The nice thing about a clicker is that you don't have to see it, whereas with a direct indicating ("needle type") torque wrench you have to not only be able to see the scale clearly but do so while applying the torque load. In most cases this requires you to crawl up into the dark greasy underside of whatever it is you're torqueing. But yes, they are significantly less expensive than a clicker. Much like how a bicycle is much less expensive than a car, and will accomplish pretty much the same task with considerable effort.