Sure, the iPhone’s virtual keyboard is great, but there are still some of us out there who prefer the tactile sensation afforded by a physical keyboard. That’s why my ears perked up earlier this year when ThinkGeek introduced the TK-421, an iPhone case with a flip-out keyboard. Now it’s in stock and costs $49.99.

[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]The TK-421 case is available in models that fit the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 (the iPhone 3G is excluded as it lacks Bluetooth keyboard support). Twist the phone 180 degrees and it reveals underneath a keyboard the same size as the phone, suitable for operating with your thumbs. You can use it for typing e-mails, texting, or in applications with text input.

ThinkGeek says the keyboard uses “precise hard clicky keys … not mushy rubber keys.” It’s powered by a rechargeable battery that recharges using an included USB cable.