Last essential we’ll address regarding EDC basic items is the keychain. Whether we’re talking about our home, work, business, or car keys, we’ll always need to use something to keep them organized. Because, quite simply, keys are some of the objects we carry and use multiple times every single day.
While taking your pick, you need to consider the amount of keys you have and the way you plan to carry them. Other key characteristics to ponder may include the material and design for the keychain that will better suit your own style. Allow me then to introduce the most important aspects to examine when you want to select the right keychain for your needs.
Table of contents
Keychain materials
Metal
If you’re aiming for a more modern or rugged look, you should definitely go for metal. Most keychains in the market are made of metals such as steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and even titanium. Such materials have been pretty popular with certain brands for years. And numerous recent keychain brands manufacture their products with one or more of these metals.
If long-term durability is your main requirement, a metal keychain will absolutely meet it. This is crucial if you want extra ruggedness when securing your keys. Major downside with these though is, obviously, the added weight. Specifically with steel or brass, not so much with lighter metals like titanium or aluminum.
Brands like Dango, KeySmart, Orbitkey, Ridge, and Trayvax manufacture keychains in various metals.
Leather
Second most popular material in keychains is leather, which will cater to those looking for a more elegant look. Leather is very flexible and tends to adapt its form over time. Perfect if you want to match it with a watch and a wallet made from this material.
The classic appeal and feel of leather developing a beautiful patina is timeless. Patina (if you’re not familiar) is the term used to describe the aging of high-quality leather. A reflection of how time and use has made your leather products more aesthetically appealing.
Brands like Bellroy, Cafe Leather, Crazy Horse Craft, Hardgraft, and Orbitkey offer leather keychains.
Plastic
Our third material alternative is plastic. You can find some Hypalon (chlorosulfonated polyethylene), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethanes), or Ultem (polyetherimide) keychain options in the market. These are pretty elastic, as well as resistant to smudges and abrasion.
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers however, are quickly gaining popularity as a keychain material. It is extremely strong and rigid, which makes it a great alternative compared to metal.
Brands such as KeyBar, Orbitkey, and Urban Carvers produce keychains using some of these materials.
Fabric
One last, although uncommon, alternative is fabric. The most eco-friendly option would be opting for a keychain made of nylon or vegan leather. They provide some of the benefits of leather, like flexibility and appearance (in the case of faux leather).
Manufactured with less carbon footprint and animal-friendly – if that’s important for you. Usually, keychains made of these materials are also cheaper in comparison to real leather or metal. Another benefit if you’re trying to get the best bang for your buck.
Brands such as Heimplanet and Orbitkey offer some fabric keychain options.
Keychain types
Key ring
First off and following a traditional approach we find the key ring, which is the most typical design for keychains. Regardless of the material, this type of keychain usually contains plenty of room to hold several keys. Biggest drawback with all the extra capacity and freedom: It’s pretty easy to end up carrying a bulky, jingly keychain.
Traditionally key rings also include an adornment (e.g., plaque, figurine), which have always made them a common souvenir or gift. However, EDC brands usually spare these, unless it is to provide an add-on or to accommodate the principal material the key ring is made of.
Key organizer
Next we have our typical modern keychain, in either an organizer or case format. These keychains basically provide a space for holding your keys while partially encasing them. Commonly accompanied by an opening or other type of mechanism to allow you access to your keys.
Manufacturers of these style of keychain also provide add-ons for insertion (i.e., multitools). Major advantage of these design is noise reduction while maintaining ease of usability.
Key pouch
Lastly, we find a keychain style known as key pouch or cover, which completely encloses your keys (still attached to a ring or another type of holder inside). They have zippers or snaps which need to be opened in order to access the keys.
While they do provide noise reduction, they don’t offer the same ease of access as the other keychain styles. And since they might be bulkier, they’re more suited to carry on a backpack or purse rather than on pockets.
Keychain features
Besides the actual key ring or mechanism that holds your keys in place, many keychain manufacturers may also provide additional features. They could either be already included or sold separately, and we’ll cover them next to aid you in your hunt for the right keychain.
Clip
Some keychains may include a clip, carabiner, or lanyard that can either be the main body or a separate feature of the keychain. Such attribute is intended to help secure the keychain to another object, such as a backpack or the trouser’s belt loops.
Accessories
A few keychain manufacturers provide accessories that can be purchased separately and added to your keychain. Examples of these include USB drives, multi-tools, and bottle openers, just to mention a few.
You can certainly attach any of these additaments to any type of keychain, though they’ll most certainly be better suited for a key organizer, and way properly safeguarded on a key pouch.
Finder
Finally, certain keychain manufacturers have also added Bluetooth tracking capabilities, which will make it easier to find your keys should you happen to misplace them. Either embedded on the keychain body (i.e., Tile chip), as an add-on (Chipolo tracker), or simply by providing an attachment mechanism (i.e., case for AirTag).
Bear in mind that you’ll need to recharge these tracking devices on a regular basis. Also, they’ll only allow you to find your keys on your immediate surroundings, or at least provide their last known location through the use of an app.
Useful tips
Here are some tips to aid you in your search for a right keychain. Or, if you’ve already selected one, to help you make the most out of it as you add it to you EDC collection.
Keep it quiet
Depending on how you carry them, keys secured by a key ring will probably jingle noisily in your pocket, a bit less so in your purse or backpack. So, if you want to go completely silent with your keys, you should definitely opt for a key organizer or a key cover.
Organize properly
Chances are you’ll probably have to keep multiple sets of keys, either as spares or for different purposes. For example, you might want to have your home keys and car key fob in a single keychain, whereas your work, business, or special purpose keys (i.e., mailbox, gym locker) might be kept in a separate keychain.
Go digital
This might not be for everyone but, thanks to modern technology, you could opt to forego keys altogether and install an electronic door lock at your home or business. You will be able to open doors remotely via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, even generate PIN codes that can be used by multiple people (provided your lock comes with a keypad attachment). The same concept could apply to recent car models where the doors can be locked/unlocked using a mobile app or an RFID card.
Do your research
If there’s a particular brand that piques your interest, go to their website. Browse their product offering and see more detailed information about product characteristics. If you’d like to compare keychains from multiple brands, then visit an online retailer like Amazon or Mukama. Product selection will be more varied, and you’ll easily find the combination of materials, types, and features you’re going after for your right keychain.
Buy wisely
Some brands offer a discount for your first purchase, provided you subscribe to their newsletter. Many will also have discounts on occasion to get rid of their older inventory. Both manufacturers and online retailers will advertise special sales and promotions on holidays like Father’s Day, Black Friday, and Christmas.
Key takeaways
Here are the key points you should be aware of in order to select your right keychain:
- Keychains come in different materials like leather, metal, plastic, fabric, or a combination of these.
- Most common keychain types are ring, organizer, and cover.
- Typical keychain features to take into account are clip, tracker, and add-ons (e.g., multitool, bottle opener).
- Useful tips to make the most of the right keychain are to keep it quiet, organize properly, and go digital.
- When buying a keychain is important to research properly, and know when/where to buy.
I trust you’ll find this information helpful during your quest for the right keychain. Stay tuned for future posts (check out our recent posts here). Should you have any questions, please leave a comment below or reach out to us. Until next time!