portable clamshell keyboard for iPhone and samsung galaxy S turns smartphones into laptops

users fit in their devices into the slot of the concept case and start typing on the keyboard just below their screens.

matthew burgos January 21, 2025 3 min

concept clamshell keyboard for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S

Justin Mitchell designs a concept portable clamshell keyboard for iPhone models and Samsung Galaxy S series that turns these smartphones into laptops. Named AmberDeck, users fit their devices into the slot and start typing on the keyboard after connecting their devices to the case via Bluetooth. At first, the clamshell keyboard can only accommodate iPhones, whose models are still yet to be identified, because of the semi-rounded edges.

After that, the entrepreneur, who’s also the founder of the AI creative writing workspace named Amber, reshapes the edges. He gives the inset a boxy look so different smartphone models, like the Samsung Galaxy S series, can fit. A reason Justin Mitchell creates the concept case is because he has always wanted a clamshell keyboard for iPhone, then later on Samsung, ‘for focused writing on the go, so I made one,’ he writes on his X and Threads posts.

keyboard iphone samsung galaxy — all images courtesy of Justin Mitchell

Mechanical keys for the portable case

Justin Mitchell has yet to share what materials he plans to use on his concept clamshell keyboard for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S series. AmberDeck is portable enough to fit in a small bag and has a slit in the middle for when the users need to pop it open. On the side, the USB port for charging emerges, as well as buttons that the entrepreneur has yet to identify what for. When the users flap the case open, they find a steel-like centered hinge. It wasn’t there before, but a month after the entrepreneur broke the news on Threads and X, he says he’s made that adjustment.

This allows for the concept clamshell keyboard to lay flat on the surface. It’s helpful in case people want to see what the users are typing on their iPhones and Samsung Galaxy S smartphones during group sessions. The keys are mechanical and chunky, and Justin Mitchell has also rejiggered the arrow keys to use a standard layout. He has moved the shift over to the right as well and enlarged it. Then, he has added a gap around the faceplate so users can easily pop it off. December 2024 is the time the entrepreneur introduces his clamshell keyboard for iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S series. While it’s still a concept, he shares that pre-orders for the case are coming soon.