Spike Keyboard Case Combo adds the functionality of a QWERTY keypad to the iPhone

The iPhone is perhaps the world’s most coveted touchscreen phone at the movement. However, like most touchscreen phones, the iPhone too requires touch calibration every now and then. 










After a few months of use, the touchscreens keyboard starts to drag which makes people force their fingers harder on the screen that in turn scratches and further deteriorates the quality of the output. The Spike Keyboard Case is just the product that adds the functionality of a physical QWERTY keypad to the touch-only iPhone.The Spike² is more suited to the occasional texter and its hinge rotates a full 180 degrees allowing the QWERTY keypad to be stored within the case at the back of the phone when not in use.








 In both specifications, the dock connector, camera, volume controls and Home button are left exposed to maximize the phone’s functionality when the iPhone is within the case.The Solomons are currently fundraising on Kickstarter to try and bring the Spike case to life in two versions, Spike 1 and Spike 2. Spike 1 is a case with the physical keyboard stationed on the back. The case splits in two, so when users want to type, they can split that bottom half and reverse it so the keyboard faces the front. 








Spike 2 features a 360-degree hinge that tucks into the back of the phone case, making both access to and hiding of the keyboard a bit easier. Both Spikes would allow users to type with gloves on, a feature currently unavailable when using the iPhone's own touchscreen. The Spike 1 will retail for $35, while the Spike 2 will retail for $60.






The development of Spike was aided by Robert Solomon's work with keyboards for more than 25 years. In the Kickstarter video, he talks about working with Datadesk Technologies, which helped to develop and manufacture some of the first keyboards for Macintosh. At SoloMatrix, both Solomons have spent two years developing and attempting to obtain a patent for the TypeSmart technology that's behind Spike.






Whether the Spike offers a true improvement to the iPhone remains to be seen, but it could be a welcome addition for the many who consider Apple's insistence on touchscreen typing to be the device's Achilles' heel.