The Enduring Mystery of the “Legendary” Physical Keypad on Phones

In an era where every interaction occurs on sleek touchscreens, the presence of a physical button crafted from precious gemstones on Vertu phones, particularly the Ruby button, stands as a nearly unique differentiator. Retaining this detail is not merely a nostalgic decision but a nuanced response to an emerging trend in luxury consumption, where authentic craftsmanship and precise physical touchpoints are prioritized over virtual interactions.

The core reason Vertu insists on retaining the Ruby button lies in its irreplaceable technical standards. This button is crafted from Ruby (corundum), a choice driven not only by its luxurious appearance but also by its ideal physical properties.

Hardness and Low Friction Coefficient: Ruby boasts exceptional hardness and a low friction coefficient, ensuring the button’s mechanism operates with utmost precision.

Mechanical Feedback Mechanism: The spring mechanism beneath the button is finely tuned to specific pressure levels, calibrated based on the Ruby’s unique weight and smoothness. Substituting it with any other material would compromise the tactile feedback—a hallmark of Vertu’s signature sensory experience.

Thus, the Ruby button remains fixed, non-interchangeable with other materials.

Masterful Craftsmanship: Elevating a Detail to an Icon

The Ruby button on the legendary Signature V series transcends its function as a mere button, becoming an icon through a meticulous and labor-intensive crafting process.

Creating a single button can span weeks. It begins with selecting raw, high-purity gemstones, followed by precision cutting and faceting using diamond-tipped tools. The final step involves polishing to achieve flawless brilliance. This artistry not only enhances light refraction but also ensures a smooth, tactile finish—a subtle physical connection coveted by discerning users, beyond mere screen interactions.

Beyond aesthetics, the Ruby button serves Vertu’s core function: access to exclusive services.

Introduced in the 2002 Signature series, this button initially connected users directly to a personal concierge. Over two decades, its functionality evolved:

Signature V: Direct link to a personal concierge.

Aster P: Gateway to lifestyle services.

Agent Q (latest): Upgraded to “Ruby Talk”—a dedicated physical interface activating the AIGS Agent AI system and encrypted data vault. Pressing the button establishes a secure server connection, enabling voice or text commands for global support.

This detail also functions as a stringent security and authenticity mechanism. The Ruby button is pivotal for device verification; only genuine Vertu devices can utilize it to access support systems. Counterfeit devices fail authentication, rendering the button inactive.