As anyone who has typed on a glass keyboard knows, it's not the best surface for the task. Most people can type faster and more accurately with a tactile keyboard, and Spike lets people do that. It even allows a user to type in their phones wearing gloves, its inventors claim.

The Solomons, who have raised more than $17,000 toward their goal of $75,000, plan to launch two versions of Spike. The Spike 1, which they plan to retail for $35, has the flip-up keyboard. The Spike 2 ($60) has the keyboard with a 360-degree hinge that lets it swing out of sight behind the case.

Contributors to the Solomons' cause will receive their Spikes at discount prices. If you pledge $25, you will get a Spike 1 in black or white. Shipping in the U.S. is free; to Canada, $10. A pledge of $50 will get you a Spike 2.

SoloMatrix also plans to make a version of Spike for later versions of the iPhone when they are released. The company estimates that Spike for the iPhone 5 will be available in January 2013.

While Spike TypeSmart will initially be available for only the iPhone, it's such a good idea, it's hard to imagine these kinds of keyboards not popping up for other phone models, too.