphone daily driver has typically been a full touchscreen phone. Suffice to say I'm now pretty fast at typing on glass.
Typing speed is only one factor of the smartphone typing experience though. In this video I highlight 7 (maybe 8!) reasons why physical keyboards on smartphones still reign supreme for overall typing experience. Be sure to watch and see if you agree with my opinions. Did I miss anything? If so, let me know!
I hope you enjoy the video! And if you do, I really do appreciate any Shares and Thumbs Ups you can give to the video on YouTube (that'll help re-kickstart our channel a bit), and if you're not subscribed then PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! The more people who watch them the more we'll make! Be sure to turn on notifications so you don't miss any!
Reader comments
Why We Still LOVE the BlackBerry Physical Keyboard
Replaced my Z10 with a Priv because I missed the keybiard..This is my 4th BB....only phone to have.
The main attraction in Blackberry is its physical keyboard. I love it !
Agree all! I just activated an old 9930 just to use for one business app I needed and isn't available on my Z30.
I was surprised how quickly I fell back into using the keys. That said, I am due for a new phone and will probably get a KEYone even though PKB is not a priority for me - just the timing of availability of the latest technology!
[Wish PCL would license the BB10 OS from BB - #thebettermousetrap]
How do I restore my blocked BBID?
Yep.
... umm,...speed, accuracy, consistent key feel, and the comment about water drops is very true. Also may I add the VKB glare factor while typing.
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Hey great! I have now more reasons to go back to a physical keyboard....
One thing I thought was most important and more important then everything else you said. And that is the ability to use this like a computer without having a keyboard obscure half of your work documents.
I am literally using this phone to write reports, update excel databases and create long emails. I got this phone to replace my laptop and all of its laptop functionality with office and browsers.
Where I am from (U.K), BlackBerry is still the number one choice for businesses that don't want to make social media apps more convenient, they want to be able to handle work loads and I don't just mean quick edits, I mean entire 10,000 word reports.
I love how I can see almost the entire document, read it and edit it without losing my screen to a keyboard
Posted via CB10
I'm about to buy my first cell phone and am looking for advice. Do you think it's a good idea for me to purchase a Blackberry? What are the pros and cons?
We love all BlackBerry parts not just Physical Keyboard ;)
This should be another fan of the BlackBerry KeyOne:
"How do New York Times journalists use technology in their jobs and in their personal lives? The Times’s fashion director and critic discusses the tech she uses.
As a fashion critic, what’s your favorite tech product that helps you spot and keep track of fashion trends?
My iPhone 5, embarrassing as that is to say, and my laptop. I am stuck with my iPhone 5 because I have a keyboard attachment for it that turns it into a BlackBerry, and which I love because during fashion shows I file reviews on my phone and they can be 1,000 words long. I can’t do that on a touch screen. I hate lugging anything bigger than the phone around since I carry so much else."
https://nyti.ms/2m8MX1N
I use my classic everyday
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大叔你要不要一直这么猥琐
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Will TCL continue manufacture the phone with physical keyboard in future except keyone?
Hopefully, BB will support android runtime on BBOS10
Just picked up a second classic without a camera for when my current on dies. BTW I do have an Iphone 7 but went back to the BB classic. Keyboard the reason and the 200 GB SD Card I put in
I LOVE shortcuts. When I use an iPhone its so many taps to get to certain functions like 'find'.
PKB, replaceable battery, and anatomically friendly a winning combination.
Posted via CB10
Since I got my BlackBerry Priv I don't use the physical keyboard. My wife can't use my phone opening it and using the keyboard then I close it again when using it.
A top reason should be the ease of one-handed typing on a PKB (such as my Q10...). Now if BB could just fix the double-typing problem...!
Getting the Keyboard wet starts the double typing for me. Had to replace the keyboard and back to working like a charm!
Two observations re: PKB
I wish the Prv PKb had increased height of the "alt" key and the "enter" key occupying empty vertical space beneath those keys...
The 2 devices I have owned (or ever seen) from BlackBerry are the Priv & the Passport... the PKB is straight across. HP Pre 3 (& VEER) did it better with PKB layout curved in an ergonomic"smile"
....BlackBerry apparently did have models with the "smile" layout in the glory dayswhen BlackBerry phones were all over everywhere...
What happened ??
Completely agree
Posted via CB10
I'm typing this comment with the physical keyboard on BlackBerry Priv and yes, nothing beats the tactile sense of pressing the keys.
I always found the keyboard on the BlackBerry Priv to be too small and crowded :(
My cousin using this type of keyboard as long as he can. I don't know why, couse his hands are big but button are very small, but build technology of this keyboard brings us very comfortable using.
Hoping the double-typing issues have ALL been solved. My Passport, still, has the challenge, from time to time. And... sometimes it's different letters that are effected... :-/
Love my passport. Best keyboard ever.
That being said-The Mercury is destined to fail and I'll tell you why.
1. Screen realestate: Consumers buy devices today for the large screens for media consumption, snapchatting facebooking, gaming.
Any device today with a screen smaller than 5.5 inches does not sell well.
2. Marketing : Blackberry does a horrible job marketing devices. TV spots, radio, advertising in general is virtually nonexistent. This is why bb10 has failed.
3. Carrier support: when a new bb phone comes out I can't wait to go in to my local att&t store to check it out only to find it stuffed in the corner, usually not on, surrounded by beautiful displayed android and iphone models all lit up in glorious retail display mode! They don't want to sell blackberry...they hate it.
Once I asked a store salesperson about the priv and he said, and I quote" OH yeah um we have one I think but yeah man you don't want to buy a blackberry man".
The end
Posted via CB10
You are right about the advertising, it's horrible but that Mercury looks nice.
I agree with 2 and 3, but BB users usually aren't as addicted to social networking and silly phone games as typical smartphone owners. The real issue is that developers don't take smaller screens into account any more and this makes it nearly impossible to use many apps with a PKB phone..including Facebook, ironically.
I can think of another reason why physical keyboards are a good idea - ever tried using a touch screen while wearing gloves?
Also, mechanical keyboards are the new *** (or something) - maybe the Mercury will ride this wave?
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Thank you CBK
Thank you for the video CBK
Keyboard never fades it's color
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Build quality and the qwerty
Posted via CB10
The best physical keyboard/ best keyboard. Only BlackBerry keyboard predicts the next word you want to use right most of the time. Saves so much time. And the trackpad!!!! With the added benefit of one hand keyboarding. 2 hands is all we got to multi task. Sometimes the other hand is busy with some one/some thing. Try that with Samsung or apple. You will be frustrated with the task at each hand. I believe Mercury will bring BlackBerry back to mainstream of things. The best Android experience has always been on Blackberry. This time I believe BlackBerry got the DNA of BlackBerry 100 % with the Mercury. The BlackBerry Experience is back. Good times of insomniac BlackBerry usage .
I Like keybord BlackBerry
Posted via CB10
The error free factor, speed, and ease of typing, particularly as I frequently have gloves on (either latex/nitrile for one of my jobs or for warmth when I'm outside this time of year) of a PKB are why I've stayed with BlackBerry more than anything else.
I finally had to switch from my beloved Classic to the Priv just to get better app support. However, the top reason I went with the Priv was the PKB and the second being I've never been disappointed with BlackBerry's quality, I'm willing to pay the premium for those two items alone. It will be awhile before I can pick up a Mercury but that will in all likelihood be my next phone.
The presence of a physical keyboard is really what made me choose a BlackBerry for my first smartphone.
I like BlackBerry keyboard and trying to convince IOS and Android fans to go to BlackBerry device, unfortunately these fans hate the phone with keyboard outlook. It seems that best camera and Best phone outlook with rose gold aluminum and multiple color casing will attract buyers. This is the failure of BlackBerry that cannot capture the big IOS and Android market.
It is too bad general tech reviewers don't do something other than just stare at the keyboard and say things along the lines of "after a virtual keyboard all of my LIFE, physical keys take some effort".
They are all nearsighted from staring at their phones and couldn't string a sentence without autocorrect.
Teenagers.
Great 'physical keyboard' reasons. Don't know if you need the nerdy humor but points very well stated. Love my BOLD, looking forward to Mercury.
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Love my keyboard
Posted via CB10
Love being able to scroll with the Priv's capacitive pkb and now that the Verizon version has the pointer mode that basically turns it in to a giant trackpad....... Wow!!!
Does that have to be in developer mode though? I'd be interested in trying that if I didn't have to mess around too much
To get the pointer mode I went to settings - developer options and then enabled pointer mode. It also makes it nice to be able to switch the pointer mode on and off by either hitting the currency key or the mute key (depends on which one you pick). That way you can scroll with the keypad when you want to and then easily switch back to the pointer mode.
Yup, still love my Q5! Although the Mercury can't come soon enough!
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Great production values! Matched by the content.
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Thanks!
Ok I see it on Page 3/3
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Nice editing on the video. I enjoyed it. How come I can never find my comment? It would be nice if you can arrange it so newer comments appear first. I think people will post more once they see their comments.
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Thanks! Bit of a trick on comments.. for the first two days after a post goes live (on the website) the newest comments appear at the bottom. After 48 hours, we flip it so the newest comments are at the top. This tends to work better for most people initially because conversations are in consistent places as they go up and down the comments and engage. On the app it stays in this order for now.
Great video, Kevin! Interesting, informative and just plain entertaining. Thanks! And to think I started my BlackBerry experience (and stayed along for the ride) with the 7130 and it's hybrid Suretype keyboard! What a fun learning curve that was. Really. So I plunk out these comments on my three year old Z10 and have to admit I've gotten used to the vkb. I would have moved over to the Passport for its larger screen area and pkb, but Verizon never gave me the opportunity. I am one if those who will holdout with BB10 until it no longer functions. It would be helpful, Kevin, if you could take your experience and knowledge to pen an article (or maybe another video! ) and give us your insights into the BB10 OS. You remarked that "...BB10 while an awesome OS lacked the app ecosystem..." Why did it lack the app ecosystem? What were the underlying problems? What stymied app development when the system was introduced? What, if anything, would stimulate development now? I know little about such matters. I basically charge my phone and use it. I fly the BB10 flag and don't intend to drop it anytime soon. On the other hand, if you tell me BB10 is going to self-destruct on January 1, 2018, I may begin making appropriate plans. Please continue to keep us informed. Thanks again!
Actually, I like the form factor of the Passport. Do not care if VKB or PKB.
I still love PKB because when I type, I know I am typing on a BlackBerry device.
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Love key boards of blackberry
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I own a Z30 which I enjoyed using before switching to the Classic because I am more comfortable and accurate with a physical keyboard. I also own a red Passport (on a different carrier), but needed apps not available on BlackBerry 10. I had to ask myself what was more important, BlackBerry 10 or a physical keyboard? The keyboard won and I switched to the Priv. My preference is still BlackBerry 10; however, I am thrilled to know the pkb will live on and I will switch out my Classic for the Mercury. Long live the pkb!!!!
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Blackberry is such a good phone, I have the Classic and I can't wait until the Mercury comes out.
Passport pkb... type in first 2 or 3 letters of a website, swipe up, enter, boom straight into it... nothing is faster.
Huh?
BlackBerry Efficient... Sticking with Passport! Life and Sanity saved with only one decision.
I like the size of the Passport pkb (I have big hands) it works for me. Prior to my SE I had a little Nokia with a pkb and it was too small. Something satisfying about the soft click too I like. Makes me curious to try the Mercury with 4 rows after using the SE pkb so long.
Posted via CB10
Watched and subscribed
Thanks for subscribing!
Funny how the 2 most popular phones in the world have the worst keyboards on any phone. Iphone and galaxy have the worst touch keyboard I've ever used.
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Here's hoping the Mercury actually makes it to Verizon. Verizon users never even got a chance at the Passport, and the Priv was late and has well-discussed issues. I'm hoping BBMobile can ensure BlackBerry devices are compatible with all major networks in the US from here on out.
Once we got updates to the priv though it really made the experience a lot better. I never had the heating and battery issues some mentioned. What I really wanted with the update and needed badly was WiFi calling ability. I'd buy another priv tomorrow if I needed to
But, if you're a Verizon customer, you never got the update. Except for some security patches, I'm still running the same Android version that came with the Priv when it was new. So I still have heat, battery and lag issues. When the Mercury is available, I'm done with Priv.
All great reasons! I will be rocking my Passport/Classic combo for as long as I can, and will also be checking out the Mercury when it comes out!
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Virtual keyboards were a step back. The BlackBerry PKB is pretty darn good, but it still puts me in keyboard **** regularly.
Everyone uses their phone differently, is suppose, but BlackBerry's PKB, which has brilliant features (since the Passport and though my current Priv) that allow me to professionally respond to emails and texts, and save time elsewhere.
The trend away from actually making and receiving calls on a cell phone is actually astonishing. Absurdity is laid bare when people then done care whether they can correspond effectively with them. Let's face it, mist people use phones for pictures and games. Upside down world.
Good video, Kevin!
Please adhere you general inclination to stay away from politics, buds!
@CBK here's an old school PKB user who started way back with a Treo 180. Not sure many users here would be familiar with the first foray Palm/Handspring made into the convergence of PDA's and mobile phones.
I was always a believer in PKB's and this was the main reason I transitioned from BB10 to BB Android when the Priv was launched. But having had a Priv since launch I find that I use the PKB less and less each day. Credit for this goes primarily to the excellent BlackBerry VKB. This may sound blasphemous to most PKB diehards but with my well oiled BlackBerry VKB which practically senses what I want to type I can type as fast and sometimes faster on the VKB vs the PKB. The PKB has now become a redundant option on my device which I seldom use.
This is coming from a user who bad mouthed glass typing for years. But I have to say that the few opportunities I have had to type on a Galaxy (wife) device or an iPhone (daughter) have had me frustrated to no end at the amount of errors and unwanted auto-corrects messing up my flow of writing.
BlackBerry has done an amazing job of delivering both an excellent PKB and VKB.
Thx for the comment! I hear ya too. Notice I didn't put type faster as one of my reasons in the video? When it comes to sheer out typing speed in "controlled conditions" I do think many/most people can type faster on a virtual keyboard. I know my flat out fastest typing speed is quicker on glass than a PKB. But that's when I'm full stopping what I'm doing (I'm still, I'm focused on the phone 100%, etc.). PKB proves quicker and more accurate when you're typing while doing stuff, and I'd say better for all the other areas/use cases I mentioned. Plus, if you take the time into account of potentially fixing mistakes from autocorrect, etc., then I think the PKB time often does become faster overall (even though word by word speed may be a little less). PKB really lets you type fast w/ confidence.
I agree with you about the greatness of the BlackBerry vkb. It was one of the first things I noticed as being highly superior to other phone typing experience I'd had. With that said, I really like the pkb on my priv. It's the first smartphone I've ever had with one. I actually had to make myself learn to use it. I might be faster on a quick reply with the vkb but I use the pkb almost as much. Less autocorrect stuff happening on longer posts as Kevin pointed out
Love the video but I will always be a blackberry user that uses the classic or Passport. Can't get away from OS10 and the keyboard. Been on Ebay buying them up.
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Virtual keyboards are great....if you're easily impressed by shiny things.
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Soo true!
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I went from an old-school Nokia brick to a BlackBerry and never looked back.... the qwerty keyboard is my life and I love the clickety-click... no autocorrupt, no spelling errors because the keys are exactly where they're supposed to be, and the ability to type when I'm half asleep... can't wait for the Mercury so I can have a little bit more flexibility in the apps but I will never leave my buttons
Love the special designed type! Love the feeling of touch phone! That's why always hold phone in hand and don't put it on table!
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Netter writing than every other opinion to weite on smartphones without logged Bluetooth Keyboard.
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Precision... also no interface failure
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I will buy the Mercury. One as a replacement for my 2+ year old Classic and secondly to support the company. I will keep the Classic charged, but when will the UK get 10.3.3. I check every couple of days. I bought my phone from shopblackberry so expected the Blackberry upgrade in December. PKB are still the way to go, if you email off your phone a lot. Can't beat them.
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This is like a gift, everytime I see a CBK video, I get nostalgic and excited. Just like the good ol' days. I hope you stick around a little once the months over. Take the pressure off Bla1ze a little as well. He's done a sterling job while you've been gone, in Blackberry's darkest days. It can't have been easy for him.
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PKB's for LIFE baby and great video Kevin
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Really miss my blackberry classic. Best form factor going. If only it had apps, that is my man factor as to why i cannot use one. I'm still trying not to feel pessimistic about this mercury. I really hope it's a grand slam. I've messed up a lot in this paragraph on glass I can tell you that !!!
Keep up the good work CBK! Thanks!!!
The only BlackBerry that I've ever had was the Storm. I loved that phone. If Mercury comes to Verizon I will look hard at it. Passed on the Priv. Though I have thought about picking one up off of Swappa or Ebay. Now I have a Nexus 6 that I have sideloaded the BlackBerry virtual keyboard onto and I love that keyboard. It's better than the Google keyboard and to to me even better than Swiftkey.
Since I do some writing keyboards are very important to me.
There simply isn't any other way to be productive on a device. No matter where or when!
I have never been able to type as quickly or accurately on vkb as I did on my BlackBerry physical keyboard. In a world of ever changing technology, I found the tactile quality reassuring and I miss that. I went from Curve to a Z10 then Moto G3 and LG G5. I hope the Mercury brings to android what the Priv failed so miserably to do, capture the imagination of new users while restoring the faith of die hard BlackBerry enthusiasts
Sweet messages go so sweetly on the go with my bb's sweet keyboard.
I use my Priv's physical keyboard all the time. Just accurate and fast especially with all of the correspondence that I do for work and personal like too.
So BB OS can be DEAD, but PKB must be alive?
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Kevin that video was absolutely the best!! Great job!
Sent from my BlackBerry Passport SE
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Hey Kevin !
Looking good !
You forgot to mention how soothing it is while pressing those keys .
( both in feel and the clickity sounds they emit )
I like BlackBerry Physical keyboard as they are precise and also stay longer than any other physical keyboards like the ones on Samsung, Motorola and even Nokia
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Hi Kevin, what's your smartphone daily driver? Is it still a BlackBerry?
I am a physical lover for two reasons:
First I a am tall man with big hands and very big tumbs. Virtual keyboard are more difficult to use. With a 5".3 inch display on panoramic mode it could do the job. But with many app you just can't rotate the screen view
When it happen, using the virtual keyboard it's just t like using lilyputian keybard.
In opposite, the passport keyboard is slower than a virtual keyboard. But it's more comfortable to use an I am more confident about the result.
Secondly, the BlackBerry physical keybord have many other productivitiy' fonctionalities. That are unique and great: scrolling page, swithing screen etc.
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I hope this is a "mid range" phone the same as the OnePlue 3T is a "mid range" phone with specs competing with "high end" phones
Love all the additional reasons here. Can't wait for the 'Merc'!
Speed, Accuracy, Visibility; Productivity
Another reason that Kevin didn't mention is actually information consumption. I can't tell you how many times I've missed having/using the spacebar to PAGE DOWN a twitter feed, email or facebook newsfeed. This is one of my primary reasons why I'll be picking up the Mercury on day #1!
Well with the capacitive keyboard you can scroll right through those things
That's the thing, who wants to scroll when they can read a page - tap the spacebar, and read another page.
Just learned something because of your comment. Hitting the spacebar on my priv pkb does do the page down function you were talking about. Didn't know about it and had never tried it. I would assume the mercury will do the same but no one will know until it gets here
That said, the word suggestions on the z10 frets was totally awesome. I could type entire sentences just by swipping up.
Ditto! Hope BlackDroid offers that experience.
Posted via CB10 / AT&T /Z10 STL100-3 /10.3.3.2205
It does. The priv keyboards allow the same kind of word prediction and flicking
Great video! It made me laugh and was entertaining. I just scooped up a Passport SE and I have Déjà vu... reminded of my Bold 9000.
I'm excited for the Mercury and will go down the android rabbit hole. Adapt, and live for tomorrow, or remain stuck in the past and wither.
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I love the keyboard on my passport silver but I feel let down by BlackBerry. The worst use for a TKB is ssh clients. They just suck. I was hoping that the passport would be able to develop a really awesome ssh client where the virtual part of the keyboard would contain the alt or crtl keys and a tab for auto complete. Alas, shortly after I started looking into it BlackBerry dumped BB10. Too bad, they could have marketed the Passport to IT Admins and it would have been a hit.
Yep!
This was edited like a champ! Great video Kevin.
Kevin, what do you use to edit your vid's? This one truly had me laughing out loud.
Don't think I've ever seen Bla1ze do a video. I may be wrong... glad BlackBerry, BlackBerry Mobile, or whomever recruited you back to get the energy moving for the Mercury.
It's fun to check in and not just see Amazon plugs and members insulting each other.
Another reason Kevin, from personal experience, if you are in a light rain or snow, the touch screen capability goes right out the window as soon as you get the slightest bit of water on the glass. I can use my Classic in a sprinkle or snow flurry with no problems.
Oh sh!t! Good point. Great addition to the list.
Wouldn't it be so freaking cool if BlackBerry Mobile came out with a form factor like the 9900?
The BEST PKB ever.
Dude, you Crack me up. Maybe we'll just call you Cracker. :-/
Fun to watch this. I prefer virtual keyboards most of the time. But it's very true that since my primary use for a smartphone is messaging, an " always on" keyboard with programmable key functions can not be beat for productivity. I was still hoping a passport 2 would arrive, because workwide is the best format for my use..
The great feeeeeling of a physical keyboard :)
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Loved the retro feel of the video Kevin. I smiled all the way through it.
I hope the android OS doesn't autocorrect with the PKB. One of the most anoying features of android.
Auto correct is an option. Always has been
When you work on a farm and play in Canada's wild backyard, there's no opportunity to sit at a computer. Hard working hands love BB keyboards. Mobile labourers love the powerful OS! Thanks for 10 great years. Looking forward to Blackberry for the rest of my career!
Nice job Kevin, you nailed the benefits that the BlackBerry kb brings, it is so much more of a personal experience using it vs tapping on a glass slab, loved my 9900 KB, as well my Passport and Classic keyboards. Can't wait to get my hands on a Mercury.
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You nailed it buddy, esp #8: it's buttons...REAL buttons to mash. And it's just so much more satisfying to type out buttons. One that I think you kinda touched on but not really is the physical feedback of feeling the key click, but you also get the clicky noise that helps when you start typing fast on a phone. You can sort of replicate this on a vkb if you have vibration and clicky noise turned on but it still isn't the same as feeling a button being depressed and hearing the 'typing cadence' as I call it. It's sorta like hearing a secretary hammering away on a desktop keyboard, maybe it's just be but that is just satisfying AS ****! Esp if you have like a cherry switch keyboard.. Anyways another thing you mentioned is the auotocorrct (yes spelled it like that on purpose) ****. It is a real thing, but it also changes the way you type. Ever tried txting someone when you're mad on a vkb and have the auto correct jump in there trying to 'help' and all it does is makes you even more mad??? Yeah I mean maybe thing is a good thing because then you take out your frustration out on the phone instead of punching your brother, so hey maybe this is better???
Great write up Kevin!
ßlackßerry PASSPORT
A few more advantages: easier to type while in a car / plane / train / walking; closer proximity of keys; no need to toggle between screens to access numbers and most common symbols ; dedicated $ key (who else has that! Lol); and perhaps the most important - full screen while you type!
See this is something I miss about the 4 row keyboard, the passport keyboard I'm using, it's not bad, don't get me wrong, but it's not as fluid (another reason I'm PUMPED for the Merc)!!! But I tend to run my mouth a lot and I use a crap load of commas, and, I, mean, a lot, and it's just not as fluid or efficient a keyboard as the 4 row one.
ßlackßerry PASSPORT
Yes four row 4 sure lol. Almost forgot...hold down key for capital letter! Separate screens just to access capital letters on a vkb! Really? Ha ha...
The BlackBerry vkb let's you hold down for capital letters
Not exactly but at least it's a close approximation. And an improvement over many other devices for sure!
I loved the Passport SE almost solely for its PKB. The screen was wonky for the eyes but short cut buttons, accurate typing, fabulous hub, file manager all made it great for awhile. Until the App gap. Now comes the Merc. All of the BlackBerry goodies plus an Android OS that's so open and tweak able you can mimic BlackBerry 10 OS. For the haters - there's SMS YAATA which has a dark screen capabilities and works with attachments from the Hub. Solid Explorer is also dark capable and feels just like the File Manager. Next app allows you to see email and phone messages on the home screen before wake-up - does this sound "10-ish". So who wouldn't buy it. Thanks Kevin for stirring the PKB excitement.
My wife and I have been Blackberry addicts for years. Blackberries are great phones and the keyboards just make them terrific. When typing out text or emails it just feels great. No way could I use one of the other phones. The Blackberry phones are great and always will be. We are Blackberry die hard fans forever.
I still think sliders are the future. If the Priv was a little wider it would be the ultimate device.
I'd actually like to see the priv a little more compact. Z30 size would be excellent
@Matt J I am with you. I have no problem at all with the size of the Priv PKB. But a little wider would be good for people with larger hands. Sliding it out to use and then snapping it shut. There is a special satisfaction in doing that.
Accuracy, feel live when you touch it.
Love the physical keyboard, easy to use, hard to do without.
Nailed it Kevin. Thanks!
I'll be sharing this with oh too many people ...
What Sturdy Xocticox said:
Normal keyboards = jokers
BlackBerry keyboard = Batman
I think physical keyboards still have a place in this world. Laptops and desktops still use them so why can't our smartphones?
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Agreed!
Mine always will be as long as BlackBerry is making a PKB device. The Cobalt Classic Kevin is holding and similar to my own is my favorite BlackBerry to date. And for me and my needs BlackBerry 10 still gets the job done better than any other I have used or tried (iPhone 6s, Note 4, DTEK50, and my Samsung and Amazon tablets) The Classic is simply the most productive device in operating our appraisal business when away from our office.
What if they used the capacitive feature on laptop keyboards and dismissed the mousse pad?! Would that be something that people would enjoy?
Via Passport SE.
Just saw the video and a couple others by you! Well Done! #longliveblackberry #blackberrykeyboardsrock
Typed on the Priv slide out keyboard!
Thanks!
Disappointed you've moved to glass, Kevin. I'm a good judge of character, and it honestly seems a bit odd that you're suddenly back among we loyal PKB folks who never gave up the fight.
I think Mercury is a phone that will bring a lot of PKB gone Full Glass back to a PKB. Bottom line for many is that BB10 while an awesome OS lacked the app ecosystem that people wanted (as a user sacrificing too much on ecosystem to justify BB10 benefits), and on the other platforms glass is all you have. Priv was not a great PKB and device was slow. Mercury is the first Android Berry w/ proper keyboard that I think will BB users past and present.
Also, timing is just awesome... as I said, I wanted to come out of retirement and have some fun in honor of CrackBerry's 10th Anniversary - the fact it's lining up with the Mercury launch is TOO PERFECT. Nothing more good 'ole days of CrackBerry than getting excited for a new phone. Having a blast on the videos and articles too!
...
Lol. What does ... mean?
It's obvious you're enjoying your comeback, which makes it even more enjoyable for us.
Posted via CB10 / AT&T /Z10 STL100-3 /10.3.3.2205
Keyboard, keyboard, keyboard!
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Observations:
1. Nice phone collection
2.Looks like the blueberry hasn't been used in a while. I saw the yellow help tip pop up. (Send it to me. I will give it a good home)
3. The whole video summarized... blackberry pkbs are awesome because they're better at everything.
4. Definitely missed have you around. Keep making more videos. As much as I love reading, I've always enjoyed them videos and podcasts.
5. Happy Valentines day and pronouncing your last name. Lol.
Good observations all around and thanks for the kind words. Re: #2, Yeah, BlueBerry just got wiped so was fresh install. Was debating if I should have used a white 9900 or Q10 or the Blue Classic for the video. Opted for the Blue Classic.
The blueberry is definitely eye-catching. It's one gorgeous phone with a great typing experience. I think q10 edges it out but you never can go wrong with a legit, BBRY pkb. Hopefully the workmanship and awesomeness transfer over to blackberry mobiles devices, starting with the "mercury."
Does anyone know if the new Mercury will have physical encryption built into it?
BlackBerry Z30 OS 10.3.3.2205 🇺🇸 'merica
You nailed it dude. So glad you're back. I am a Die Hard keyboard fan and will remain one
Glad you enjoyed it!
If only it was a BB10 sigh..
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Started with a Classic as daily driver had to switch to Priv mid Jan 2017 the few apps I used stopped working. Still use the Classic for somethings. Also keep it with me for th camera and video. The Classic takes excellent shots and love the front facing camera better than Priv. Need that keyboard! #realkeyboard #loveliveblackberry
It's ALL about the speed and accuracy of the physical keyboard. I'm a professional writer. I can't get away with mistakes in my business dealings. A virtual keyboard just doesn't cut it for me. With my Priv/Passport combo I can handle any job thrown my way. At the end of the day it's about the bucks and the bottom line and a physical BlackBerry keyboard to lead the way.
Agreed!
That video is hilarious, and the editing is great. Kevin, never ever ever go away again!
Glad you enjoyed it!!! Be sure to share it around! :)
Normal keyboards = jokers
BlackBerry Keyboard = Batman
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I have a Priv and have the option between the two. I choose physical keyboard 90% of the time. I'm sure if people were given the option, they would choose the same.
I just typed the above without looking at the keyboard.
That's true! Nothing beats the physical keyboards!
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I choose the pkb about 40% of the time but prior to my priv I had never touched a pkb on a BlackBerry. I'm very comfortable with the BlackBerry vkb. Its the best I've used ever. It was one of the first things that sucked me into bb10. I tried bb10 to get away from Google and would still be using it if they were still developing it. If I could never get another pkb I'd be OK but I would want my BlackBerry vkb. BlackBerry makes great keyboards whichever one prefers
I absolutely LOVE the fact that I have the option between physical keyboard and a virtual one on the Priv. Scrolling through a web page either with the screen or the keyboard. Options are amazing!
The entire paragraph?!?! How long did it take you to do that?
Via Passport SE.
Good video! I'm a huge physical keyboard user and fan. I do about 60% of my work on my BlackBerry and I rely on typing accuracy and speed, this only comes on BlackBerry physical keyboards. On my BlackBerry Passport I can type around 68wpm, my BlackBerry Priv I have typed 72wpm with no errors (I have Screenshots and videos to prove). I could never do that with a touchscreen keyboard (even BB10). I wouldn't know what to do if BlackBerry stopped making their legendary keyboards. Bring the keyboards back!
Keyboard is not only thing that made BlackBerry special, it was also BlackBerry OS.
Amen brother. Blackberry 10 just rules.
Still does... :-D
• Mercurial greetings , hopefully coming soon to Planet Earth... :-D •
Regardless of the superiority of bb10 -which I agree with - they are going to push blackberry mobile now. It's they future. I love bb10 though and it's still number one in my heart.
The Galaxy keyboard is the worst. How did i put up with this garbage for so long? Give me Mercury.
PKB is a BlackBerry. Always was, always will be! :) In a way its for the best TCL is taking over devices because I don't even think BlackBerry themselves realized this. Not since BB10 anyway.
Roses are red violets are blue, Blackberry has a keyboard and that's why I love you! ..jf..
I miss my classic :(
Great video . Looking forward to more
Avoiding autocorrupt is worth it alone, but gosh it does make it so nice to have a personality, too!~!~! lol :P
Also, just curious how many keyboard users like to type out your emoticons?
When I remember what they are, I enjoy it... but that's on VKB and PKB. So maybe it's the fact that I remember is what I enjoy...
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Other keyboards besides BlackBerry keyboards, grinds my gears, when typing.
Love being able to type in low light conditions and see my backlit keyboard light up! BlackBerry
Magic!
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I love that I know where I to expect my keys to be no matter which app I use. The Keyboard experience with blackberry is consistent and there is so much more style involved in the devices.
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No waiting for a silly VKB to bump up and down like a buoy... ;-D
• Mercurial greetings , hopefully coming soon to Planet Earth... :-D •
One of BlackBerry's best innovations...... The touch keyboard. Nothing beats being able to scroll through pages, emails, and messages by use of the keyboard.
Yep and amen!
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It's a cool wow factor too when showing others scrolling and flicking from the PKB. And useful, swipe erase is a big plus.
Fun video Kevin. I retired my Classic last year due to lack of some the apps I like to use on Android. Switched to a Galaxy S7 running the Hub+ Suite and works well, but I really miss the keyboard for emails and such. I will be returning to BlackBerry when the "Mercury" is released and have the best of both worlds, I hope. Welcome back and it's been really interesting to see you and Bla1ze work the forums again. Keep it up!
Thanks for the kind words - glad you enjoyed!! I have a feeling things will get "really really really interesting" once Bla1ze and I descend upon Barcelona for Mobile World Congress. That city may never be the same by the time we're through! :p
Yes, great job bringing some additional excitement into Crackberry.
This right here is so correct. Literally every single person that has seen my Priv has loved it and been blown away by it. But NOBODY ever knows that it even exists unless they are a fan and follow of BlackBerry/CrackBerry like I am. This makes me really sad because I can't help but think, what if they actually marketed this properly? What if people were aware that the Priv existed? This will be the thing that will make or break the Mercury.
Get Cobalt's Suite from XDA Dev and install the BlackBerry VKB.
Virtual or physical keyboard, nothing beats BlackBerry.
Totally agree....
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True!
+10!!! And PRIV has BOTH! WooHoo! =D
Yes! I love the Priv form factor and HOPE TCL is going to make a Priv 2 device down the road. In the mean time I am excited to see the Mercury come to market.
Same here. Would love to see a more powerful Priv. Killer form factor. Immensely enjoyable with capacitive PKB and BB10 virtual.
Reason 3... Keyboard Shortcuts... love it!!!
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
Nope...
No #5... personality!
How would I ever add all those dots and symbols ' stuff ...?!?
;-D
(yeah, it's a hybrid, but hey!)
• Mercurial greetings , hopefully coming soon to Planet Earth... :-D •
I like the error free factor of the messages. Nothing like reading messed up messages from an IPhone.
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You are right and there is a good reason why especially BlackBerry folks still rely on keyboards - but there is only a small remaining part who are into that and it's also about the combination with BlackBerry's own OS, with it's privacy and flow. No other platform offers that combination!
And it does not matter how great the specs. of the Mercury gonna be I see it to fail!
Mostly BlackBerry folks will be attracted to that - but also lots of them rather stick OS10 as long as they can and others will leave completely when BlackBerry is "Android only".
So that means only a part of remaining users will get the Mercury - which is just a fraction of a fraction of smartphone users.
I don't see Galaxy users, iPhone users etc. moving to the Mercury - because if there was a market/need for such devices in an Android world, BlackBerry wouldn't be the ONLY phone maker there.
They are not the only ones who make or made keyboards on android devices... HTC, Samsung and Sony did the same, however on low specs devices. HTC tried it with better hardware but they designed a sliding mechanism, that just wasn't stable and durable enough. So it sold poorly to my knowledge...
Eventually everybody stopped making them. Blackberry however makes the best overall quality, though
Passport in white :-)
The ones who truly love physical keyboard wouldn't mind paying for it... So if BlackBerry charges $100 more or whatever the cost is on their devices with a physical keyboard, it would test out the size of this market... But I guess we will know the answer with Mercury, because the PKB comes for free (or in the expense of inferior specs).
So basically you're saying, they couldn't make a proper one...
BlackBerry, you show them! :-D
• Mercurial greetings , hopefully coming soon to Planet Earth... :-D •
Absolutely..The best phones aside from BB were Nokia for a long time. Let's take the communicator series for example, or Eseries with symbian V3 (me thinks)... They were very durable, but chose a cheaper contruction then what Blackberry did. the qwerty keyboard was a 'one piece' rubber or plastic mat with the contacts underneath, same concept like in calculators.
The feel was totally different and the feedback just poor in comparison to BB.
Same with other developers. If anybody knows how to make it right, we all know who to turn to.
There are lots of people who really miss PKB phones. SO many people have said so when they have seen my Priv. They didn't know the Priv with its keyboard existed. TCL's challenge is to get the word out via stratigic marketing. People also need opportunity to see and play with the phones. I believe there is a big market out there.
I agree with Slash. I have a BlackBerry Q10, and I won't leave it for a Mercury, because Android sucks. BlackBerry 10 OS it's so much better to use and more secure and private than others.
Love the keyboard, the system, everything :)
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+1 Slash
#soon, later, later this year, fiscal year, commitment,...blablabla ~J.BlaBla Chen